TOM MOORE CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 243, 2 July 1918, Page 3

TOM MOORE CONCERT

FINALS OF THE COMPETITION

Tho 'concert held in commemoration of Tom Moore, tho gifted Irish poet, whoso beautiful lyrics liavo helped in a very largo measure to establish a fabric of Irish song of which tho wholo of tho Anglo-Saxon ruce —to say nothing of tho Celts—never tire, drow a large audicnee to the Towp Hall' last evening. Added interest was lent tho concort by half tho programme Twiug comprised of the finals in the Tom Moore competitions, which were rcduced to reasonable numbers on Saturday last. Theso competitions wero for school boys and girls attending the Roman Catholic schools, and the interest taken in them by tho children could not bo measured in cold woids. Almost without exception the children sang remarkably well, and the decisions of tiia adjudicator in the musical sections (Mr. F. J. Oakes) were received with enthusiastic approval. In giving his decisions, Air. Oakes thanked thoso who' hud been at pnins to teach tho choirs, and said that tho results were wonderful considering that tho timo given up to music in thb scnools during the year worked out at only a quarter of an hour per day. He was sure that the results amply repaid the teachers for tho patience and diligonco they had exercised. He took a very lceen interest 'in tho competitions, as lie realised that tho boys and girls who participated in them were those on whom they lutd to rely for the church choirs of the future. The results of the musical competitions were ns follow Boys' soprano solo, "The Coulin"— Thomas George (79 points out of 100),' 1; John Waters (75), 2. Boys' alto solo, "I Saw From tho Beach"—Dan Nolan (82), 1; George Collier (45), 2. t Boys' duet, "Has Sorrow Thy Young Days Shaded"—'Walters Brothers (78), lj T. George a,nd C. Simpson (67), 2. Girls' soprano solo, "Silent O'Moyle"— Eileen Higgins (68), 1; Agnea Clentworth (19), 2. Choir contest (for the Bristol Piano Company's ohallcuge shield), "The Last iiose of Summer"—Marist Bros.' School, 'i'horndon (78), 1; Sacred Heart School, Bouleott Street (76), 2; Island Bay Convent (60), 3. Choir contest (for Begg's challenge shield), "When Thro' Life"—Marist Bros.' School, Thorndon (79), 1; Marist Bros. School, Newtown (75), 2. In addition to the above the winners of the elocutionary sections, Miss Bita Stewart (girls) and Master _ Clement ' Doherty (boys) recited their respective pieces, viz., "How Calm and Beautiful," and "Remember the Glories of Brien the Brave." The second part of the programme was contributed by adult talents, who also strictly adhered to (he lyrics of-the famous Irish bard. Miss 1 Agnes Segrief song very sweetly "Night Closed Round tho Conquerors Way," and Miss Teresa M'Enroe's cultured soprano was heard to fine effect in "She is Par from tho Land.", Miss M'Keowen, who is developing a rich mezzo voice, was heard to advantage in "The \Meoting of the Waters," and Miss Eileen Driscoll and Mr. T. D. Collins sang the duet "I Saw Thy Form." The strong, vibrant baritono of Mr. A. C. Melvin found good expression in "Let Erin Romemlier," and :Ur. Kevin Dillon recited with dramatic appreciation "The Prince's Days." "Tho Minstrel Bov" was nicely sung as a male nuartet by' Messrs. A. ,1. Fogarty, E. B. L, Reade, E. J. Healy, anil A. C. Melvin, and "Oft in the Stilly Night" by the samo combination, was charmingly 'sung. ' The Harp that Once" was sung by Misses Kathleen .Tansen, Eileen Driscoll, Messrs. E. B. L. Reado, and E. J. Healy. The concert was concluded by the combined choirs singing "The Last Rose of Summer," under the baton of Mr. Oakes. Miss Eileen Dennehy presided at tho grand organ.