CONCEPT TO REV. FATHER SERVAJEAN.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 133, 8 June 1906, Page 3

CONCEPT TO REV. FATHER SERVAJEAN.

The concert tendered to the Roy. Father Servajean last night by St. Mary's choir, assisted by fnoncte, was a great success."musically and financially. The overture played by Mrs W. R. Allen, from a Chopin Study, was a tasteful interpretation. An operatic chorus, " A Little Bit of Fun,'.' by St. Mary's choir, put the audience in a pleasant mood, for every succeeding item was encored.. In this number might'be mentioned tlie graceful dancing of Mrs Nash and the Misses Preston and Sandford. Mr J. Bryant was in capital voice, and received great applause for his two items. "To the Angels " (Zardo) was sung with sweet expression by Miss Sandbrook, the j piano accompaniment and 'cello obligate being carefully toned for effect. For "A Maid of Malabar," the Rev. Father Servejean received an ovation, and the audience insisting, the reverend gentleman, in a few words, promised to meet them once again before leaving Blenheim. Mrs Nash sang " Every race has a flag but the Coon " with fair power and expression, and Miss M. Higgins, who possesses a naturally expressive mezzo-soprano voice, was successful in her item " Absent." The second part opened with a march, " Under the Double Eagle," played by Mrs W. R. Allen with true Wagnerian effect and power. "Back to London," another opera chor,us, by St. Mary's choir, fairly "brought down the house." "A Summer Night" (Thomas), sung by Mrs F. Hale, was a carefully-rehearsed rendition of this difficult solo. The accompaniment and obligato were rather vigorous at the ff: the dim c rail at the fine, however, was beautifully done. "In Cellar Cool," sung by Mr F. Bull, who may_ be considered the coming popular baritone of Blenheim, was aii excellent item, and was vociferously encored. Miss McCuskeri, jivhq possesses ■;« , care, fully-trained ■ voice jof -.-moderate range and much sweetn-essjV-sang with expression and feeling "Beyond. - MiMr F. McKeegan played' with a good tone a solo on the tenor, horn," Alice, wehre art thou?" but was unfortunate in being unable to tune the instrument to the piano, and so played without accompaniment. Mrs Nash sang "Yesterday" very nicely,' .and MrBull gave a whistling solo in his usual brilliant style. The concert concluded with "A Little Bit of Fun," which sent the audience away in high good humour, after joining together in singing " Auld Lang Syne." Misses L. M. and J. McCabe accompanied splendidly throughout. The members of the- choir entertained the Rev. Father Servajean, tlie Rev. Father Fay, and a number of friends at supper after the concert, when an enjoyable time was1, spent.-