PATRIOTIC CONCERT.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 August 1917, Page 2

PATRIOTIC CONCERT.

BY NEW- PLYMOUTH MATVR CHOIR. The New Plymouth- Male, Choir, whose first concert in the G'oodi Templar J-lall n n Wednesday evening was sutih a pronounced success, repeated their excellent programme in tho People's Picture Theatre on Friday night to a large and very appreciative audience. The items submitted by the members of the clioir themselves were tho sonic as at tho initial entertainment., and, as 011 that occasion, so well did they acquit themselves, so admirably did their well trained voices -blend* in practically perfect unison, that the applause after each item was spontaneously enthusiastic, and all their numbers had to be repeated. It -would be difficult to select any of these part songs for special praise, but, perhaps, the hunting song, "To the Death" and "Comrades in Arms" were the most enjoyed, because of their stirling ellects. Du- choir's last contribiu tion was Abt's "Evening," in which the solo part was admirably taken by Mr. N. D. Day, and it was a fitting triumph of the evening. Tho conductor, Air. F. W • McLeod is entitled to hearty congratulations on the high standard of ollieioncy to which he has raised the choir and the excellent use he has made iof tho very fine vocal material at his command.

The soloists were the same as previously, with the exception that the Lev, N. H. -Piipukakura was iv-gretta-bly absent, while a welcome addition were the contributions of Mr. anci -Mrs. [von Wilson, visitors to New Plymouth from the Wairarapa district.' Mr. Wilson sang in the first part "Mountain Lovers" (Squires), and was rapturously encored, replying with "Lorraine," also most ably interpreted. In t.'.e second part hia number was "The Boat Song," and again he so completely captivated tho audience that he had. perforce, to respond with "Love to Heath," which was also most favorable received. Mrs. Wilson played her husband's accompaniments most capably. •fortunately .Miss Rena Te Au 'was again able to assist, and repeated her of the former concert. She sang "Waking of Spring," and, in response to au encore, "Orange Blossoms " iu tho first part, and, in the second was honored, as she richly deserved, with a double encore, her selected song.bein* jf "Vou Would Love Mo," and the add* ed items "I Wish I Were a Tiny Bird" a.m May Day." The lady possesses a puie soprano voice of great range and lloxibiliiv, and it has evidently been cultivated carefully and well.

The elocutionary contributions of the Re\. A. h. Hunt were in every way a Hpeciul treat and proved his right to be considered possibly without a, compeer in this line of entertainment in the Dominion. His selections were "His First l-i ng '1 rousers," ''A -Domestic Quarrel," A Dickons' Reverie," and an extremely pathetic monologue entitled "Spotty'" lor which Mr .A. O. Sturroek supplied a musical accompaniment with true artistic sympathy. Mr. Hunt was equally uiecesshil in provoking vpcrriment itnd 111 arousing feelings of pitying tenderness, and scored a triumph every time, such as is seldom achieved by exponents of the elocutionary art. Mr. Arnold (). Sturroek, L.Mus.T.C.L., was treated to an ovation for his coupled pianoforte solos, "Rustle of Spring" (Wilding) and "Minuet'' (Padcrcwski), and to an imperative recall responded v.Jih IHowh's ■•j-fumorc.-qu.V Mr, Stur . rock proved himself a master of technique while the tone and touch bespoke complete mastery of his instrument. His future public appearances in New Plymouth will be looked forward to with I'ietamt anticipations. Mr. Sturroc-k also played several of tiio accompanimenta, Ihc others being in the extremely competent hands of Mrs. Fredric. During- the evening Mr. F. W. G. McLeod took the opportunity of thankinnall who had assisted, with a special word to the Rev. Hunt for having attended that evening at considerable inconvenience to himself. Mr. McLeod concluded his remarks by promising even better and more varied concerts the future, and if h e can ,as 110 doubt he will, fulfil this promise, the music-loving public have, indeed, some exceptional treats in Btore.