The Male Choir.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 10 September 1913, Page 3

The Male Choir.

v OF LEVIN Y.M.C.A. ITS INITI AL CONCERT. A large audieupe was in the Century Hall last night to lienr the initial public concert by the Male Choir of Levin Y.M.C.A., but on the merits of the performance a crowded house was due. Pressure on our space prohibits a detailed criticism of the various items, but it may be said summarily thai the solos, harmonised numbers, and instrumental numbers all were of a quality to give keen satisfaction to lovers of good music. Levin is deserving- of congratulation upon the degree of musical culture shown by so many of her citizens, and also upon the moreimportant fact that so many of them are found ready to give of their time and effort for the entertainment of their fellows. A great deal of the success of last night's concert attaches to the careful training' given by the choirmaster (Mr J. "W. Hayfield), as well as to the assiduity in practice displayed by the several performers. A dainty madrigal, "Kiss Me to-day," was daintily sung, but perhaps the best item of the evening was the concerted number "Comrades in Arms. 5 The contrasting volu-tnes were artistically.balanced, the basses' diminished toues suiting the leaders' needs exactly, but swelling appropriately in the declamatory passages. Oilier outstanding items of the lengthy programme wore violin solos, by Mr J. AY. y Hayfiekl (accompanied by Miss Remington). Touch, tone, execution alike wi re well-nigh perfect. The applause lie gained for these efforts was redoubled when he was presented (by Mr -Tames Prouse, on behalf of Levin Y.M.C'A.) with a conductor's baton in token of the association's appreciation of his work; M.r Prouse referred also to Mr I*l. W. J. Smith's good services as secretary j to the Male Choir, and his fruitfulness in "happy ideas" that worked out advantageously.