Oct 1955

the wings of a Dove", with the solo sung by B. Jones; the madrigal "Brightly Dawns our Wedding Day", from the "Mikado"; and "The Heavens are Telling" from "The Creation", the trio of the last being sung by Jones, Atkinson and Bardgett. In addition, Atkinson played the "Meditation" from "Thais" as a violin solo.

The day arrived and we "embussed" at 4-30 to arrive in Scarborough about 6-0. We went straight to the Spa, where the show was to take place, and had a rehearsal—without the orchestra, which caused a good deal of consternation among some sections of the Choir.

This done, the trebles thought that they had sung sufficient for their supper, and we adjourned to a cafe for an excellent meal, efficiently laid on for us by Mr. Denis Lovell, the Manager of the Spa. At 7-45 we were again at the Spa for the start of the show. Two rows of front seats had been reserved, and the excellent entertainment which followed was in itself more than a reward for the trip—though, of course, the honour of the invitation was the great reward. We were particularly impressed by a Scottish violinist in the orchestra who was, as they say, equally at home with Bach as with Boogy.

When his solo came he sang several songs—one of his own composition —and then delighted all by performing a vigorous Strathspey to his own accompaniment.

After an interval it was our turn, and as we waited nervously in the wings, Mr. Shadwell explained to the audience that he was an Old Boy of the School and introduced the Choir as personalities "In Scarborough Tonight". It appeared that he had himself been a member of the Choir and, in fact, had sung when Mr. Chilman was also a treble, so Mr. Chilman was introduced to the audience. After a few nostalgic words about the hair they used to have, we performed "0 for the wings of a Dove" and the madrigal. This account does not pretend to be a critical report, but a word of praise is essential to Jones for his solo. Mr. Shadwell, who had sung the same solo, thought so, too ! The report would be incomplete also without a word about Atkinson's solo, which he tackled with a most mature sensitivity, and with every evidence of virtuosity. We concluded with "The Heavens are Telling", and must admit that Mr. Waine was able to keep the Orchestra and Choir together, though they had never performed as one before. After Mr. Dronfield, who was in the audience, had been introduced to the audience, our brief moment as entertainers on the concert platform was over, and after the show we boarded the bus again and arrived back in York at about 11-30, with the trebles wide awake and most of the basses asleep ! .R.M.K. 42