THE CALEDONIAN CONCERT.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 7169, 3 October 1888, Page 6

THE CALEDONIAN CONCERT.

Despite the counter attractions elsewhere the Oddfellows' Hall was filled to overflowing last night, when the sixth annual concert of the Caledonian Society was held. The programme, as i« usual on these occasions, was composed entirely of national sor-gs, &c, and was most admirably carried out. The concert was opened by the skirling of the pipes by five pipers, headed by Pipe-Major Campbell. ThcVKave "The Hills of Glenorchy" in a style which moved even the Southron portion of the audience to enthusiasm. Miss Spensler who was in excellent voice, sang " Afv Nannie O" capitally, and was encored. Mrs Reid K& Te tne & ne son J>» "Cam' Ye by dthol," with much effect, and ■was honored by a similar compliment. Indeed, it may be said at once that all the contributions'by the ladies on the occasion ■were redemanded. Miss Martin sang •*Ken ye the glen" capitally, and in response to an encore gave " Jenny, dang the Weaver " with a keen appreciation of the humor of the song. Miss Stratton played with a good deal of artistic expression a setting of the well-known song "There is nae luck," which was highly appreciated. Miss Pilliet and Mr Blakesley played as a duet for zither and banjo a selection of Scotch airs. The breaking of a string brought the duet to a somewhat abrupt conclusion, but what was played was loudly applauded. In the second part Mrs .neid sang "My Heather Hills" well, and Miss Spensley gave the pathetic lament, "The Land o' the Leal," with much pathos and effect. Miss Martin's "Caller Herrin" was very well sunz indeed. Two quartettes by Misses Martin and Button and Messrs Johnston and Mcllroy went capitally, and Mr Pickering was very successful in the martial song "Bonnie Dundee." Mr W. A. Day sang "Afton Water" very sweetly, and Mr H. M. Johnson gave " The McGregor's Gathering" with much spirit and success. Mr T. Acland sang "Jessie, the flower o' Dumblane" well. The humorous side of Scottish music was ably represented by Mr McLean Dunn and Mr D. Thomas, theformer singing " The bonnie wee wiady," and the latter " The Laird o* Cockpen." Both were encored. Mr P. M. Johnston gave one of his "pawky' recitations, which was highly appreciated. Mr McKay danced the Highland fling and the sword dance very deftly and with much grace and ease, whilst the now renowned dancing team of the Scottish Rifles gave the Reel o* Tulloch and a foursome reel with a gieat deal of spirit. In the second part the string band of the Society played some Highland dance music capitally, and Messrs Corrick and Cliff gave a piano and violin duet, which was loudly applauded. The Scottish national anthem, "Auld Lang Syne," concluded a very successful concert, and the Directors are to be congratulated on the result of their efforts to make the concert a most enjoyable one.