CHRISTIAN BROTHERS’ SCHOOL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20287, 21 December 1927, Page 14

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS’ SCHOOL

ANNUAL CONCERT. Among the many entertainments that take place annually in the closing months of the year is the conceit given by the hoys of the Christian Brothers’ School, Dunedin. This is invariably awaited with keen interest, for the boys have established a particularly high standard in the display that marks the close of each school year, and their performance is well worth the attention of theatregoers, apart from those who have a personal interest in the affairs of the Christian Brothers’ School or its pupils. The 1927 concert and gymnastic display which was given in His Majesty’s Theatre last evening was no exception to the rule, and although the attendance was not as large as was the case last year, it comfortably filled every section of the auditorium. The programme was an excellent one from first to last, and the work of the boys was a tribute to their own enthusiasm, and the care with which they had been trained by the brothers. The gymnastic display items were of outstanding interest, and the exhibitions wore cleanly and neatly carried out, while the remaining portions of the programme contained pleasing variety. As a prelude to the concert, Vivat was sung as a song of welcome to the Right Rev, Dr Whyte, the audience remaining standing until its conclusion. An efficient orchestra had been secured for the concert, and after the overture the choir sang “ The Soldiers’ Chorus” (Faust) and old English airs. The Christian Brothers’ boys are noted for their productions of interesting little playets and sketches in their annual concert, and the entertainment last evening contained several such interludes in both portions of the programme. They were received with delight by the audience, and the acting of the youthful characters was delightful. The singing was of a high standard, particularly in the choruses, which were delivered tunefully and with life and rhythm. Several vocal and instrumental solos were included, and these showed that many of the school’s pupils excel in musical ability. One of the special items of the evening was the court scene from “ The Merchant of Venice,” which was acted by the boys with commendable thoroughness. It displayed a high elocutionary standard, the lines being delivered with a clarity worthy of considerable praise. The programme w-as as folliws: “Soldiers’ Chorus,” “John Peel,” "Drink to me Only with Thine Eyes ” —School Choir; recitation, Master P. Devcrcux; horizozntal bars, seniors; action sontr. juniors; sketches (“The Dentist,” “The Clinic,” “Blind Men’s Bluff ”); vocal solo. Master K. Toomey; “Wands,” Form III: action song juveniles; recitation, Master B. Jones; choruses (“Waiata Maori,” “Waiata Pol,” “ Hine E Hine”), school choir; pyramids, gymnastic class; scene from “The Merchant of Venice”; drill, juveniles; vocal solo, Master E. O’Kane; sketch (“Amusing Goldilocks"), Master J. Henderson and Master B. Wilkins; choruses (“ The Carnival," “ Song of the Volga Boatmen,”. “ O’Donnell Aboo,” “Funiculi Funicula”); violin * quartet; humorous recitation, Master J. Cullan; free exorcises. Form III; vocal solo, Master G. Hartstongc; vaulting horse, gymnastic class.