SHANNON CHORAL SOCIETY.

Shannon News, 17 June 1927, Page 2

SHANNON CHORAL SOCIETY.

DELIGHTFtn. CONCERT. The Shannon Choral Society lias always justified its existence, and more than did so last night (Thursday) in its opening concert for the 1927 season. The reason for the society’s growth iu size and interest lies in the high standard of music adhered to. The Commit-

tee has always realised that the only way to keep the society together is to attempt music just within its reach. Two things can kill a choral society, first by giving inferior music and secondly by attempting music absolutely beyond it.

The first piece of chorus work last evening was Sargeant’s “Watclimail, What of the Night.” This made a splendid opening selection; opening with a solo of bass voices, semi-chorus by full choir then duet of basses, tenors ending with a very fine finale in which the whole choir ‘ excelled ' themselves,and was one of their best, items. The male section of the choir showed a vast improvement and was helped by members of the Levin Choral Society. The sopranos reached top G with remarkable ease and clearness. “Drink to me only with thine eyes,” was a nice change from the first item and showed how the choir could soften and swell and staccato. The altos were very sweet in their duet. “The Lost Chord” was the concluding piece in the first half, and given again by request.- Being a favourite of the choir it rvas delightfully sung from beginning to end; the climax at the finale making a very fine ending to a well rendered- piece. “Annie Laurie” arranged by Sample, although an old favourite, it _ came forth as fresh as ever. It is a difficult item especially when the basses and tenors are singing high notes in double

pianissimo. No society is complete without Pin

suti’s “Goq'd Night.” Here again was another chance to show light and shade and the choir had evidently put a lot of time into this part of their work. The concluding piece was the “Hallelujah” Chorus. When the so.cicty was in its infancy about two years ago it did not. think the menbers could put on such a difficult item, and although not rendered faultlessly they deserve congratulations for the very delightful and beautiful work. The choir will enjOyVtliis piece more and more as they continue to practice it. The whole of the National Anthem was given at the beginning with a good varied effect of voices singing different portions of same. . * The choir has a lot to learn yet. The enunciation could stand a fair amount of improvement, as some of the members did not appear to mouth their words. Then again a large number of the membersj aye ,'too much tied to their books. The number of basses in the choir should have produced nearly twice the volume, but as the conductor informs us that some are just beginners, great things may be. looked for in the future. The conductor is to be congratulated upon the strides the choir has made, but he says he will not be satisfied until the “Messiah” is attempted. , During the concert other enjoyable items were rendered by local and iin-. ported artists. The opening instrumental selection in each half by Miss M. Neale, L.A.8., and party, consisting of Miss Nancy Balfour, Miss Jessie Thomson, Miss Mona Ingley and Master 8. Franks, was delightfully rendered and fully deserved the encore it received.

A solo, “The Landlord’s Daughter,” sung by Mr J. Lister, was new to Shannon, as also was the soloist, and demanded an encore. Strongly and de-

lightfully rendered. Mrs Bell, who is also a new soloist locally, gave a beautiful rendering of “How many a lonely caravan,” and fully deserved the volume of applause and encore which resulted. The dramatic recital, “The Cuban Refugee,” given by Miss Ivy Middlemiss, was a splendid example of high-class elocution. Miss Joan Lowry’s beautiful solo, “Waltz Song,” fully deserved the round of applause- accorded. Here also an encore was demanded. Humour in each half by Mr Doug. Stark caused roars of laughter with his Scotch songs. Mr Stark is new to Shannon, and an artist in his work. Miss Aim was again in splendid voice and her rendering of “The Stars that Light my Garden,” was fully applauded and demanded the encore which our local artist always receives. In the second half Miss Middlemiss again delighted die audience with a dramatic recital, which was received with the loud applause of the delighted patrons. Also in the second half Miss Joan Lowry and Mr Doug. Stark firmly established themselves in the hearts of their Shannon audience and made any future welcomes assured. Mr Howard Andrew’s rendering of a solo was well received an encore being demanded.

The choir owes its thanks to the Levin choristers and also to Mr .Southgate of the Napier Choral Society for their very able assistance. Mr Southgate rendered valuable musical assistance with his Morton oboe, an instrument very seldom heard in this town. Mrs Clifford Jones, as accompanist, was a tower of strength not only during the concert, .but also during the practice.

At the conclusion of the concert the choir entertained visitors and friends at supper and a dance in the Parish Hall. The president, Mr A. 11. Morgan, here took the opportunity of thanking all who had so ably assisted in making the concert such a success.

On behalf of the visitors, Mr Shaw, of Levin, thanked the Shannon Society for the very happy time they had had, and for the way in which they had been so hospitably entertained.