Splendid Choral Singing From Christchurch and Dunedin

Radio Record, Volume VII, Issue 12, 29 September 1933, Unnumbered Page

Splendid Choral Singing From Christchurch and Dunedin

Harmonic Society and Royal Choral Union Are Fortunate in Their Conductors SOME fine choral singing has been heard from Christchurch and Dunedin during last week, and judging by the success of the performances it should not be long before listeners hear them again.

Two outstanding concerts were given, one by the Christchurch Harmonic Society, under Mr, Victor Peters, and the other by the Dunedin Royal Male Choir, Dr. V. H, Galway conducting. The latter society, I believe, has been heard over the air before, and so have the Harmonics, but only as a full choir, and: last. Wednesday’s entertainment was confined to about 25 picked voices -just enough for a studio team. AS for the Male Choir, it has never sung better, and reflected the painstaking work of the conductor, There was plenty of light and shade exhibited, the balance and tonal qualities being excellent. Among the popular numbers were the "Sailors’ Chorus" from "The Flying Dutchman," the beautiful and devotional "The Long Day Closes," "Lord of Glory, Power and Might," and Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s cantata, "To the Sons of Art.’ Members of the choir who sang solos in a pleasing style were Messrs, John Kennedy and J. 0, Benton, Miss Gaynor Paape’s soprano solos were full of appreciation, while Miss Ethel Wallace, a clever violinist with much interpretative power, ‘was heard in many of the classics, Choryses and part-songs are popular favourites with the Harmonics, and their numbers were given with those perfect choral effects tha Mr,. Victor Peters strives for. Commencing with Bach’a "Spring @omes Laughing," brightly rendered, they went on to the Pinsuti air, "In This Hour," good light and shade work

being evinced. The Manx airs, "Marry Me, Mary Veen." and ‘Beware,’ were

finely given, and 4 delightful change Was the ladies voices in Srllhe Blue

Bells of Scotland." The accompaniments were artistically played by Miss Blanche Atkinson,