Mexborough and Swinton Times April 23, 1926

Conisborough Musical Society
Operatic Program at Denaby.
“A Mixed Grill.”

The Conisborough Musical Society gave an enjoyable concert in the Epworth Hall Denaby Main, last evening in aid of the Fullerton hospital. It was a jolly entertainment, divided into three sections, the items being taken from the popular light operas, “Merry England,” “Tom Jones” and “the Rebel maid,” and included “Annie Laurie” and “John Peel” in furtherance of the revival of community singing. Each section was introduced by an opening chorus from the respective works

The precision in the opening bars of the introduction to the “Merrie England” excerts betokened the firmness and accuracy of what was to follow in the work of the excellent little orchestra. The chorus too, set the audience in a good humour immediately they commenced and not only did they sustain the fine balance and quality but improved as the evening went on. They were perhaps at their best in the opening chorus to “Tom Jones” which they performed with great zest and they were happy also in the opening number of the “Rebel maid.” The stately “Glass of Pashion” chorus was most charming. a most effective chorus, giving the principals worthy support.

From “Merrie England” there was a delightful duet, “Come to Arcadia,” sung by Mrs Boyes and Mr Salkeld, the two voices bonded very pleasingly. Mrs Boyes voice is one of great charm, and she was heard to advantage in two song and chorus numbers. “Sunshine and laughter” and “Are my lanterns shining?” from the “the Rebel maid.” Mr Salkeld was in excellent voice, and in the duet showed fine control.

Mr S. Appleyard, who gave three items, “The Yeomen of England” and “On a January morning,” and “The Fishermen of England,” and chorus items from each of the three operas, sang very smoothly, although his tone was a little throaty.

An appreciated number was “West Country lady,” from “Tom Jones” by Mr A. Robinson and the chorus, a duet of quality, from the finale of “Tom Jones,” was sung by Mr C. Soar and Mr B. B. Clarkson, Miss Soar has a very sweet voice and blended well with Mr Clarkson’s sound tenor tone.

The most difficult song of the evening, and the most appreciated, was the waltz song and chorus from “Tom Jones” the solo part of which was taken by Miss E. Clarkson. She was most effective, and exceedingly happy.

Excellent contributions were a quintete “Love is made to make was glad.” From Merrie England” sung by Mdme Kilner and Pickett, and Messrs. Greaves, Robinson and Knight: a quartet and chorus from the finale of at one of the same work was sung by Miss C. Soar, Miss Broadbent Mr. Salkelds and Mr A. Robinson; and a quartet “in merrie England” by Madame Kilner and Pickett and Messrs Sinclair and Knight.

Delightful features of the last part of the programme was a duet and male chorus “Ho ho! Diddle Dum,” by Messrs Hunt and Clarkson, and a madrigal, “wisdom and folly”

Mr W. A. Twelves, whose conducting needs no comment, would, one feels, also be successful as a stage manager, for at this concert he obviated any waiting and carried and performed through with a very refreshing swing.

Mr H. C. Harrison. Presided

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