CONCERT TO REV. FATHER SERVAJEAN.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 134, 9 June 1906, Page 4

CONCERT TO REV. FATHER SERVAJEAN.

The concert tendered to the Rev. Father Seryajean last night by St. Mary's choir, assisted by friends, 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 the 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 piano accompaniment and 'cello obligato being carefully toned for effect. For "A Maid of Malabar," the Rev. Father Serve jean 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 chorus, 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 an excellent item, and was vociferously encored. Miss McCusker, who possesses a carefully-trained voice of moderate range and much sweetness, 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 Mr Bull gave a whistling solo in his usual brilliant style. The concert concluded with "Jl 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 ißev. Father Servajean, the Rev. Father Fay, and a number of friends at supper after the concert, when an enjoyable time was spent.