SCHOOLS’ CONCERT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1055, 20 August 1930, Page 14

SCHOOLS’ CONCERT

FINE PROGRAMME AT TOWN HALL MUSiC WEEK ACTIVITIES “If Music Week accomplishes nothing more than this it will have succeeded,” said Dr. S. K. Phillips, president of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Society of Musicians, in thanking the teachers and children of the primary schools for the splendid concert provided by them at the Town Hal! last evening. The Town Hall was crowded and the children presented a concert that reflected a very high standard of musical instruction in the schools. From 500 to 600 children participated in the concert, and they overflowed from the stage into the galleries at both ends. Various items were given by the choirs and also by the massed choirs of 15 schools. It was the massed choir under the direction of . Mr. E. Varley Hudson that opened the concert with Schubert’s expressive song, “Who is Sylvia?” It was sung with fine expression and attacks and releases were commendably clean. The Ivowhai Junior High School followed with two pretty Maori numbers, "E Pare Ra” and "Hoea Ra,” both well sung and warmly received, after which a dozen small children from KdendaJe School took the stage in a courtly old folk song which drew rounds of applause. Other items in the first half were two songs by Richmond Road School, “Last Rose of Summer” and "Isle of Erin.” a folk dance in costume by Bayfield School, a part song, "Carrion Crow,” by Mount Eden School, another pleasing folk song by Maungawhau School, and the rousing chantey "Billy Boy” by tlie massed choirs. The second portion of the programme was opened by the massed choirs with the chantey "Shenandoah,” in which very fine work was heard. "Spring’s Delight,” a dainty little number by the Westmere School, proved very enjoyable, as also were the two numbers by the Bayfield School, “See Our Oars are Splashing Lightly,” and the nicely shaded "Volga Boatmen.” Two dainty folk dances were given by the Normal and Kowhai Junior High Schools, and two nicely sung numbers by the Normal School, "Twinkle! Twinkle!” and "Hark! Hark, the Lark!” The part song, "Carrion Crow,” by Mount Eden School, was brightly sung and a fine linish to an excellent programme was provided with Parry’s inspiring song “You’ll Get There,” sung by the massed choirs. In addition to the schools mentioned above the following also took part in tho massed singing:—Brixton Road, Birkenhead, Stanley Bay, Newton West, Epsom, and Richardson Road. In addition to the very expressive singing of the children the numerous folk dances added pleasant variety to one of the best programmes seen at the Town Hall for some time past. The dances were daintily executed and fine sense of rhythm was always apparent. The concert reflects very great credit upon those engaged in the work of musical instruction in the schools. CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY SELECT PROGRAMME An enjoyable and interesting programme was provided in the Lewis Eady Hall last evening by the Chamber Music Society. The first work presented was Dvorak’s “Quartet, Op. 96, known as the "Nigger Quartet,” from the American negro influence, which is plainly discernible. The quartet was Mrs. Hayes, first violin, Mr. Long, second violin, Mr. Munro, viola, and Miss Lalla Hcmus, ’cello. An excellent performance was given. Mr. Len Barnes, who followed, was Avarmly applauded for his fine interpretation of tho song "Archibald Douglas.” The final work of the evening was Vi llers Standford’s Quintet, Opus 25. Tho Irish composer’s work was very nicely played by Miss Jean Allen, first violin, Miss Lois Walls, second violin, Miss Amy Stephenson, viola, Miss Lalla Hemus, 'cello, and Miss Dora Judson, piano. TODAY’S PROGRAMME Tho daily community singing in tho Town Hall yesterday was in charge of the officers of the Young Men’s Christian Association. The president of the association, Mr. C. H. Furness, presided, and Mr. Vernon Drew was song leader. Solos were given by Mr. J. H. Miller and Mr. John Rowe. Mrs. Barrington Snow was the accompanist. Today’s programme will consist of a concert by combined secondary schools in the Town Hall this afternoon, and piano, violin and song recital in the Lewis Eady Hall by Miss Jean Allen, Miss Margot St. Lawrence Toner, Miss Berta Carr and Mr. Eric Waters. This evening’s entertainment at the Town Hall will take the form of a miscellaneous concert in which leading artists and tho Auckland Operatic Society will assist. STUDENTS’ RECITAL AFTERNOON CONCERT There was a good attendance at the concert given by the Auckland Piano Students’ Association at the Lewis Eady Hall in the afternoon. An interesting address was given by Mr. Karl Atkinson on “The Indispensable Piano." Mr. Atkinson described the piano as the key with which genius opened the door to all that is grand and glorious in music. Mr. Atkinson also expressed the opinion that public was definitely advancing, and it was the fact that the piano was indispensable in the home that would encourage recourses of music being passed on to posterity. The following items were given: Chaminade’s “Pas des Cymbales,” by Misses Doris Binns and Mavis Hewson; Wagner's “Tannhauser” overture, played as a quartet by Misses Kennedy, Wright, Sinclair and Parker: Schubert’s “March Militaire,’’ played by Miss Marie Jatucush and Miss Hawthorne; the Andante of Schubert's “Unfinished Symphony,” by Misses E. Hall and C. Martin: Arensky’s “Valse,” played as a duo by Misses J. Parker and R. Kennedy; "Spinning Song” from “The Flying Dutchman.” played by Misses M. Clare and E. Blackburn: and Beethoven’s “Country Dances.” played by Misses M. Clare. E. Blackburn, G. Parker and K. Judge. During the afternoon Mr. W. McMichael sang “Eri Tu,” from Verdi’s “Un Bailo in Maschera,” and Madame Mary Towsey sang “Endearing Love,” by Brahms, “When the Dew is Falling ” by Schneider, and “Nattinata,” bv Tosti. y