MUSIC WEEK

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1057, 22 August 1930, Page 14

MUSIC WEEK

: PACKED HOUSES AGAIN THREE GOOD PROGRAMMES Music Week activities packed the Town Hall on two occasions yesterday. In the afternoon the accommodation was hardly sufficient to hold thebig crowd that attended the Catholic schools’ concert, and the combined Bohemian Orchestra and Choral Society in the evening also drew another crowded house. The great popularity of children’s concerts was again demonstrated when the Catholic schools of the City presented a fine programme of songs and instrumental music. All items were enthusiastically applauded, but owing to the length of the programme encores could not be allowed. The singing: of Moreno’s “Odoro Te Devote” by the massed choirs opened the programme, followed by an inspiring Gregorian “Kyrie Eleison.” Purity of tone and fine restraint was noticeable in the massed work. The Sacred Heart College orchestra played two numbers, “Just For Fun,” and a Gilbert and Sullivan selection, both being well received. Later the orchestra played “Connecticut” and a selection from ”11 Trovatore.” One of the gems of the evening was a delightfully shaded “Ave Maria,” by Zandonai, very expressively sung by St. Joseph’s Convent, Grey Lynn. Another very fine number was Curschmann’s “Ti prego, O Madre Pia,” which with Masefield’s “Cargoes” was sung by the girls of the Sacred Heart Consent, Kemuera.

A harp solo, “La Danse des Slyphes,” was nicely played by Miss Mavis Grevatt, as also was the pianoforte duo, “The Blue Danube,” by pupils from St. Benedict’s Convent. “The Boatman’s Song” (Abt), given by the Marist Brothers School, Vermont, concluded the first half of the programme. After the interval the primary children sang Streabbog’s "Joyful Echoes,” followed by an instrumental ensemble, “O Star of Eve” and “Pilgrims’ Chorus” (Wagner). Verdi’s “Pilgrims’ and Crusaders’ Chorus” was also sung by the senior pupils of Sisters of St. Joseph. A vocal octet which proved a very popular number was Newton’s “Springtime,” by St. Mary’s College, and the hymn, “Lead, Kindly Light.” A pianoforte duo, SaintSaens' "Carnival of Animals,” by pupils of St. Joseph’s Convent, was well played. Attractive variety was provided by pupils of the Maori College, St. Peter’s, who sang the hymn, “Aroha mai,” and “Waiata Maori.” A haka by the boys proved very popular; so much so that the prohibition of encores had to be lifted. A massed chorus, “God Defend New Zealand,” concluded a very enjoyable and interesting programme. The Rev. Bro. Henrick and the Rev. Father Terry were the conductors, and Miss N. Ormond was an efficient organist. COMBINED CONCERT Th© concert given by the Bohemian Orchestra and Choral Society was one of the most enjoyable heard in Auckland for some time. Not only did the two organisations make a happy combination, but there were also some fine soloists to add pleasing variety to the programme.

The orchestra which opened the concert with Weber’s “Oberon” also played Coleridge-Taylor’s dainty morceau. “Bird Scene.” from the “Hiawatha” Suite, in which fine work by the reeds was heard. The “1812” overture of Tchaikowsky's was very well handled. In this the orchestra had the assistance of the Artillery Band. Mr. Muston had his forces under excellent control and the stirring climax called forth sustained rounds of applause. A very fine performance of Liszt's “Rhapsody No. 2,” with Mrs. R. A. Singer at the piano, was also given. Mrs. Singer was responsible for a really brilliant performance and the orchestral work was nicely restrained and effective. Mrs. Singer was accorded a warm ovation.

The choral work included choruses from “Elijah,” “The Heavens are Telling/’ Sullivan’s “Te Deum." in which with the orchestra and band, a fine massed effect was achieved, and the ‘Hallelujah” chorus from the “Messiah,” in which the audience joined in. The singing was of a high standard and the works were brightlyattacked.

A decided success was scored by Miss Kate Campion with her solo "Solace.” from Verdi’s "Othello.” which nicely suited her rich, powerful soprano. Two extra numbers had to' be Riven. Miss Campion also sans "The Jewel Sons.” from "Faust,” and "The Kins of Thule.” both of which were enthusiastically received. Particularly pleasing was one of her encore numbers. "Cornin’ Thro’ the Rye.” of which a fine Interpretation was given. Mr. Frank Sutherland was also in good voice and his "Calf of Gold" number proved very popular. An extra number was also sung. The choir and orchestra were under the direction of Mr. Colin Muston and Miss Edith Whitelaw was leader of the orchestra. Mrs. Singer played the accompaniments with her usual artistry. ACADEMIC CLUB An enjoyable concert was also given by the Academic Club In the Lewis Eady Hall during the afternoon. The club’s orchestra opened with Mozart’s overture. “The Magic Flute,” which was well performed. A pleasing duet, “Serenade in Summer,” by Mrs. Sadgrove and Mrs. Muir, uas followed by a pianoforte solo, Chopin’s “Berceuse,” played by Mrs. Wilson. and which was well received. A violin solo Mendelssohn's “Allegro molto appassionato,” was nicely played by Mr. W. Morris to an orchestral accompaniment. A pianoforte duet, Schubert's “Divertissement a la Hongroise,” was attractively played by Miss Joyce Hewitt and Miss Veronica Pope. Two songs by Mrs. J. Craig, "Snowflakes" and “Song of the Hebrides," were also popular. Two numbers by the Academic Choir, London Town and Posy," were warmly applauded. These were followed by an enjoyable duet, Beethoven’s "Polonaise," Opus 8, by Miss C. Winthrop and Miss Joyce Hewitt. Mr. W. J. Garratt was successful with two songs, "Ships" and "Eily Aroon.” by the Auckland composer, Mary Brett. Two pianoforte solos, Mendelssohn’s "Scherzo in E Minor,” and Chopin’s Etude, Opus 10, No. 12, played by Miss Marjorie Smith, was also well received. The quartet. "May Morning,” was pleasingly sung by Mesdames Sadgrove, Bentley, Muir and Simmonds. Chopin’s Rondo, Opus 11, was the subject of a brilliant piano concerto played by Madame Annie Morriss and orchestra. An attractive duet, “I Heard a Voice,” was sung by Mrs. J. Craig and Miss B. Thompson, and the concluding item was a pianoforte quartet, Liszt's arrangement of Wagner’s "Spinning Song,” played by Miss L. Vickery, Miss Ida Withers, Mrs. Wynn and Miss May Knight. TODAY’S PROGRAMME Today’s programme comprises a demonstration of Walcroze Eurythmics to be given in the Lewis Eady Hali this afternoon by Miss Beryl Whistler, and a Maori concert, which will be given in the Town Hall this evening by the pupils of St. Stephen’s and Victoria Schools.