ST. PATRICK'S CONCERT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11993, 16 March 1901, Page 8

ST. PATRICK'S CONCERT.

Under the patronage of Dr Verdon, the clergy ot the Roman Catholic diocese, and the Mayor of Dunedin (Mr R. Chisholm), a most successful concert was held in the Garrison Hn.ll last night in the presenco of a very large audience, Prior to the commencement of the programme the Kaikorai Band marched from the Octagon to the hall, and played in front of the ranin door, The programme arranged for the St. Patrick's Day concerts is always composed of gems which have been composed, by eminent men ot the Emerald Isle, and on this occasion the selections, with few exceptions, followed the same rule. The opening item was a piano duet by Mrs J. Woods and Mr A. Vallis. llr James Jago, whoso name was next on the programme, by his capital singing of " The minetrel boy," caused Toe audience to at once break through the reqnest that there should be no encores, and in response to an imperative recall he gave an' acceptable rendering of " Connemnra." It is seldom Mr Jago has been heard in better voice than he was last night. He was quite as successful in the fecond part of the programme, when he sang "The Irish emigrant." Miss Constance Pearson has a sweet voice, but it was not heard to advantage, through nervousness, in her sinking of " Avcnrneen." " Shamus O'Brien " was Mr Edgar Bush's recitation. It was rather difficult for some of the audience, especially those at the back, to make out all his words, but he lias a pnynieing style. He was accorded a recall. Jlr Thomas 3. Hussey is another promising performer. He has a serviceable voice, and, exercising good control over it, he scored a distinct success in " Believe me if till/' The undeniable encore that followed was responded to with the popular " Off to Philadelphia," which elicited the warmed , plaudits. This young gentleman should be heard 01" again. Miss Rose Blaney's item was " Koiy Darlin',' and, needless to say, she was listened to with pleasure. In response to an encore, she sang " The dear little shamrock " very i<iccly. Her singing of "Killorney" was also pleasing, and her reappearance was insisted upon. Herr Zimmermann's playing of "Yankee doodle ' was vociferously applauded and encored. Mis 9 Winnie M'Cormack, a little tot, dressed in white, danced an Irish jig with plenty of " go," and was deservedly recalled. St. Joseph's Orchestra opened the second part of the concert with a well-played nnd enjoyable selection from " The Geisha." Mr Carolin sang " Oh, Erin, the tear," and Mr W. Shepherd ''Eily Mavoiirneen." Mr R. PhilHps's cornet solo, " Tancredi," which was certainly worth listening to, was encored. Mr E. Eagar gave a meritorious rendering of "Oh, Erin, my country," and na an encore " The rose of Tralee," both items earning for him the heartiest applause,

Mr J. A. O'Brien's euphonium solo, " Come back to Erin," was played in that gentleman's best style, and was enthusiastically received. Mr T. Anthony furnished a comic song tor the wind-up, and, being recalled, gave another item of the same class. Mrs J. Woods and Mr A. Vallis acted as accompanists, During the interval the Rev. Father Murphy tool; the opportunity of thanking the audience for their attendance, the performers ior their services, and the members of the committee for the interest they had tnken in ihe concert. He lied r.lso to thank Father Gan'.y, of Melbourne, for honouring them with his presence. They fully appreciated the honour, and the more they saw of the worthy Father the more they liked him.—(Applause.) He had also to thank the mayor for past favours. In his Wnrship's term of office he (Father Muvphy) had lied occasion lo visit him, nrnl had always found him the courteous gent lonian they saw that night, niid he took that opportunity of thanking him for the many favours he had conferred on their community during his term 33 mayor of the city.—(Applause.)