KING’S HIGH SCHOOL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23015, 19 October 1936, Page 2

KING’S HIGH SCHOOL

FIRST PUBLIC CONCERT AN ENJOYABLE ENTERTAINMENT The first public concert to be given by King’s High School attracted a large audience to the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Saturday night. The entertainment, which was held under the auspices of the King’s High School Parents’ Association in aid of the school funds, was a particularly enjoyable one and was an instance of the rapid progress which the institution has made in all departments of school life since its opening in February. The programme was well varied, and, while several 1 outstanding items were contributed by well-known performers and societies of the city, it was essentially a school cbncert, the numbers given by the boys reaching a high standard. The programme was put through with a despatch that was highly creditable to those responsible for its organisation. The school choir of 80 boys, under the conductorship of Mr T. J. Arnold, was an excellent combination, and its numbers were deeply appreciated by • the audience. The choir’s opening bracket was “ The School Song,” the words of which are by Dr B. H. Howard, and Handel’s melodious “ Song of the \ Hills."/ Later, led by the school quartet, it gave a beautiful rendering of “Vesper Hymn” (arranged by Gerrard Williams), and it sang with Plenty of vigour the community song ‘ Old Man Care.” The choir concluded the first portiori of the programme vith Masefield’s “Trade Winds” (Keel) which it sang with restraint and sweetness. It also was heard in enjoyable encore numbers. An outstanding item was Master H. K. Claridge’s singing of "Vienna, City of My Dreams,” which the boy soprano sang very sweetly. He responded to an encore and gave an artistic rendering of “ I Love the Moon.” Another good individual item was the recitation “ How the Guards Came Through.” which was presented with plenty of life > and expression by Master O. Moller. He gave as a recall number the amusing piece “If Life Were a Play.” One of the most appreciated items of the evening was a Tyrolese yodelling song, “Her Yodelling Boy,” by Master G. C. M’Kay, who showed unusual ability in this type of singing. His item was enthusiastically received by the audience, and he was called upon for another yodelling number, which he rendered with even greater effect. The remaining item by the boys was a dumb-bell display by an efficient and well turned-out squad. Several enjoyable items were presented by well-known performers of Dunedin. An orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr C. R. Spackman, opened each portion of the programme with enjoyable selections. Mr Arthur Macdonald was in good voice in “Stout-hearted Men” from “The New Moon,” and he gave an enjoyable recall number. The Cecilia Trio presented Edward German’s “ Beauteous Morn ” and it, too. responded to an encore. Mr John Kennedy’s pleasing tenor voice was heard to effect in “ On Wings of Song” (Mendelssohn) and Mrs Nellie Whitworth gave a much appreciated rendering of “Sink, Red Sun” (Teresa Del Riego). both singers responding to encores. The concluding item was a short play. “The Shadow of the Glen,” presented by members of the Dunedin Repertory Society. This production, with its Irish setting and characters, was faithfully portrayed, and in the manner that John M. Synge, its brilliant author, intended. The players all had pleasing Irish voices and each one gave a polished performance. Those taking part were Miss Rene O’Sullivan as Norah Burke, Dr G. E. Moloney as the tramp, Mr Frank Lanyon as David Burke, and Mr W. D. Finlayson as Michael Dara. The accompanists during the evening were Miss E, Young and Mrs M'Kay.