GRAND CONCERT

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 18, 18 July 1924, Page 5

GRAND CONCERT

SCOTTISH SONG AND STORY. GATHERING O’ THE CLANS. The Taranaki Provincial Scottish Society achieved a signal success at their annual concert in the Town Hall last evening, by presenting a varied and well selected programme, in which, naturally, the national element of Caledonia predominated. The entertainment was on the same high plane as was established in the past, and awoke in the hearts of all Scots and lovers of the national airs the warmest appreciation, which was in evidence throughout the evening. Chief Peter Aitken and the executive are to be congratulated upon their choice of entertainers, and the manner in which the concert was arranged. The number of encores that the performers were compelled to supply to meet the demands of the audience was sufficient proof that the standard of the items was o; a high order. iThere were many visitors from New Plymouth, Hawera, Eltham, and the surrounding districts, and the performers were greeted with a full house. .. The presence of the Eltham Pipe. Band lent a distinctly national tone to the gathering, and in addiI tion to awakening Broadway with the skirl of the pipes prior to the concert, the members contributed items on the stage,, being received with great applause. Another, body of musicians who were prominent during the evening was the orchestra, under Mr C. H. Lawn, and their overtures, especially the selection of Scottish Songs during the second half of the programme when the audience joined in singing wellknown Scottish songs, were much enjoyed. The Society were fortunate in securing the services of Mr F. Baird, and the audience were delighted with this vocalist’s talented interpretation of Scottish songs. He sings with ease, and infuses into his numbers a wealth of feeling and. sympathy, which, combined with 'a natural Scotch enunciation, at once made him a warm favorite, and he. had to respond to many recalls. “Mary of Argyle,” his first item, was specially well rendered, and as a recall he gave “A Hundred Pipers.” In the second part of the programme he sang thrice before Sis listeners were content to allow him to how his . N acknowledgment ‘of their appreciation. Included were “My Love is Like a Red Red Rose,”“Allan Water,” and “Farewell to the Desert.” Another pleasing exponent of Scottish Song was Miss Chrisr tina McLaren, who was, also a great favorite, being possessed of a charming personality in addition to a voice of wide range and sweetness. Her numbers were “My Ain Folk” (encore “Annie Laurie”) and “My Ain Wee Hoose” (encore Coming’ Thro, the Rye”). Of four excellent items,' probably “My Ain Wee House” was most enjoyed. The Scotch songs by Miss Ivy Kendrick were “Robin: Adair,” (encore “Loch Lomond”), “Ye Banks and Braes” (encore “Love in Spring”). The first-named, “Robin Adair,” was sung with most expression, but this lady has the true Scotch temperament. The nunibers by the Melody Four, of' New Plymouth, who. are well known to Stratford audiences, and are always greatly appreciated, were “The Quest” (encores “Little Tommy” and “We Laid Our Little One to Rest”), and “In Absence” (encores “The Tack” and “Over the Way”) Mr A. B. McDonald, of New Plymouth, always appeals to lovers of. good music, and , sang “Scotland My Ain” (encore 'Ballad Monger”) and “The Gladiator” (encore “Invictus”). The humorous Scot was Mr W. Simpson, of T-lawera, who. renewed acquaintance with Stratford, and proved to be as popular as ever. The audience seemed not tp tire of his items, among which v were “Roaming in the Gloaming,” “Ohio,” “Doch and Doris,” and “Over the Rolling Sea.” But there were several splendid items besides vocal and instrumental. Mr Hale Spencer has histrionic ability far above the average, and he. entertained with recitations, the first of which was “Haggis o’ Sandy MePhee,” followed by “Courtin’ the Widow," “Yer Ain Name,” “Nini, Ninette, and Ninon,” and “Who’ll Have a Blood Orange.” Miss Heather Adair supplied pleasing variety in the way of Scotch dancing, and she, too, had to respond to the 'demands of the audience. Four Scotch Lassies, Misses Ferguson, Adair and Walker (2) danced a Foursome Reel , in good style, and were loudly applauded. The programme concluded with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” by the company. Among the features of the evening was the splendid assistance giren by Mrs J. H. Thompson as accompanist, her sympathetic and artistic playing being invaluable. Miss L. Spence also kindly accompanied Mr Simpson's items. Mr P. Thomson acted as stage manager in his usualcapable style, greatly assisting his Chief and the hon. secretary (Mr C.'Mcl. Young).

During an interval in tlie programme, Chief Aitken briefly addressed the audience, thanking*them and also the performers on behalf of the Society, and reminding all that a dance, under the auspices of the Society, would be held in the Town Hall on August 7. The furniture for the stage waS kindly loaned by Messrs Weston Bros. Altogether the evening was most successful, the conduct of (which was characteristic of the national character for energy and achievement.