Spohr's "Last Judgment"

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 19, 21 November 1930, Page 6

Spohr's "Last Judgment"

Successful Broadcast of fine Oratorio from 2YA

H® brief history leading up to the performance (on Manday of last week) of Spohr’s famous oratorio is well worth recording for its. interest alone. Many months ago a roundabout appeal came from the mission hospital at Fauabu, in North Malaita. In this out-of-the-way corner of the East Indies is a British mission station working among the bush people-those little folk known as "head-hunters." This small colony of Christian workers, cut off from the world and the many comforts of civilisation, are carrying

on a noble tradition ‘of self-sacrifice, fighting tropical diseases, native superstitutions, and the ever-present terror of the jungle. There is no operating theatre in this primitive hospital. The floor is of tree bark; the structure itself is of the flimsiest nature. Every time one moves the entire building is set swaying. And surgical operations are carried out on a table in the men’s ward. In spite of the willing and devoted service of the doctors and nurses who are spending the best part of their lives in the saving of life, conditions are so appalling that the work at times seems hopeless. But they are carrying on in the hope that sooner or later conditions will be improved and that funds will be provided for adequate equipment. It is a case of money to save lives. And this is the story, a graphic account of which reached some people in New Zealand. The cause was worthy enough in all conscience. The problem was how to raise funds to help. [" was finally decided that a musical performance be given in one or

more churches-the performance to be a sacred concert. Mr. W. A. Gatheridge, a well-known Wellington musician, was asked to co-operate, and it was decided to form a massed choir from the various Anglican churches in the diocese, and give a performance of Spohr’s oratorio, "The Last Judgment." The work was put in rehearsal almost immediately, with a choir of nearly one hundred voices. The choir and conductor were full of enthusiasm and ability, and at long last, on October 21, a performance was given in St. Thomas’s Church, Newtown. A week later it was repeated in St. Peter’s Church, Willis Street, and both occasions resulted in a substantial swelling of the mission fund. — On November 10 a studio presentation was given from 2YA, and so the fund was further augmented. It is pleasing to know that this solid concerted effort has not been in vain, and to be able to congratulate Mr. Gatheridge and his massed choir, not only on the brilliant and musicianly

performances they gave, but also on the fact that by their individual and collective effort the Fauabu Mission Hospital will be able to continue its work with at least a few increased amenities of civilisation. Should any listener-in care to add to this fund, donations may be sent to the conductor, Mr. W. A. Gatheridge, care of Station 2YA, Wellington. Even the smallest amounts will be warmly welcomed. The artists who assisted at the two church -: performances: were: Miss Cristina Ormiston, Mrs- Amy Woodward Mrs. Wilfred Andrews, Mrs. Ray Kemp, Miss Iris Mason (piano), Messrs. Roy Hill, Ray Kemp, W. Binet

Brown, and

My.

C. W.

Kerry

(organ) _