SONGS OF IRELAND

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 147, 16 March 1940, Page 7

SONGS OF IRELAND

St. Patrick’s Day Concert Irish sung usually gets its amiu.-ti hearing round about Marell 11. and last night, St. 'lhitrii-k’s Day—'Which falls tomorrow —was honoured by the tr-ual Irish concert (the proceeds of at'iiich are devoted to Catholic education), in the Wellington Town Hall. The big hall was packed to the back wall, .and all the singers on the long programme received a warm welcome as they 'trilled the pongs of Tom -Moore and other writers ol traditional Irish lays. Archbishop O’.S'hea was present, with a large representation of Wellington Catholic clergy. These concerts are never eomiplete without the presence of 4(A) or 5141) boys from the .Marist Brothers’ schools of the city, whose vocal efforts last night were among the most popular items of the programme. In ensemble the schoolboys sang "Hail Glorious S't. Patrick,” "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," and "OTt - iu the Stilly Night,” and. nt the end of Hie programme, "The West's Awake" and "Soldiers’ Song." Other choral numbers were "The Last Bose of Summer" and "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charm-"," sung by the Tasman Street sehmdiboys; "When Sorrow Thy Young Life Has Shaded." and "Ireland, Dear Ireland,” by I'lre boys of the Hawkestone Street school: and "Shandon Bells" and "At the End of Hie Cobblestone Hoad,” by the Miramar lads. Vocal distinction was lent the programme by the appearance, after a long absence, of .Miss Teresa McEnroe, who, singing as well art ever, gave charm to "Come Baek to Erin" and "She is Ear Erom the Land." Another singer of charm was Mrs. L. Cronin, a soprano of cultivated lone, who sang "Little Shawl of Blue" and "Maureen" most acceptably. Mr. Bay Trewern, tenor, was in good voice, singing "The Dear Little Shamrock," "The Minstrel Boy.” and "The Harp That Once,” with conviction. Later the same singer presented "Hose of Tralee” and "The Garden \ ■■re the Praties Grow.” Another tenor o. ability was Mr. J. Duffy, whose warmlb of style found expression in "The Snowy-breasted Pearl" and "My Dark Ros-aleen,” the latter being particularly well sung. In a merrier mood Mr. Duffy, later in the .programme, delighted the audience with "Phil, the Elnter's Ball" ami "Here's a Toast to Erin." Mr. Erank Mahar contributed "Mother Maehree,” Miss Meltie Mac Kay "The Kerry Dance" anil "The Dairy Tree." Miss Eva Higgle "The Irish Cottage,” and Miss Itosaleen llickmott “The Last Ros'e of Summer" ami "The Irish Piper. ' Mr. Harry Toohill lent variety to the programme by slopping a neat. Irish jig.

Before the concert Mr. Max.wcll Bernie played a selection of Irish airs on the grand organ, and also accompanied Mr. Trewern on that instrument. Mr. Ferine was also the chief aceoinpanist of the evening. Others who lent similar assislniiet! were Mrs. Dnrragh. Min-' K. Gifsuiting, ami Master Richard Earrcll. Mr. S. Philpott acted as stage director, ami Mr. P. D. Hoskins was secretary.