CHORAL MUSIC.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 6, 4 December 1926, Page 4

CHORAL MUSIC.

WELLINGTON SOCIETY’S VISIT. CIVIC RECEPTION AT OPERA HOUSE. At the Opera House last evening, prior to joining with the local Choral Society members for a rehearsal of the oratorio, “The Messiah,” which is to be presented • this evening, members of the Royal Wellington Choral Society were accorded a civic reception. Mr A. J. Graham, the deputy Mayor, presided and expressed his great pleasure at welcoming the musical people of the Empire City, stating that it was the first occasion the two societies had joined forces, but an occasion—the combining of vocal powers in the work of one of the greatest masters —that would be a memorable one in the musical history of Palmerston North. Works such as these were of inestimable value in the making for happiness in the general community. The public were appreciative of the work done by the choral societies in creating a love of music in its best form, and the efforts put forth by the societies were certainly to be commended. Music had charms, and if only it could be brought to the homes of the people muck of the lack of harmony so greatly in evidence at the present time would bo smoothed away. The interchange of visits between the Wellington and Palmerston North Choral Unions, proceeded Mr Graham, was greatly to bo encouraged, and he trusted that the present occasion would not be the last on which the two societies would combine, but would be the forerunner of many such happy events. The local society was delighted to be able to welcome the members of the Wellington Choral Union, and its members recognised the sacrifice the latter had made in their effort to assist Palmerston North choral music. Mr M. Cohen, conductor of the Palmerston North Orchestral Society, said that he felt Highly complimented at being invited to add to the words of welcome expressed by the deputyMayor. The visit, he said, was the more pleasing to him for the fact that it gave him an opportunity of once again associating with many old friends. Mr L. F. de Berry, president of the Palmerston North Choral Society, spoke briefly, stating that the smaller societies in New Zealand appreciated the work that the Wellington Union was doing in moving from centre to centre and giving zest to choral work. Air de Berry added that he hoped that the result of the visits would bo to raise the standard of attainment of the minor societies to those of the Empire City. Air J. Holmes Runnicles, the Choral Society’s conductor, also welcomed the Wellington members, expressing the hope that the visit would open the eyes of the vocalists of Palmerston North and induce them to join the society, if they had not already done so. Replying to the welcome given and apologising for the absence of Mr A. L. Wilson, the president of the Wellington Choral Union, who was prevented from being present by declining years and failing health, Air R. E. Heron, chairman of the Wellington Union’s committee, stated that nothing made people more sociable than a common love of music, and because of this he was sure that there would always be amicable relations between the music lovers of the two cities. If the Palmerston North people were glad of the visit, the Wellington Choral Society members were equally glad to bo able to make the journey. Air H. Temple White, conductor of the Wellington Choral Union, also replied'to the welcome, expressing the members’ appreciation for the cordiality accorded them.