ISLAND BAY CONCERT

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 85, 8 October 1915, Page 2

ISLAND BAY CONCERT

A concert in aid of the Presbyterian Building Fund at Island Bay was given in the Assembly Hall last evening by Madame Monkman-Dempster and her pupils, assisted by Mies Anderson, L.G.S.M. (pianist), Miss D. P. Wells (violinist), Mr. Noel Monkman ('cellist), and Mr. G. P. Hanna (elocutionist). The hall was tastefully decorated by Bath, and Cousins, and Miss Amour. Miss Anderson's opening item was "Polonaise" (MacDowell), which was thoroughly enjoyed, as were her other items, " Prelude in A Minor" and "Waltz," by Chopin. Miss D. P. Wells was heard to advantage in a violin solo " Tambourin Chanois," and an encore number "Serenade" (Leoncavallo). Mr. Noel Monkman, a promising young 'cellist/ played "Consolation"' (Squire). In response to an encore, Mr. Monkman gave " Priere," by the same composer Mr G, P. Hanria found much favour in "The Census Taker" and "The Phenomenon." Mrs. Hopkins sang "Wake Up" and "April Morn," receiving an encore in each case, while Miss Denison, who sang "The Valley of Laughter," and as an encore " Until," was equally pleasing. Miss Ward sang " Sunshine and Rain," and her encore, " Rose Softly Blooming," was most delicate and enjoyable. A duet, " Crescent Moon," by Misses Ward and Brown, was much . appreciated, while Mr. O'Connor, who contributed three solos ("The Blind Ploughman," " I Dream of a Garden of Sunshine," and " Nirvana "), was loudly applauded. The programme^ concluded with am amusing it-em entitled " A Toj r Symphony." A number of new concert instruments were included in this, and with Mr. Hanna as conductor, the item created much merriment. Madame Monk-man-Dempster's own contribution to the programme was Alicia Needham's "Husheen," and her encore an old English ballad "The Open Window." During the evening this lady played the accompaniments, and was the recipient of a fern and lilac shower bouquet.