CONCERT AT THE CATHOLIC INSTITUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7824, 18 December 1886, Page 5

CONCERT AT THE CATHOLIC INSTITUTE.

A concert in aid of the funds of St. Mary's Orphanage was held yesterday evening at the Catholic Institute, there being a fair attendance. His Lordship Bishop Luck and the Rev. Fathers Costallo, Kehoe, and Egan, were amongst those present during the evening. "The Harp That Once Through Tara's Halls," was made the opening number, being sung by Miss M. J. Mcllhone, whose pleasing interpretation of Moore's favourite melody was well received. Mr. J. Danaher made his debut in "The Slave Ship," and though his voice, a fine tenor, was admirably suited in this selection, he sung in so low a tone as to be sometimes almost inaudible. A pianoforte solo, excellently rendered by Miss D. Lynch, was followed by " The Cradle Song of the Poor," contributed by Mrs. F. H. Lewisson, whose rich, powerful soprano, gave the selection its fullest expression, and who received loud applause. The solo, " Happy Moments," was the occasion of the debut of Miss Danaher, but this young lady was evidently very nervous, and thus her naturally sweet voice was heard at considerable disadvantage, besides which the song utterly lacked expression. Miss Danaher also appeared in the popular " Scenes that are Brightsit," from " Maritana." Mrs. O'Connor, who is well-known as a songstress of considerable reputation, contributed "Cushla Machree" and "Sweet Home," the latter item especially being well received. The little folks did a share in making the entertainment a Buccess, Misses E. Mcllhone, Eveleen O'Connor, and C. Caffrey, singing " Leaf by Leaf the Rosea Fade," the first-named child again appearing in the solo, "Children's Voices," with hidden chorus. The favourite song, " Thy Voice is Near," was essayed by Miss Naughton with a measure of success, A charming number was the piano solo with which the second part of the concert waa opened, Willie Pape's " Masea's in the Cold, Cold Ground," played by Miss Buokley; though by far and away the best item of the evening's programme was the evergreen duefc, " Home to Our Mountains," from " Jl Trovatore," sung by Mrs. Lewisson and the Rev. Father Kehoe, the latter playing the accompaniment. The concluding portion of the duet was repeated in response to a vociferona demand. A feature of the entertainment was the recitals of Mr. J. J. Walsh, who gave Mr. G. Sims' "The Way to Heaven," "Slumopolis," "Billy's Roso," and a poem entitled " Kate Maloney," the latter two being recited in response to an encore. The accompanyiat3 during the evening were :—Misses Lynch, A. Mcllhone, and Danaher, and Father Kehoe. The singing of the National Anthem terminated the concert. Attention has previously been directed to the fact of persons persisting in talking and laughing at entertainments of this character ; and this was particularly noticeable yesterday evening, when a number of the audience chatted audibly during the singing, to the great annoyance of those around them.