MARIST SCHOOL CONCERT.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXI, Issue 12479, 16 September 1904, Page 3

MARIST SCHOOL CONCERT.

Last night a large and appreciative audience filled the Theatre Royal to listen to. a carefully-selected programme of music and song, submitted by the pupils of the Marist Brothers' School, assisted by a few friends. A feature of the youngsters' contributions was the distinctness of enunciation, which made every syllable of both songs and recitations audible over the whole house. The children were neatly dressed, and in the comedietta to which the curtain was raised in the second part of the programme, the make-up of the leaders in the cast, by Mr C. Healey, .was distinctly creditable. The choruses in three parts by forty voices were olear and distinct, with good attack; the treble was sweet and clear and the balance of tone, particularly in "The Happy Farmer" (Schumann), was all that [ could reasonably be expected. The other choruses were "Massa's in the Cold' Ground" and "The Life Boat Crew." The latter, an old Swiss air, arranged by. Herr Hugo Alpen, is a sweet melody, supported by-rich harmonious chords, which the little singers brought out very creditably,' though perhaps with too much freedom." Master M; ; O'Meeghan, quite a little fellow, recited "Grandma's Shamrocks " with spirit and apparent ease, and got a good reception. Mrs Lynch contributed ".The-Last Rose!of; Summer' 'in a "pleasing manner, and in response to the well-merited-.recall igave.*;"Oh, how De-liglitful!'';;-.Shei was: in- excellent voice, and interpreted "her second numberjwith smoothness and fiicility. A recitation. . " When I'm aj,-Man," by-;six juniors, .caused much aSiftement, and'-lhe- six,, judging by their statements and gestures, intend to follow .useful callings and become model citizens when their majority is reached. Masters P. O'Meeghan, M. O'Meeghan. B. Collins and H. McDonald sang a quartette entitled " We'll all go a-singing." This item, also, was cast in a humorous vein, and was evidently appreciated. The well-known '■' Orange and Green", was recited by Master G.'Virtue with sympathy and vigor, and though it is rather a severe test of memory for so young a lad, he acquitted himself creditably. Master A. McDonald's solo, "A Soldier's Letter." was one of the most enjoyable items of the evening, and had to be repeated. He has a sweet treble voice, and sings with confidence and freedom. Mr Higgins, a stranger to Timaru, and Ihe possessor of a pleasing light baritone voice, sang "The Meeting of the Waters.'* and had to respond with " Killarney." Master P. Kane's recitation "The Drummer Boy" showed histrionic ability of no -mean order, the voice being clear and resonant and capable of strong inflexion. Sixteen boys, neatly attired in white with green sashes, gave a pretty dumbbell display, in good time, which called forth loud applause. Two duets " List to the Convent Bells" and "Won't you Buy my Pretty Flowers" were also rendered. A comedietta in one act, entitled "Blind Obedience' 'was a clever little sketch of boarding school life, with the inevitable mischievous boy and bucolic master, who were continually having a. crow-picking feast between them. Master T. O'Connor as Recklis, the bad boy in question. Master •T. O'Dowd as the Schoolmaster, and Master P. Kane as Mary Jane, the housemaid, toolc their roles verv" creditably, and were supnorted bv Masters W. Collins. T. Geaney, S. Mason, D. Bergin, and G. Virtue. Rev. Father Tubman at tie close of the performance thanked the audience for their attendance and the appreciation thev had shown. The brothers/and the pupils also deserved his thanks, for the work of preparation was arduous, both on teacher and pupil, especially as it was all done out of school hours. " Miss E. McGninness accompanied throughout the evening with excellent taste and discrimination. The programme concluded at 11.30 with " God Save the King."