IRISH CONCERT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18520, 18 March 1930, Page 7

IRISH CONCERT.

ST. PATRICK’S NIGHT FESTIVAL. The enthusiasm with which Irish music is received in Timaru was evidenced last night in the Scottish Hall at the national concert, held annually in connection with the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The hall was crowded and each item was received with unbounded enthusiasm Vocal numbers were happily arranged to include many of the old favourites, while the introduction of a Scottish and an English song here and there, made the programme a comprehensive and appealing one. A little humour and two national dances helped to make the evening one of the most enjoyable it would be possible tp imagine. With the inclusion in the list of artists of Misses A. McDavitt and W. Fenton, of Wellington, added interest was given to this year’s concert, and with such well-known Timaru vocalists as Messrs G. H. Andrews and Ralph Holdgate, as well as the Rev. Father Outtrim, of Fairlie, the strength of the vocal side of the entertainment can be appreciated. Mr R. A. Malcolm was responsible for the humorous portion of the programme, and the warm reception he received was a tribute to his entertaining abilities. The national dancing was in the capable hands of a band of Timaru dancers.

Mr Ralph Holdgate opened the programme with “Father O’Flynn,” which roused the audience to a high pitch of enthusiasm. His baritone voice was heard again in “The Wolf,” while at a later stage in the evening, he contributed the sweet Irish ballad, “The Daughter of Mother Machree,” and a request number, “Off to Philadelphia.” Miss A. McDavitt, who has a mezzosoprano voice of rare quality, justified her Wellington reputation in her opening number, “The Kerry Dance,” a splendid folk song, responding with “Kate O’Shane.” Her bracket in the second half, included the delightful “Danny Boy” and a short but appealing number in “I Know Where I am Going.”, Possessing a contralto voice of good range and power, Miss W. Fenton was provided much scope to display her talents in “For the Green,” and “Achal by the Sea.” Her second bracket contained the sw T eet Irish ballad “Dreaming of Home,” and a gay number, “Song of the Little Folks.” Misses Fenton and McDavitt, sang as duets “The Meeting of the Waters,” and “Come to the Fair.” “The Harp that Once,” and “When Song is Sweet” were other numbers that increased the popularity of the Wellington vocalists. The Rev. Father Outtrim, who was given an ovation after contributing “Oft in the Stilly Night,” responded with “The Snowy Breasted Pearl,” and

“My Laddie,” a simple but effective work by a Scottish composer. On Mr G. H. Andrews (baritone), fell the task of supplying seven numbers, all of which were enthusiastically received. Commencing with “A Little Bit of Heaven,” Mr Andrews won great favour and his presentations of the rollicking sea shantie, “Three for Jack,” the humorous “Mickey’s Advice,” and “The Song of the Clock,” “The Irish Emigrant,” “The Minstrel Boy,” and a request offering. “The Mountains of Mourne.” completed a collection of splendidly varied songs. Mr R. A. Malcolm portrayed several interesting characters in his five contributions. “Doogan’s Discovery,” his first monologue, resulted in an encore in “The' Presentation of Prizes,” a clever record of the prize-giving at a Scottish golf tournament. “Kitty O’Toole” made immediate appeal, while “Hooligan’s Mare,” a story of the race track, and “Monty on Health,” were welcome additions to the programme. Miss Cissy Kyle opened the dancing portion of the entertainment with a stirring Irish Jig, responding with another Irish dance. The appearance of Misses Hazel, Edith and Tina Mackay. and Nancy Drew, dressed in white, with their green capes flying, was the signal for much applause. Their interpretation of an Irish reel was very fine, and a repeat number increased their popularity with the gathering. Piper Guthrie supplied the accompaniment. The artistic accompaniments of Mrs N. D. Mangos, from whom much was required, was a great factor in the success of the vocal portion of the programme.