CHORAL SOCIETY’S CONCERT.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 June 1921, Page 6

CHORAL SOCIETY’S CONCERT.

A SPLENDID PROGRAMME. In to-day’s issue will be found the full programme for the Choral Society’s concert on Wednesday night next at the Empire Theatre. The items show that those ' responsible for the formation of the society and the production of the forthcoming concert have set out with a high aim so far as the class of music selected is concerned. Those interested in choral music have come readily to the support of the society, and the chorus for next week’s concert will number about 70 -voices, and numbers of others are waiting to join up for the next concert. Sullivan’s “O Gladsome Light,”, from “The Golden Legend,” with which the programme will open, is a beautifully full and closely harmonised work, giving scope for some rich tonal effects. The chorus ballad, “England, My England,” is a somewhat uncommon number, essentially patriotic in sentiment, and expressive of love and loyalty to country. Interwoven in the accompaniment part are strains from the airs of “Rule Britannia” and the National Anthem. Haydn’s “The Heavens are Telling,” from the oratorio “Creation,” is also a fine number for the chorus, being rich in contrary motion effect and has a particularly fine chromatic bass part. Mrs. F. C. Ferry (soprano) has chosen the popular “Orpheus with his Lute” (Sullivan) and Arditi’s “Se Saran Rose,” and also an excerpt from Meyerbeer, “Roberto otu chc Adoro.” She has sung with great success in Blenheim and Nelson and was among the most popular vocalists of Hawera for some time. Her settlement in New Plymouth provides a valuable augmentation to the musical talent of the town. Miss Constance Leatham, who is always a favorite with New Plymouth audiences, will play two Chopin numbers which are new to local concert-goers, and also a stirring and martial Prelude in G Minor, by Rachmaninov, popularly known as “The Cossack Prelude.” Mrs. Stuart Russell is the elocutionist, and has chosen an adaptation of Tennyson’s “The First Quarrel,” and selections from Ella Wheeler Wilcox and James Buckam. Tickets are 4s and 3s, and seats may be reserved at Collier’s without extra charge. Patrons should lose no time in booking their seats as the plan is rapidly filling.