IRISH CONCERT.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2076, 17 March 1922, Page 5

IRISH CONCERT.

t A MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE J For many years past, the Irish , community of Palmerston North has i promoted national concerts each sue- • reeding- function surpassing previous J efforts, but it cannot be denied that the programme at the Opera House i last night set a new and higher stun- , dat'd of excellence. Despite stormy L ' weather conditions, the house was . crowded. It was a memorable perJ formance in more respects than one. i and the audience was enthusiastic • and unstinted in its applause of each > item. Throughout, the singing was exceptionally good, several of the per-* ■ formers being imported from other towns, whilst the best of local talent ■ was also engaged. But there was a ■ departure from the usual style of Irish • Concert held in previous years, in that " it was an innovation which met with I unanimous approval, and meant much in the success Of the evening. This whs the introduction of several items ■ —solo and concerted —-by the children. ‘ If over the genius of Miss Cecily Tabor - was recognised, it was last night. ' The novel manner in which she pre- ' sented two pieces in particular, and the wonderful efforts of the partici- • pants reflected on her the highest ’ credit. The presentation of that pop- • nlar hit “Peggy O’Neil,” would dO 1 credit to the most talented profes- ’ sional stage organiser. The soloist 1 j was Dennis O’Brien, a smart lad with 'i a line voice. Having selected ‘Peggy ' I with the blue eyes’ from a bevy of i dainty children, a marriage ceremony , !in keeping with the lines of the song was delightfully carried out, the ‘parson’ (Buster Evans), bridesmaids, ’ and other people regarded as essential ’ to a wedding adding a realistic touch 3 “Peggy,” was cleverly played by 1 Edna Manson. The audience kept up ' a deafening applause until the whole ' piece was repeated. The other concerted item was the dance scena entitled "A Country Fair,” in which a ’ strikingly costumed balict danced an Irish Revel, while Rose Denson and , Miss Tabor figured in a “Country Dance,” and Buster and Ken Evans and Edna Manson in a “Dublin Dance,” each being cleverly introt dneed into the scena. “P. C. 49,” was . sung with an immense success by Majorie Squires, the introduction of [ a few incidents in the P. C’s existence • causing much amusement. One of ’ the cleverest items was contributed by Miss Ettic RUsh, who recited "In The | Pit.” The piece dealt with a fuss in , a theatrical pit caused by the nonremoval of a view-obstructing hat, The different characters were, remarkably well drawn, and Miss Rush, who is endowed with all the qualities of a first class elocutionist, was given a wonderful reception. As already mentioned, the soloists were excellently . j well chosen, and they rendered many i popular Irish compositions to the delight of all present. Miss Molly Upton gave a delightful rendering of 5 “Fairy Tales of Ireland,” and another r number, her sweet soprano voice bei ing heard to distinct advantage arid r Miss Telfer a singer from abroad, was . equally successful, her several songs 1 earning her much applause. Her best t number was “The Meeting of The < Waters.” Miss Doris Ricketts, a young r Palmerston North singer, had a llat- : tcring reception. • being a fea- , tube of the evening. The old favi ourite "Kathleen Mavoureen,” was : given a pleasing interpretation. Mr. . G. H. Andrew, of Timaru, who possi esses a nice tenor voice, sung “The Irish Emigrant,” “An Irish Soldier’s j Song,” and encore numbers in line ; style and was decidedly popular. One • of the most pleasing selection of the ! evening was "She is From the Land,” i Which was given sympathetic- treat , meat by that well known baritone, • Mr. F. G. Bourke, not altogether unknown to Palmerston North audiences. Mr. Bourkes’ other items included “Molly Bawn,” and “When Shall the Day Break.” This singer was accorded a rousing ovation after each of his items. Mr. C. Blandford, a favourite Palmerston North singer, was also very popular with the audience, his rich baritone being heard to its best in “Soon, Soon, Eileen Aroon,” a song with a delightful lilt, and “Macnshla.” Mr. C. Bell made a decided hit with - his xylophone solo "Irish Airs,” while . Mr. P. Flynn’s orchestra some appro- . priatc selections. During the entr’ . acte, “Mammy’s Little Sunny Honey Boy,” was sung from the orchestral pit by little Ken Evans. This number 1 was keenly appreciated. Mrs. T, G. Rodgers was an efficient and sym- , pathetic accompaniste.