MAORI CHOIR

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 354, 15 October 1932, Page 6

MAORI CHOIR

FINE PERFORMANCE GIVEN TO ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE Those wbo have not been fortunate in being able to visit Auckland for the grand opera season, were in some degree compensated by hearing the very fine singing of the Rev. Seamer's Maori Mission Choir which enthralled a large audience at the 1 Majestic Theatre last Thursday evening. Although of a totally different calibre to grand opera the charm and artistry of this party was a veritable musical feast to its listeners. The programme was delightfully varied and the resourees of these singers seemed almost inexhaustible. It apened with a demonstrative Maori welcome to the visitors by one of our local guides, Kiri, who was followed by the Mayor, Mr. T. Jackson, who addressing a few words of welcome to the chief of the party, Teaho Terangi. The chiefs reply in customary native style was translated into English by the Rev. Seamer. He explained the aims of the concert party and expressed the wish that all present wonld heartily enjoy the evening's performance. The usual Maori greeting followed, each member. being introduced, and after brief devotional exercises the programme was commenced by a part song, "The Soldier's Farewell," which received perfect handling and well merited the hearty applause that called for a repetition at the close. About five different poi dances were presented during the evening, each calling for the perfect rhythm and skilled handling which seemed no effort to the performers. An old favourite, E Pari Ra, led by Rangipeka in a fine contralto, was extremely popular and her expert manipulation of the long poi dance received a well-deserved ovation. Each member, besides possessing charming vocal talent could play numerous stringed instruments, and these provided very fitting accompaniment to many of the songs as well as being heard to advantage by themselves. A particularly pleasing item was "Waiata Poi" in which Irene Wereta sang the words, while the theme of the "dusky maiden" was portrayed by Rangipeka, who is an artist with the poi. Mrs. Irene Wereta possesses a very fine soprano voice, and those present on Thursday evening will long remember her delightful rendering of "Annie Lanrie," "Danny Boy," and other wellknown tunes. A group of eight Maori ditties commanded unstinted appreciation and the harmonions blending of the entire company was a real musical joy. Tomo Tikao, a representative from Canterbury, has a soft, rich tenor and his singing of "Home Little Maori Home" made the old favourite ring once mor© with sweet vibrating notes. A Maori entertainment would never be complete without a haka and several of these vigorous demonstrations of welcome bad a place on the evening's programme. One of the closing items was a ten minutes' scene of "Maori Life At Home," in which songs, instrumental music and games dear to their race were introduced to the audience. The National Anthem terminated a very meritorious and enjoyable performance.