CENTRAL SCHOOL CONCERT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13462, 29 June 1907, Page 7

CENTRAL SCHOOL CONCERT.

The success of the Central School concert at the Theatre Royal last night quite justified the announcement that a similar performance would be given in the course of the next two months. The hall was filled to overflowing. About half the audience consisted of children. The enthusiasm elicited by some of the items was tremendous. A Highland fling is frequently a thing to be endured; but the dancing of little Miss I. Davison was so true and graceful, and the whole effect of the costume, limelight, and bagpipe music was- so artistic that the audience would not be denied an encore. Of the other children's items the most interesting was the Cross, Star and Pyramid, march by thirty-six boys and thirtyisix girls from the Central School under the direction of Mr Cockroft.. The march gave some good spectacular effects, and several of the tableaux were applauded. Though the movements were intricate, the team worked without a hitch. The junior cadets gave an exhibition of physical drill, marked by precision of movement and excellent timing. The infants' '•topsy-turvy" act was a refreshing little curtain-raiser. There were also some exceptionally good items among those contributed by the friends of' the school. Mr W, . M. Perry's orchestra of thirteen instruments did tho bulk of the musical work, playing selections from "The Mikado" and "LustspieL" The orchestra is delightfully balanced, and the leading instruments are in particularly capable hands. The pieces achieved much popularity among the adult portion of the audience. Mrs Wilkes was heard to great advantage in the simple, melodious Spring Song from "Midsummer Night's Dream." In response to a persistent recall she gave 'I A May Morning." The pieces were. well chosen for the occasion, and their rendering provided much real'enjoyment to the music-lovers present. Mr Donovan's cornet solo, "The Lost Chord," was a masterly effort, and thoroughly pleasing. The gymnastic work done by Mr, Lintz and his pupils was perfect of its kind. Mr Lintz gave an exhibition of fancy club-swinging that gained the unusual tribute of an encore. On the horizontal bar he and his pupils performed the most difficult feats with apparent ease. Rarely if ever is a better squad of gymnasts deen at the entertainments given by the big gymnasia of the cities. Clown and Dummy provided the youngsters with much amusement. The juvenile part of the audience was evidently eager for fun. The comic songs of Mr Farmer wore greeted with a furore of applause. The concert concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.