GRAND SCOTTISH CONCERT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19497, 4 June 1925, Page 5

GRAND SCOTTISH CONCERT.

I Burns Hall was filled last evening by a large and appreciative audience on, the occasion of the first of a series of Scottish concerts given under the auspices of the Otago Centre of the New Zealand Piping and Dancing Association. The programme, albeit a trifle lengthy, was well balanced, and most of the items were of more than average merit. Following the National Anthem, the Tramways Band, under the baton of Mr Mark Fagan, opened witli a selection, “Kitchener's Own,” spiritedly rendered, and followed by a well-arranged medley of Scottish airs. Madame Newcombc-Hall’s encore for her treatment of “Annie Laurie” was well deserved, and as a return she gave the favourite “Cornin’ Thro’ the Rye.” An Irish reel, danced by Misses L. Budge, 1). O'Sullivan, O. Scott, and R. Beale, earned an emphatic encore, which was certainly due to these lassies, their rhythm and time being excellent throughout. Mr S. Taylor's sweet tenor voice was heard to advantage in “Afton Water,” and in response to an emphatic recall he gave “Absent.” Miss Anita Winkel, who has just returned from her triumphs at the Christchurch Competitions, showed that at all events her success was well merited, and her description of how “Mr Higgins,” the village grocer, made a presentation to the retiring vicar, and how the latter’s son replied on behalf of his “patah” brought roars of laughter, a vociferous encore eliciting “When Uncle Told About the Ghost.” Mrs I). Carty’s rendering of “Ilamc o’ Mine” was well received, and her encore number, “Hail Caledonia,” set all feet tapping and roused the audience to a pitch of enthusiasm. The following item, a sailor's hornpipe, by the winner of the New Zealand championship, Miss May Thompson, brought rounds of applause, and this nimble-footed little lady thoroughly deserved her recall, whilst Mr Bert Rawlinson’s spirited rendition of “Sound the Pibroch” earned him an emphatic demand for more, which . demand, being complied with, was promptly repeated. Mr Paterson, attire 1 a la Harry Lauder, followed, with "The Boss o’ the Hoose,” and to the enthusiastic reception which this number received be responded with “I’m Awin' Glad I’m Married to the Wife,” but the audience, still unsatisfied, wanted more, the singer again obliging with “It’s the Jazz.” The Tramways Band opened the second half of the programme with a selection, “Carisbrooke,” after which Mrs Carty again delighted the audience with “There’s a Wee Bit Land,” which was ns enthusiastically received as her first numbers, her contribution, unfor Innately, being interrupted by some would-be wit. The same four young ladies who had previously performed the Irish reel then went through a Highland reel with much vim, and Mr Kawlinson’s following iterii, “A Hundred Pipers," was i]uito up to his usual standard. Miss Huie, deputising for Miss Winkel, recited ably, whilst Madame Ncwcombe-llall re; • dered “Mary of Argyle" sweetly. Miss May Thompson’s treatment of the Irish hornpipe gained rounds of applause, Mr Paterson, who followed with a patter song, also gaining his mead of praise. Mr Gatheridge acted ; as accompanist, and “Cod Save the King” brought to a close a very excellent programme. Concerts- will be given to-night and on Saturday evening, with entirely’ new items on each evening. |