CECILIA CHOIR

Evening Star, Issue 24330, 20 October 1942, Page 4

CECILIA CHOIR

DELIGHTFUL PERFORMANCE In an age of mechanical entertainments it is refreshing to find a group of singers banded together lo make music for the love of it. In the 17 years of its existence, the Cecilia Choir, under the leadership of Miss Meda Paine, has made a name for itself in Dunedin for the artistry of its performances. Last night’s concert was no disappointment for the audience which attended in the Concert Chamber. The proceeds of the concert arc to be donated to the Prisoners of War Parcels Fund, and during the interval Die mrdor (Mr A. H. Allen), as chairman of the Otago Patriotic Council, thanked Miss Paine and her choir for their efforts. He urged those present lo give all that (hey could to the patriotic funds, and outlined tlio many uses to which (he money is put, 'The programme, which was a long one, included eight performances by the choir, which sang in a most sympathetic manner a wide variety of songs, ranging from folk songs to classical airs. The full, rich tones of the women’s voices were well balanced, and the whole effect was most pleasing. Items sung by the choir were ‘ How Lovely are Thy Dwellings ’ (Brahms), ‘ What Sail.h My Dainty Darling?’ (Morley), ‘ Lullay, Lullay * (Somervell), * Robin Adair ’ (arranged by Vernon Griffiths), ‘The Galway Piper’ (arranged by Fletcher), ‘The Fairies Were Tripping ’ (Douglas Taylcr), ‘Summer’ ('Ernest Farrar), ‘Five Eyes’ (Armstrong Gibbs), ‘Sound Asleep’ (a request item; Vaughan Williams), ‘ Bridal Song ’ (Edgar Bainion), ‘The Swallow’ (Ethel Boyce), ‘Follow Me Down to Carlow ’ (arranged by Fletcher), ‘The Spider and the Fly ’ (Ives). Solos were contributed by Misses Patricia Thorn, Joyce Ashton, Alison Tyrie, and Ray Anderson, and a duet was sung hy Misses Jean Gardner and Mavis Adam. The quartets, ‘ Dirge for Fidele ’ and ‘ Up ihe Airy Mountain,’ were sung by Misses Nancy Collins, Peggy Baker, Winifred Stewart, and'Gloria Titchener. Mr Rees McOmiachy, one of Dunedin’s best-known violinists, contributed two items to the programme in his usual masterly style. Mr John Ellis (pianist) was the other assisting artist. The choir’s accompanist was Miss Marjorie McAdam, and Miss Marion Jefferys played other accompaniments