CROMWELL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2545, 24 December 1902, Page 31

CROMWELL.

December 15. — A picture concert by the pupils if the Dominican Convent took place on Thursday evening, and was without doubt the most successful affair ever held here. A cantata, "Christmas in Fairyland," was performed during the first part of the programme, and the beautiful and varied- coloured drapes of the young performers, as they were artistically grouped, formed a brilliant coup d'oeil. The singing and dancing were a revelation, and proved what a patient and excellent training they had received at the hands of their teachers. As king of the fairies, Miss Ivy Barker, of Quartz-reef Point, sang beautifully, and as she is only entering her teens, and possesses a remarkably sweet voice, she gives promise of » brilliant future as a vocalist. The pupils either in recitation or song, were letter perfect, and rendered their various parts with a confidence and precision that reflects the greatest credit on the nuns. The wonderful precision of the drill to musical accompaniment might be equalled, but not excelled, and was a credit to the pupils' instructors. Among the reciters, Master Cedric Dawson faiily brought down the house, fi>st as "the puzzled boy, 1 ' and secondly as a blacksmith with leather apion on, the orthodox smudge on his nose, and hammer in hand. He recited with a confidence and perfection truly remarkable, considering he is only five years of age. Another tot of the same age, Miss Nellie M'Laren. was also perfect in "flatty's Wants and Wishes," and Miss Edie M'Nulty's recitation of ''Don't' 1 was greatly applauded. A piano divet by fh? Misses K. Thomas and M. ilitcheW and Mattel's " Waltz," by the Misses Frewen and Gibson, -were beautifully rendered, and were ample proof that among the nuns here thc-re exists musical talent far above the average, to be able to tur- out such promising pupils. The two choruses, ''My own New Zealand home " and "Hail, Zealandia!" by the pupils of St. John's School, were sung perfectly, and they 111 their beautiful costumes formed a striking group. During the second part, Mr . Costelloe (nee Blaney) sang "Leonora" capitally, and was loudly encored. This lady worthily upholds the record of her musical family. Miss Ethel M'Nulty, who has a remarkably sweet voice, and as a soloist is a general favourite, sang "Vale of Avoca" excellently, and in response to a vigorous encore gave "Stay in youi own lack yard." The Misses Jolly and Maggie Cahill were tha accompanists, and- played in their usual artistic style. During the interval genial Father G. M. Hunt ascended the stage and in well-chosen sentences thanked the pupils, their parents, the audience, and everybody whose services had rendered the concert such a success both artistically ancl financially. A noticeable and pleasant feature of the function was tht alacrity acd willingness of several residents of the district, who, although not members of the Catholic Church, rendered ajl the assistance in then power. The proceeds will amount to over £21.