IRISH NIGHT

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 65, 16 March 1940, Page 6

IRISH NIGHT

ST. PATRICK'S CONCERT

SPLENDID PERFORMANCE

In the forty years in which St. Patrick's Night concerts have been held in Wellington there has probably never been a higher standard set than last evening, when the Town Hall was well filled to hear an exceptionally talented panel of artists in a popular programme of Irish national songs and musical numbers. From the singing Of the hymn "Hail, Glorious St. Patrick" at the beginning to "God, Defend New Zealand" and the National Anthem at the close, the -bill was one of unusual merit and was highly appreciated by the audience. As is usual on such ac-; casions, the traditional airs and wellknown songs were enthusiastically greeted, and all artists received warm, plaudits for their contributions to the concert. The choir singing of the boys of the combined Marist Brothers' schools was in itself a feature of the evening. Under the capable direction of the brothers, the well-balanced choir of about 500 voices sang several groups of numbers, among their most popular toeing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" and "Oft in the Stilly Night," though their final efforts "The West's Awake" and "Soldiers' Song" were also well Received. In addition to the combined choir, the groups of selected voices from the individual Marist Brothers' schools at.Hawkestorie Street, Miramar, and Tasman Street gave items. • ,

The vocal soloists were very happily chosen and represented "some of the finest platform. talent that has appeared on a local concert stage. After a long absence from this event, Miss Teresa McEnroe made a welcome reappearance and pleased her- audience with "Come Back to Erin" an<i "She is Far From the Land." She was in splendid form, and her. singing ~of the old favourites created a distinctly happy impression, proving that her voice had lost hone of its loveliness. Mrs. L. J. Cronin, whose brilliant soprano voice has been heardv here in choral and concert performances on previous occasions,, sang with grace and charm "Little Shawl of Blue," and as a following number the delightful Irish cradle song "Maureen."" She, too, was warmly received for her finished performance and her rich, clear voice gained her twell-merited i plaudits. Mr. Ray Trewern; whose exquisite tenor has benefited exceedingly by overseas experience, took his audience completely by storm and captured many Irish hearts with his singing of several popular songs. "The Dear Little Shamrock" was followed by "The Minstrel Boy," and later Mr. Trewern sang "Rose of Tralee" and "The Garden Where the Praities Grow," all of which were given with spirit and finish, the audience constantly demanding more. His final number was "Killarney." Mr. J. Duffy fully justified his importation from Greymouth, for he proved himself an entertaining singer of Irish n^lodies, and created a favourable impression with' "The Snowy Breasted Pearl," and "My Dark Rosaleen." Later he sang the more popular "Phil the FlutersV Ball" and "Toast to Old Erin, H and several encore numbers.

Mr. Frank Maher contributed "Mother Machree/' Miss Nettie MacKLay "The Kerry Dance" and "The. Fairy Tree," Miss Eva Higgie "The Irish Cottage," and Miss Rosaleen Hickmott "The Last Rose of Summer" arid""The Irish Piper." Mr. Harry Toohill lent variety to ,the prbgrairimeby twa dancing numbers. ".

; Before the concert Mr. Maxwell Fernie played a selection of Irish airs on' the grand organ, and also accompanied Mr. Trewern on the organ in some of his, numbers. Mr. Fernie was also the chief accompanist of. the even-r. ing. Others who. lent similar assistance were Mrs. Darragh, Miss K. Gieseking, and Master Richard FarreU. Mr. S. Philpott acted' as stage director. Much credit for the success of the concert is due to Mr. P; I?. Hoskins, the energetic and capable secretary.