DOMINICAN CONVENT CONCERT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10597, 18 February 1896, Page 6

DOMINICAN CONVENT CONCERT.

There was not a scat vacant in the Princess Theatre at 8 o'clock last evening, on the occasion of a concert which was given in aid of the building fund of the Dominican Convent. The building was literally parked from floor to ceiling. Many considered themselves fortunate in securing the modicum of comfort afforded by a s*at on the ateps of the dresa circle, while others had preforce to content thein3elves with standing room (simply. The result of the entertainment, therefore, must be gratifying to the promoters, for apart from the fact that the object in view will be materially aided, it i* pleasing to note the unmintakable evideuce of public appreciation and practical recognition of the work that is being carried ou so successfully by the nuns of the Dominican Priory. The programme was evidently selected with judgment and care, and was in every resgect a most enjoyable one. The performers included some of our best-known amateurs, all of whom wore accorded a cordial greeting. Miss Clar.i Mongredien waR in good voice, »nd gave a highly artistic rendering of " The valley by the sea" (Stephen Adams). An encore was insisted upon, and the lady-responded with "Two is company." Miss Rode Blaney was hardly heard to such advantage in " Love's garden " ss is usually the coae with-her selections, and her encore number, '"Tis all that I can say," was distinctly her better effort. Miss Kitty Ulaney oanc R indegcer'a "Peacefully slumber," a charming little composition, and her contribution was so well appreciated that she.was honoured with a recall. Mr Harry Smith gave a sympathetic rendering of " The distant shore." A persistent demand for an encore was made, and Mr Smith reappearing sang, with a good deal of effect, " The boys of the old brigade." Mr Burns-Walker gave a vigorous rendering of the aria "Lend me your aid," for which an encore was demanded, but the singer contented himself with bowing bis acknowledgments. Miss Jsnnie We6t contributed as a pianoforte solo, " Valse Caprice " (Chaminarte) wbich received musiciauly treatment at her hanri>, and at another stage of the proceedings, together with Miss 'F. Irwin, she played a transcription of airs from " BelisariV * A duet from

"Trovatore" was also sung by Miss Blaneyand Mr Walker, and proved an enjoyable item. The comedietta, " As .Cool as a Cucumber," was also included in the programme, and afforded a great de*l cf merriment to those present The principal parts were taken by Mr G. M. Mouat, Misses Rose and Kitty Blaney, and Messrs Sincock at-d Wilcox. All the performers have had experience on the stage, and therefore were in no wise afflicted with stage fright. On the contrary, one and all acted with no little skill, and that their efforts were attended with success waß self-evi-dent by the frequent outbursts of laughter and Siplauue which marked the progress of the piece, urine the evening the accompaniments were played by Miss Kate Moloney, who performed the duties pertaining to the post in a praiseworthy manner.