TONGAN BOYS’ CHOIR

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 266, 31 January 1928, Page 15

TONGAN BOYS’ CHOIR

A UNIQUE ENTERTAINMENT A unique and altogether striking performance of native songs, dances and ceremonies was given in the Town Hall concert chamber last evening by the Tonga Methodist College Choir, a band of 30 boys, who attracted a packed house. Included in their number is the young Crown Prince of Tonga. The weird native dances, “Kailao” and “Tau Faka Niua,” were revelations, nothing so extraordinary or cleverly executed having been witnessed .here for many years. The high headdresses and swishing mats of colours gay added a w'eird picturesqueness that held the audience enthralled. Came then the soft chants and slow rhythm of the Taua’alo,” a native boat song, and the low drone of the conch shell and Tongan flutes that accompanied the.presentation ceremony to the young Prince. Such compositions as “The Soliders’ Chorus” (Gounod), Handel’s "Hallelujah Chorus” and “Funiculi” (Denza) were submitted and* proved particularly gr>pd, especially as far as voice production and enunciation are concerned. There was an undoubted fascination clinging to the rhythmic dances iri the symbolic Tongan ceremonies and war dances. The spirit of the weird cries and settings of their beloved country seem to be brought to the stage, and the Tongan hoys give of their best, without embellishments. The whole entertainment was featured for its naturalness and was thoroughly enjoyed. Upon their return from Australia in April they should be a popular attraction.