New Britain herald., 1929-05-24
BETHANY CHURCH CONCERT PLEASES
Large Audience Enthusiastic
 Over Solo Artists ind Chorus

Walter l.. MaEnuson, orGantst and chorus director. came to this city from Worcester. Mass., where he had played on biz organs and had | record of being . musician of high ideals, ability and energy. He was brought to the Swedish Bethany church in this city. Last night he sponsored an annual spring concert. end the large audience which heard 1t had every reason to agree that 1t was one of the most artistic church musicales given here in a long time.
 Great Handel Numbers
 There was chorus of 40. and 1t sang nothing hackneyed: included in it's offerings were two choruses from Handel'a "Samson." which have not been sung in this city for 70 long that scarcely anyone remembers 1t. There was Mrs. Caroline Barsch, violinist, newcomer in the city. the wife of the minister of the Memorial Baptist church. Mrs. Barsch is no ordinary violinist," but one pos scssinE a technic and refinement of tone that merits for her the designa- ton of being master Of the tn- strument. Others on the program in solo roles were Mrs. Eleanor E. Vahlstrom. soprano: Miss Florence c. Ostlund, contralto; Robert J. Klingberg. baritone, and George H. Johnson. bass.
 The high water mark Of choral ex- cellence came in the mighty Han delian chorus. Let the Celestial Concerts Unite." In this the voices blended with clarity and power. and the visor and overwhelming effect that characterixes a great Handel chorus was evident all the way. Previously another Handel chorus. "Then Round About Thy Starry Throne" with we'll sung subsidiary themes effectively stressed. had provided glory for the singers. Two other choral numbers of distinction. by Dickinson and Noble. both dis l tinsuished American choral com posers, were well received. In the former MT. Klinsberg sang the ob- ligato.
 l tOlnlSt l@3CAStS uECAtly Mrs. Barsch, also . newcomer in the city, made two appearances, playing standard numbers in the violin repertoire. These were from Wienia wski. Sarasate, and kreisler. Her projection of the Gypsy Airs by Sarasate was . feat of diSital splendor. Her intonation was inn pcccable; her tonc scintillated in the brilliant cascades, and scared auave- ly during passases of pure melody. Her interpretation of the famed "Tambourin Chinois" of Kreisler YVES characterized by abundant y.sor and technical fulhlmcnt. The city is fortunate indeed to be privi- lcred to welcome another accom- rliehed violinist among its perform ing talent.
 1 A male chorus. recruited from the
 ranks of the mixed chorus. did
 nobly in three appearances, singing
 selections from Nevin. GrieG. Delius
 and sortniansky. None Of the se-
 loctions were of the frequently heard
 type. Grieg was represented with Hail. Thou Star Rcsplcndent." and "E', skera stor toch strnlande, in
 which MT. Johnson sang an oblisato; 1 that from Delius an ancient choral. 1 Pre- sentation Of a song by Prince Gustaf was well received
 Mrs. Gahlstrom and Miss Ostlund ! contributed a duct. the "Quis est homa," from Rossini's Sta bat Mater" Their voices blended sweetfy. Mir. Megnuson. in addition to playing the organ and directing from the organ bench. likewise
 played the piano during the violin numbers