Conisborough Musical Society’s Charming Concert – “The Rebel Maid”

February 1926

Mexborough & Swinton Times, February 5, 1926

The Rebel Maid
Conisborough Musical Society’s Charming Concert

Since the Conisborough musical Society produced “The Ancient Mariner” they have gone on from success to success. Their performance of the concert version of Montague Phillips comic opera “The Rebel Maid” given in Station Road School, Conisbrough, on Wednesday night, enhanced their reputation.

An innovation was a rate charge of 2s, and this too appeared to be an unqualified success. The whole of the school was comfortably filled, and there would be about 300 persons present.

The first half of the programme was miscellaneous, and opened with at Schumann quintet for piano and strings. Mr. George Peachey sang “Sigh no more ladies” (Aitken) and “Jane” (Reilly) in a pleasing style. Following this, we heard the orchestra to advantage in the prize song from “The Meistersingers” Miss Pansy Moore, who was in splendid voice, sang “Nightfall at Sea” (Phillips) and “Shepard, thy demeanour vary” (Lane Wilson arrangement)

Now we had another innovation, and this one was which was enthusiastically seized upon by the audience community singing. The selected piece was “Annie Laurie” and “John Peel” and each justified its inclusion program.

Then came the turn of the chorus, which had practised so assiduously the concert version of “The Rebel Maid. ” Throughout the work was of the standard we are accustomed to, precise in attack, and accurate in interpretation. One would have to go a long way to find a conductor and chorus with such a perfect understanding and sympathy.

Miss Pansy Moore, L.R.A.M who took the soprano part of Lady Mary, “The Rebel maid,” really lived the part and no fault could be found with her interpretation.

The other principals were alike good. They were Miss Betty Shillito in the dual roles of Abigail and Dorothy (Mezzo-soprano); Mr. H. Pendleton as Derek (baritone); Mr. George Peachey, as Percy (Tenor); and Mr. W. G. March in the triple role of Bunkle (Inn keeper), Lord Milvester, and Stephen.

Mention should be made of the sympathetic pianoforte accompaniment of Mr Ernest Dabbs, and the work of the orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. H. H. Sharp. The conductor was in his happiest mood, and I understand that he has been offered the position of deputy conductor to one of the foremost operatic Society’s South Yorkshire.

Once again the society was brilliantly served by its orchestra, in both halves of the programme. The Conisbrough Society is particularly fortunate in this department. Mr. H. H. Sharp was a leader of the sound musical team, and the business side the concert was very well organised and here Mr H. L. Smethurst, did a very good service.