Palmerston North

New Zealand Tablet, 25 April 1918, Page 39

Palmerston North

Although weather conditions and other circumstances militated against the success of the Irish national concert recently given, a large audience gathered at the Zealandia Hall to hear a programme of national .music equal to the best that has been heard in Palmerston. The stage was quite transformed by a deft arrangement of palms and graceful greenery, and the Irish flag formed the background. The overture in each part was played by the Railway Orchestra,,-a selection of national airs forming the theme of each fantasia, the items being warmly applauded. Miss Theresa McEnroe, of Wellington, whose artistry and ringing clear soprano voice has already won for her a high reputation in musical circles, was accorded q,uite an ovation for her solos, being recalled several times. Her first song was “Come Back to Erin,” and in the second part she sang the old favorite “The Last .'Rose of Summer,” her singing, of which completely won the hearts of her audience. Mr. F. G. Bourke, an Auckland singer, made his first appearance before a Palmerston audience. His- voice, a robust tenor, has that plaintive ring which enhances the charm of Irish If oik songs with their mingling of humor and pathos, a phase so characteristic of the Irish people. That his I excellent singing was appreciated was demonstrated by the repeated recalls. His first song, “She is Far From the Land,” was followed by “Mother Machree’’ fas an encore number, and after “Bantry Bay,” a dainty ballad, by special request Mr. Bourke sang “The Mountains of Mourne,” after which a further -encore was demanded. Mrs. E. L. Broad and Miss 'Hanlon were encored for their duet “Killarney.” also for the" trio, ! : Eileen Allahah ; ” fin which Miss Kearins was associated with them. . Mrs. Broad chose for her solo “Molly Bawn,” responding to an emphatic encore with “Allan Water.’’ Miss Kearins’ solo was the' everpopular “Kathleen, Mavourneen,” her interpretation v pf the number earning her ? a floral tribute in addition

to s a hearty encore. “Oh, Steer My Barque” was * a popular solo as sung by Miss Hanlon, and for 'which she received a rousing encore. Miss Barbara Evans danced with much charm a Highland fling and Irish jig m costume, with pipe accompaniment by Mr. R. Finlay son. p These were * very popular. items ' and each had to be repeated. Mr Guthrie was recalled for hit song, “Evergreen Hope,” and two recitations by Misses C. Tabour and K. Brown met with a similar reception. Mrs. T. J. Rodgers was accompanist.v