MALE CHOIR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 36, 13 February 1939, Page 9

MALE CHOIR

PAST YEAR REVIEWED AN ENERGETIC SEASON. The following is the annual report of the Wanganui Male Choir to be presented to the 41st. annual meeting to-morrow night. The choir’s activities during the 1938 season have been most energetic, particularly toward the latter part when a visit was paid to Palmerston North, the choir presenting a concert there in aid of the Crippled Childrens Society Fund. The choir also assisted the Wanganui Boy’s Choir at a concert held in the Opera House and the final appearance for the year was at the Collegiate School, where the choir entertained the pupils in the big school. As in former years, two subscribers’ concerts were presented in 1938, the first one being held on June 7. The assisting artists were Mrs. Russell Scoullar (soprano). Mr. Colin Horsley (pianist) and Mr. Allan Brown (baritone). The second concert was held on November 29 and on (his occasion the choir was assisted by Miss N. Sutherland (soprano) of Palmerston North. Mrs. G. F Saunders (cellist), Mr. T. E. Dands (member, baritone) and Messrs. W. and J. Healey. S. Kendall and G. P. Williamson (the Male Choir quartette). Both concerts proved very popular and were well attended by appreciative audiences. From a musical point of view the high-light of the year was the presentation for the first time in New Zealand of Granville Bantock’s “Kubla Khan.” Being unusual in arrangement. this number created a great deal of interest and comment. Another interesting feature of the year’s work was the resuscitation of the quartette competition which was enthusiastically contested by four quartettes The competition was decided by popular vote with the result that Messrs. J. Partridge, R. Edwards, H. Armstrong and S. Hanton—the winning quartette—were awarded the silver stars. It was our pleasure in July to contribute to the Colin Horsley Fund to assist this talented young pianist to further his studies overseas During the year the library has been kept up-to-date and gifts of music have been made by Messrs. G. P. Williamson. D. Bird, W. Healey, J. Brass. W. F. Hanton and S. Hanton. Donations of this kind are always appreciated and the committee

would welcome further offers. It was with regret that we farewelled two of our members, Messrs. H. V. Rowe and F. Barnard, who have left to reside, in Wellington Our best wishes go to these gentlemen in their new sphere of activity. The choir again this year combined with the Choral Society in arranging a social and dance which proved a successful function. To those members who suffered bereavement during the year messages of sympathy were extended. Th thanks of the committee are accorded to those who have assisted the choir during the year, to Mrs. Freda Cunningham, pianist, and especially to the conductor, Mr. F. Wentworth Slater for the interest taken in the members. The evidence of assiduous training is no doubt having a marked effect on the general standard of the music, and the whole-hearted response received at the two concerts from the honorary members is very gratifying. The membership of the choir is approximately the same as last year, and the committee record its appreciation of the support given by the honorary members, but would be glad to have the list augmented by new subscribers.