MUSIC REVIEW : Ellis-Orpheus Chorus in Concert at Wilshire Ebell

In this era of disposables, it is almost inconceivable that the Ellis-Orpheus Men’s Chorus has been able to survive to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Maybe the 29-member amateur choir should be giving arts management classes, as well as concerts.

Unfortunately, at the festivities Friday at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, the volunteer singers were not heard to their best advantage. Set far back on the stage and singing without a reflective shell, the chorus lacked power, sounded raw and experienced problems of balance and blend.

The chorus offered essentially glee-club fare, ranging from Sullivan’s “The Long Day Closes” to “God of Our Fathers.” The vocalism was not of professional quality, but the singers’ commitment and serious intent were impressive.

Appearing with the choir was soprano Maralin Niska, who thanked the group for giving her one of her early breaks approximately 25 years ago. Niska, however, was not in good voice. A wide vibrato, spreading tone and pitch problems plagued familiar arias from Puccini’s “Tosca,” “La Boheme” and “La Rondine.” In Brahms’ “Alto Rhapsody,” her voice exhibited severe breaks in register--toneless in the cruelly low-lying parts, coarse in mid-range but bright in the heights.

She was much better in Broadway show tunes, bringing strong vocalism and sense of character to Anna’s Song (from “The King and I”), “I Hate Men” and “I Am Ashamed Women Are So Simple” (from “Kiss Me, Kate”) and “What Is a Woman?” (“I Do! I Do!”).

John Moe, the chorus’ regular accompanist, provided able and stylish support. A variety of instrumentalists offered assistance of varying quality.