CONCERT.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Issue 3352, 14 April 1868, Page 3

CONCERT.

Miss Shjlnighan's grand vocaland instrumental concert came off last evening in the Catholic Institute, Wellington- street, in the presence of a crowded audience, and was in every respect in the highest degree successful. It was gratifying to see the hall filled by so many persons of all classes in the community, who no doubt were desirous to evince by their presence their appreciation of the young lady's musical talents, and their sense of the disinterested manner in which she has hitherto acted in aiding some useful charity and religious object in Auckland. No effort was spared by her to render the soiree musicale a success, and the result has fully realised our expectations. The programme was prepared with judicious care, and embraced an excellent and varied selection of music — the productions of eminent composers. It was gone through with creditable proficiency on the part of both vocalists and instrumentalists. The entertainment was enriched by the splendid and artistic performances of the band of the 18th Eoyal Irish, under the skilful leadership of Bandmaster Quinn. The concert opened with the magnificent overture " Zampa" (Herold), the complex music of which was interpreted with brilliancy and remarkablo correctness by the band, who played to perfection. It was followed by the chorus "Pilgrims" (Verdi), which was rendered with much precision and effect. The same remark equally applies to the style in which the concerted pieces in both parts of the programme were given. Those who took part in them sang with spirit and animation, the voices blending harmoniously without the intrusion of a discordant note. Miss Shanaghan, who was received with warmest applause, sang several beautiful solos with her usual sweetness and finish. She faithfully interprets the music before her; the words and sentiments are thoroughly studied, and are revealed to the admiring listeners with .tho utmost delicacy and purity of expression. She also accompanied the vocalists on the pianoforte, and proved herself to be an accomplished pianiste. Miss Donovan also acquitted herself well in the solos assigned to her. She sang with her accustomed ease and gracefulness, and with that artistic care she bestows on every piece entrusted to her. Her clear ringing voice was distinctly heard in every part of the concert room. A good deal of the success which attended the performance is fairly attributable to the services of Mr. Westmoreland, who sang in a style that was much admired, and evoked the well-merited plaudits of the delighted audience. Mr. Rica rendered valuable service in the entertainment. Mr. Yates's singing made a favourable impression. He does not fall into the error but too common among amateurs of displaying his voice at the expense of the composer of the piece he sings. An attractive feature in the entertainment was the performance of the solo " Swiss Boy," on the trombone, by a member of the band, Mr. Forrester. It was a finished piece of instrumentation, and the exquisite music which he produced from such an instrument was somewhat remarkable. His performance was received with rapturous plaudits. Owing to the frequent resistless encores the concert was prolonged until after 11 o'clock. We sincerely congratulate Miss Shanaghan on the success which attended the concert, every portion of which seemed to be thoroughly and unanimously appreciated by the audience.