SONG. DANCE, LEGEND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 703, 1 July 1929, Page 10

SONG. DANCE, LEGEND

BIG MAORI CONCERT Maori legend, ceremonies, and music delighted the large audience which assembled in the Town Hall on Saturday evening to he entertained at a concert given by the boys and girls of St. Stephen’s and Queen Victoria Schools. The object of the concert was to raise money for the purpose of buying a piano for the hoys of St. Stephen’s. Funds raised beyond the sum necessary for this are to be donated to scholarships for the girls. The large audience was delighted by the entertainment, and the significance of the ceremonies was explained by Captain Redmond. This thoughtful service enabled those unacquainted with Maori custom to enjoy thoroughly all that was placed before them. The arrangement of the concert was in the hands of Mr. Colin Muston, and he had apparently spent some fruitful hours in rehearsing the Maori songs, many of them being arranged by him for massed singing. The orchestra, under Miss Edith Whitelaw, did excellent work both in the accompaniments to the songs and the incidental music for dances. The introductory item was Alfred Hill’s “Waiata Poi,” arranged for the orchestra, and this was followed by “Powhiri,” the traditional ceremony of welcome, staged by the whole company. Legend was called upon to provide the theme for the “Waka Poi,” w-hich represented the coming of the Maoris from Hawaiki to New Zealand. Alfred Hill’s song, “Waiata Maori.” specially arranged by Mr. Muston, was sung by T. Waipouri, with a splendidly balanced chorus of boys and girls. In addition to other songs, ceremonies, and dances, the programme was completed by a set of Maori games and revels. These were given against a proper Maori background, and the general effect was convincing. There was evidence of careful training, and the young performers merit all praise for the general excellence of their efforts.