Wanganui Choral Society

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 19, 22 November 1929, Page 8

Wanganui Choral Society

Relay by 2YA ON Wednesday, December 4, the eighth concert of the Wanganui ‘Choral Society will be relayed from Wanganui by 2YA. The society was formed early’ in 1926,.and from its first public performance down to the last concert in June, 1929, has had a continuous record of success, and of enthusiastic reception from musical critics and the public generally, The opinion has been expressed by more than one professional musician of repute that there is ho ~

finer choir in Australia or New Zealand than that of the Wanganui Choral Society. The society has given only one concert outside Wanganui, in respect of. which the "Hawera Star" stated: "It was a revelation in the art ef concerted singing and a high tribute to the work of the conductor. He concentrates his abilities on the control of the voices, and, as it were, plays on them as an organist on his instrument, bringing out at will the most glorious effects, The members sing without music, consequently are able to give their undivided attention to their conductor. Th results obtained were remarkab, Their breath and tone control, their grades of expression, the wonderful pianissimos (in which their conductor excels), the attack and release are features which mark all the’ work of the choir. Meticulous care and attention to detail are most pronounced, and this completed the triumph in choral’ siiging which was achieved." Needless to say, the high standard attained by this choir is in very great measure due to the genius and practical ability of the hon. conductor, Mr. F. Wentworth Slater, A.R.C.O., who, in addition to his work with’ the Choral Society, is conductor of the Wanganui Male Voice Choir, organist and choir master of Christ Church, and has ea extensive practice as a teacher of voice production. Mr. Slater had most extensive exper?ence in Wales in the training of both male and mixed voice choirs, and alse in adjudication, particularly in the choral sections, at many musical festivals.