IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20516, 18 March 1930, Page 9

IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT.

Celebrations in connection with St. Patrick's Day concluded last evening with a grand Irish national concert in tho Town Hall. There was a large attendance, all parts of the hall being filled. A very fina programme was provided, and many wellknown artists took part. Irish airs and music predominated, and old favourites such as "Kathleen Mavoiirneen" and " The Dear Little Shamrock " were revived. A feature of the programme was the sifting by the children of the combined Catholic schools. The tiers above the stage were packed with children dressed in white, who responded heartily to the choruses conducted by the Bev. Bro. Henrick. The programme opened with the singing by the children of "Hail, Glorious St. Patrick," followed by "Here's a Toast to Erin." "Erin, My Country" was a later contribution. Warm appreciation was shown of songs given by the Clarion Quartette, comprising Miss Alma McGmer, Miss Beryl Smith, Mr. James Simpson and Mr. Duncan Black, and a selection from "Rigoletto" was admirably rendered by Miss D. Jenkins and Miss S. Dobbs and Mr. G. Fagan and Mr. B. Valentine. Some very popular solo items were given, the artisis in all cases being recalled. Mrs. Margaret Leydon contributed two songs, "Oh, Steer My Barque " and " The Meeting of tho Waters." " Kathleen Mavourneen," sung by Miss Mario Bellamy, was greatly appreciated, and Mrs; J. J. Sullivan was warmly applauded for her rendering of the song " The Harp That Once." Mr. Fred Baker made two appearances during the evening and his songs, " The Wheeltapper's Song " and "Off to Philadelphia," were among the most popular items. Variety was added to the programme by violin solos played by Mr. Haydn- Mur r ray, while Miss Linda Murphy contri-' buted a very clever musical sketch, " I Don't Know." The humorous side of the entertainment was in tho capable hands of Mr. Dan Flood, who delighted .with a few nonsensical songs at the piano. Miss Makla Hooker played the accompaniment for the majority of the items. The concert was arranged by the St. Patrick's Day Celebration Committee, which was responsible for the handling of the programme. The proceeds are to be donated to the funds of Catholic orphanages.