SHANNON CHORAL SOCIETY.

Shannon News, 19 November 1926, Page 2

SHANNON CHORAL SOCIETY.

+ . ANOTHER DELIGHTFUL CONCERT. Once again the Shannon Choral Society has fully justified its existence as a'"medium through .which the public generally may be given a high standard of "entertainment; and a love of such beautiful expression fostered and developed under the very able baton of the conductor, Mr Howard Andrew. This talented gentleman must feel particularly well pleased with the results, which have been iittainefl only by hard practice and the whole-hearted .'ooperation of the members. The concert last night surpassed all , expectations and was a musical feast from beginning to end—there not being, a dull moment the whole evening. The selection of the part songs were of a very high order and the committee is to be congratulated upon its selection. Part singing of this description is very difficult, more so, ihan solo work and still more so than in the larger choirs where the orchestra, will coVer up any errors. The choir had put in some very solid work and are to be congratulated on,their splendid effort. The ''pieces were what, one ! might call "well done," even to the finest portions. Such good music as these items one never grows tired of, hence the great interest in the pra - rices. And the choir did not sing with feeling. "We have had them long enough." Such, music should be on-, couraged in this town, and no wonder the conductor feels proud of his choir, and it's to be congratulated. He was ably assisted in' the difficult accompaniment by Mrs' Clifford Jones. The choir was augmented by seven membe-s from the Palmerston North Society and two from the Levin Society. Thes? avcre a- great help, especially i.u the male section of the choir. The first choir item was "The Canadian Boat Song," an old favourite, pretty and «,f----feefivc. In this the choir did well, bur the members should learn to pronounce more correctly in the last, lines aid die away to a Avhisper. "O Happy Eyes" (Elgar) Avas' the gem of the evening and the choir gave a beautiful rendering of it. Well-balanced and staccato excellent. "The Sea Ha*a its Pearls"'was equally as ? Avell i%m----1 dered, the ores, and dun. being well brought out as were also the bass and tenor parts. In the fantasia from "Maritana,-" the choir had plenty p£ scope for their, voices and they entered into the changes of scenes with great intensity and vim. "Sing, Pretty Maiden, Sing,'/ "Health to the Lady " "Angelus," and "Viva Maritana" Avere amongst the best. "ViA-a Maritana" in Avhich some of the sopranos look the.optional line, pausing on the upper C, made a grand climax. The •soloist, Mrs Crcnquest, in "Alas Those Chimes," sang Avell and this suited her voice splendidly. Mrs Riches Avas heard to great advantage in "Scenes tint are brightest," her voice being very I clear in the last run. Mr Stan. Kingston sang in splendid style, "In Happy Moments.'' The final item of the choir was' Mozart's "Gloria" sung by request, being a fitting item to an ec cellent programme. Apart from' the choir the following items were' rend-v ed, "Oh Jerusalem," by Mr HoAvard AndreAv, Avho gave an excellent rendering and had to respond to the encore. Instrumental solo (violin and 'cell ;'>, Miss Mona Neaie and Miss N. Balfour, was received Avith applause, Avhich is a true indication of the advancement of I these talent 3d ladies in the musical ! Avorld. "Come Unto Me,".Mrs Kcnl dall, of Palmerston North, Avas dolighcfully rendered and fully Avai-ranted the , applause. "Earthcinvare," mus ; cal I monologue by Miss Ulu Hancock, of j Palmerston North, was given in t-.iif: j young lady's usual sparkling style, and called fo,r aa encore, but ihc auiience Avas very loath to let her go. "The Nursery," Miss Pickett, was prettily rendered, and also demanded an encore. "The Songstress AAvaken big," Miss'Nellie Killick, was one of | the gems of the programme; this singj er'.s rendering leaving little to be desired; responded to the applause with "Annie Laurie," which Avas given with the feeling it demanded. "Shi, - mates of Mine," by Mr J. D. Brown, of LeA'iu, Avas one of this singer's star .pieces, and fully deserved the applause it received. Miss Aim's rendering of ''Hove in the Quiet Hills" Avas a musical treat and demanded an encore. The vocal duet, "The Miserere" from "11 Trovatore," was delightfullf rendered by Miss Killick and Mr' Stan, j Kingston, of Palmerston North. In the second portion of the programme Miss Ulu Hancock again delighted the audience witli a i elected comic musical monologue and had to respond to the applause Avith further selections Avhich avc re indeed a treat for Shan iiou. "Amarella," by Mrs Kendall, fully justified the applause and th-j encore song was equally as sweet After the conceit the Society entertained their friends aiid visitors at supper and a social evening in the Parish Hall. Opportunity was taken h-ire by the president Mr A. H. Morgan, to present, on behalf of the choir, a token of appreciation to Mrs Clifford--Jones, honorary pianist to the Society. Both Mr Morgan and Mr HoAvar 1 AndreAv, spoke in gloAving t;rms of '.he wonderful Avor-k done by Mrs Jo<es. After singing "For She's a Jolly Good FelloAw " Mrs Jones suitably responded.

Mr Andrew thanked all visiting singers on whose behalf Mr Kingston re sponded.