SCOTTISH CONCERT AT ST. PAUL'S.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 7270, 19 October 1891, Page 3

SCOTTISH CONCERT AT ST. PAUL'S.

The concert given by St. Paul's choir in the church last evening was one that certainly awoke "auld momorios" of tho land of brown heath and shaggy wood. Tho programme consisted of tho moat cluice selections from tho National Choir publication, and the choir must certainly bo congratulated upon the succoss they h.ive achieved. The concert last evening was ono that would bear repetition, and most of those present — and tho church was crowded to overflowing— would bo in attendance on such another occ\sion. The arrangement of Scotia's national music for part singing is something new, and the effect as produced by tho choir and membors of tho congregation, who kindly lent assistance, was striking, and the familiar music was all tho more onjoyablo Tho choir and orchestra mustered fully fifty performers, and the volume of music produced testified to tho excellent training tho choir has received In the absence of tho Rev. Mr Todd, Mr John Annand occupied tho chair, and in his remarks said ho trusted that the choir's efforts on behalf of tin* organ fund would bo na highly appreciafed as they deserved. But to the programme The opening overturo was from "Guy Mannering," by tho orchestra, comprising Mr Thomas H. Kemshed (leader), Misses B. Richmond and E Frew, first violins ; Misses L. Mollison and M. Grant, and Mr 0. Procter, second violins ; Mr E. B. Pilcher, 'cello ; Messrs M'Leod and Gibson, cornets; MrMeldrum, trombone, and Mr F. J. Kemshed, piano. Tho overture is a somewhat difficult ono, and tho execution by members of the orchestra, most of whom are very young, was very creditable, indeed they played with commendable precisson and skill. Tho orchestra also played the " Cardinal March," as an introduction to the second part, in splendid style. Burns' "Ye Banks and Braes"— » grand old song — went well ; tho littlo catchy part of tho tenors and basses wt»s noatly put in, showing efficient and caroful practice. Tho quartetto entitled " Auld Memories," by Misses Bollenlngon and Mainland and Messrs Dorward and Royds, was a very pleasing number. The choir in the choruses wero remarkably successful, but of those in the first part tho " Moidarfc " or "Gathering of tho Clans " was the most spirited, and the humming of tho pipes in the solo parts was prettily effective ; but tho names of the clans requited clearer enunciation by the alto and the tenor. Tho rendering of " Afton Water" and " Duncan Gray" aa glees by the choir showed the powers of the choir in sympathetic and in dashing music, and tho accomplished style of these items reflected the highest credit on their con* ductor, Mr Frow. The gems of tho evening were undoubtedly Mrs Reids solos, "C.>m' ye by Athol" and "My Heather Hills," which were both most warmly encored. That Mrs Roid is the best exponent of Scottish song that has ever sung before an Oanuru audience ia not saying anything too much. Mrs Reid possesses a soprano voice of groat range, full,, clear, and powerful, and, withal, pathetic ; while tho notes in the uf per register are taken with accomplished ease and perfect finish. Her enunciation of tho pure Doric is correct, and her singing on that account is more expressive and effective, especially where tho audience is mostly Scottish. Mrs Reids encore songs wero the " Highlandman's Toast" and •' Mor-ig'a Fairy Glen." Miss Mainland sang her solo, " Tho Flowers of the Forest," very sweetly indeed ; while "The Rowan Tree," as a duot, was very nicely rendered by two young members of tho choir — Misses Irvine and Dorward— md of these young vocalists more will doubtless be heard at future entertainments. The inclusion of " Tho last rose of summer" in a programme of Scottish melodies was » literal error, but not by any means a mistake. It was a positive buccoss, and its rendering by Miss M'Kay was one of the finest and most accomplished efforts of the evening. That and the glee, " Duncan Gray," concludod tho first part of the programme. The collection taken up at tho interval amounted to Ll7 11b. After the overture by tho orchestra, Mrs Haining Bang tho solo " Aunty's Sangs," with feeling aud'ploaaing effect, and tho trio and chorus "Jock o' llazeldean," given by Misses Paterson, Mainland, and M'Kay, was not quite so woll rendered as it might have been. Tho trio were somewhat out of tune, but the last vorse was a decided improvement as tukon by the full choir. Miss Bollonhagen sang her solo, " Auld Robin Gray," as she always sings, with sweetness and much expression, and her effort was rewarded by a warm encore. Of the glees in tho second part there was not much to choose from, bub in point of finish tho " Pibroch of Donuil Dhu" was the best, and the imitation of tho pipes was a capital piece of vocalisation. " There's nae luck," and " Good night," as glees were effective items, and Mr Haining'a solo, "Bo kind to auld'Grannlo," was woll rendered, and warmly encored. The piano accompaniments to the soloists were efficiently played by Messrs Komshed and Fraer, Votes of thanks were awarded by acclamation to Messrs Frow and Kemshed and the members of the choir, and also to Mrs Reid and Mrs Haining. Tho choir's singing of " Good night 1 brought a very successful and enjoyable concert to a close.