RECIPROCITY IN MUSIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 June 1920, Page 5

RECIPROCITY IN MUSIC.

PROPOSED UNION OF MALE CHOIRS. The idea of a union between the three male choirs of Wanganui, Hawera, and New Plymouth, which was initiated by the_ Wanganui society some time ago, is beginning to take concrete form. A further step in the process was taken •on Wednesday night, when the Wanganui Society gave a concert in Hawera in aid of funds to assist the local society is building a practice room for themselves. The readiness with which the Wanganui men offered their assistance would in itself justify the suggestion of union among the societies, but when to that is added the fact that 40 members made the trip from Wanganui on Wednesday, and that at their own expense, the conclusion cannot be resisted that these men are determined upon a reciprocity movement among the kindred organisations. Of the concert itself it is not necessary to say much. The Wanganui choir put on a generous programme which taxed both their capabilities and endurance, and if their work did not always display that fine finish which is to be desired and looked for among such institutions, they nevertheless carried the programme through with credit to themselves and afforded their hearers a very enjoyable evening, as was evidenced by the continued demand for encores. Though the audience was by no means sparse in numbers, the merit of the programme and the cause in which it was given deserved a better attendance. The choir was heard at its best, probably, in the parts of the final programme number, which was .Gernsheim's triumph song "Salarnis," and in the "Farewell," the final of the bracketed trio of Sir Charles Stanford's "Songs of the Fleet." It is not too much to say that ihe vocal work was much embellished by the artistic accompaniments of Miss Ethel Bignell, the honorary pianist of the Society. Mr. L. Craig proved an efficient conductor.. The choir was ably assisted by Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Sperring, who sang several duets with conspicuous success. Both possess pleasing voices, and their work proved they had studied the art of blending to a nicety. Mr. Chas. Wadsman (tenor), a member of the choir, also contributed a couple of solos, while Messrs Wadsman, Conch, Brass,and'Hibditch sang two quartettes. Prior to the commencement of the concert the visitors were cordially welcomed in a few appropriate words by the Mayor (Mr. E. Dixon), to which Mr. J. McFarlane replied. After the concert the visitors, as well as about 15 members of the New Plymouth Society, who went down by motor, were entertained to supper, when a few appropriate toasts were honored. During the proceedings, which were of a most cordial nature, a .definite proposal was made for a combined concert by the throe choirs to be given at Wanganui before the end of the present year This will be considered by each of the societies, and it is move than likely to bo accepted by all. A very happy gathering was concluded with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.