MUSIC OF IRELAND

Taranaki Daily News, 15 March 1935, Page 10

MUSIC OF IRELAND

ST. PATRICK’S CONCERT HELD. SUCCESS AT STRATFORD. Tribute to the “land of the shamrock’’ was paid at Stratford on Wednesday night with a programme of Irish dancing and music ranging from • fervid patriotic songs to sentimental ballads. The concert was held under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church in honour of St. Patrick’s Day. Performers from the whole of'Taranaki were called übon and a thoroughly appreciative audience filled the town hall. A fitting opening was the unison song “The Meeting of the Waters” sung by a choir of children from the Stratford Convent school. The song was well done and showed evidence of careful training. The choir also closed the programme with the well-known national song “God Defend New Zealand.” Children were again seen in an Irish folk dance by pupils of Miss Tui Mcßae. The dance, which was done in costume, was an attractive and popular item. A solo jig by Miss Junne Goodwin (Hawera) was notable for neat footwork and a free swinging style. Patriotic verse was chosen by Miss Ethel Newlove for two elocutionary items, “God Bless Ireland” and the encore “The Shamrock.” There was a feast of vocal solos covering a wide range of Irish melodies. Mr. P. T. Aitken’s pleasing baritone in the “Bedbuin - Love Song” earned him an encore, for which he chose “That Tumble-Down ..Shack .in Athlone.” In “Maire My Girl” Mr. G. H. Gibson (Hawera) sang an old favourite. He wai recalled to sing “The Little Town in Old County. Down.” Variety was given by Miss M. Brown’s two selections, “The Flower Song” .(from Faust) and “One Time Day.” Miss Brown has a full strong soprano voice, and her dramatic singing of the “Flower Song” earned her considerable applause. ■ Two old favourites in “The Rose of Tralee” and “Mother Machree” were sung by Mr. Baden Bellringer, whose performance brought out all the sweetness and pathos of the well-known air. Mr. A. O’Sullivan, already well-known to his audience, sang “A Little Bit of Heaven” and, as an encore, “A Toast to Erin.” Both numbers, intensely patriotic, were delivered with spirit.

Catching all the lilt and charm of the songs, Mr. J. vrawford, Patea, delighted the crowd with six characteristic numbers, displaying the full range of his rich baritone voice. After “The Hills of Donegal” he was enthusiastically recalled and again won applause for the happy ballad “Pride of Tipperary,” which went with a great swing. By contrast, he then sang “Mother Ireland” and later in the programme he again appeared to sing “The Mountains of Mourne,” “The Little Irish Girl” and “Ireland Must be Heaven.” Father Breen, who sang “Molly Brannigan,” was enthusiastically recalled. The feature of the evening was probably a trio from Hawera, Misses Hancock, Gilmore and E. Ekdahl. A more talented group of young performers has not been heard at Stratford for some time. All three performers have delightful voices, very clear and pure, particularly in the upper register, and the duets sung first by Misses Hancock and Gilmore and later by. Misses Ekdahl and Hancdck were ‘particularly pleasing. The items contributed by the trio were: Duets, “Eileen Alannah” (Misses Hancock and Gilmore), “Derry Vale” (Misses Ekdahl and Hancock); songs, “The Fairy Tales of Ireland” and “Achal by the Sea” (Miss Ekdahl), “The- Last Rose of Summer” and “Irish Lullaby” (Miss. Hancock), “Rory Darlin’” and “The Mid Hour of Night” (Miss Gilmore). The Stratford Municipal Band played the selection “Verdi.” The effect of the constant practice the band has put in recently was remarkable, considerable improvement being shown. Although there was not a full muster, a fairly full tone Was obtained, and the crispness and life in the combination was good to hear. The selection was loudly applauded. Accompaniments were played by Misses E. Moon, Gilmore and E. Ekdahl. Mrs. Uniacke and Mr. Costelli were responsible for stage decorations, the results of their labours adding much to the success of the concert.

Appreciation of the work of the organisers, the women of the parish, and the Hibernians was expressed by Father Kennedy. He thanked the performers for their support and referred particularly to the work of Miss E. Moon, official accompanist, and Mr. A. O’Sullivan, stage manager.

Supper was provided and Vinsen’s Ambassadors orchestra afterwards played for a dance, at which there was a large attendance. Messrs. C. Till, Costelli and W. Dwyer were masters of ceremonies.