IRISH CONCERT

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 67, 19 March 1918, Page 3

IRISH CONCERT

Threats of rain, and a warm, muggy atmosphere, were not sufficient to deter the. Irish men and women of Wellington from thronging to the Town Hall last night in their thousands on jthe occasion of the St. Patrick's Day concert.. "Standing room only" was the state of affairs, but no one appeared to become tired or restless, and encore after encore proved how thoroughly all present enjoyed the entertainment provided for them. Among those present were his Grace Archbishop O'Shea, together with a number of the local clergy, and Sir Joseph and Lady Ward. Mr. Frederick G. Bourke, an, Auckland baritone, created a highly favourable impression by hie singing of "Bantry Bay," "Tho Mountains o' Mourne," and "A Nation Once Again,", all of which were greeted, with vociferous applause. Another visitor was Miss Kathleen Wood, a mezzo-soprano from Wangamii, whose tunefnl voice and artistic' style were heard to great effect in "Irish Lullaby" and "The Hills of Donegal." Her encore pieces were the charming ballad "When You Come Home" and "You and I." Mr. Con Ziesler, a returned wounded soldier, who appeared in khaki, hae a good voice. 'He gave in splendid style such songs as "Off to Philadelphia" and "The Blue Dragoon," besides the more subdued "The Ministrel Boy" and "O'Donnell Aboo." In each item he was well worth hewing. Master Ben O'Brien's violin playing was an artistic treat. Since he last appeared in public he has made remarkable progress, and last night he played with a depth of feeling that made a pronounced impression on his auditors. Mr. Martin Duff, formerly of Dunedin, but now of Wellington, and who possesses an attractive tenor voice, sang delightfully a number of songs ; and Miss Kileen OTJriscoll, an old Wellington favourite, gave the everpopular "Wearing of the Green" and other national oongs in first-class style. Mr. Kevin Dillon recited several pieces with considerable effect. Miss Kathleen O'Brien's dancing of an' Irish jig was • pleasing to a degree, •and the choruses by the pupils of the Marist Brothers' schools were quite a pleasant feature of the concert. The accompaniments were capably played by Miss Eileen Dennehy, who before the commencement of the concert played introductory selections on the grand organ.!