The Concert

Feilding Star, Volume VII, Issue 96, 23 January 1886, Page 2

The Concert

— Owing to the lateness of the arriral of the train from Foxton, many persons who had gone to the races were prevented from attending, and others were exerting themselves at the fire at Taonui, therefore at 8 o'clock the Hall looked very bare. However, as the time went on, the audience gradually became more numerous until at about .nine o'clock the front seats were comfortably filled, while the second seats were moderately patronised. The first part of the concert consisted of selections from the Mass of Annunciation by the members of the Wanganui Catholic Church Choir. The Kyrie and Gloria from Mozarts 12th Mass, St. Lawrence Credo, "Weber's Sanctus and Agnus Dei were all rendered with beautiful effect, far superior to'anything of the kind yet heard in Feilding. After listening to the grand music of Mezart, the chorus " Hark, Apollo Strikes the Lyre" * fell very fiat, although the several performers did their parts very creditably. Mr Crossman sang "My Queen" in the first, and " The Vagabond" in the second part of the programme. He was in excellent voice and was applauded at the conclusion of each song. In the duet between the cornet and piano, Mr M. L. Reading made his iirst appoamnce : and was a success, nis execution was gooil, displaying much careful study and practice, as well as natural ability ns a musiciau. lie was ably assisted by the lady who accompanied him cm the piauo. "Dermott Asthore"* was rendered in a pleasing manner by Miss Cronin. Mr Heading followed with. " The British Volunteers," which he sang in a very effective manner which elicited a good round of applause. Miss Lloyd sung the somewhat difficult piece "II TBaeio" very nicely. The next song "Killarney" was hot a 'success. ,'Mr MuCullock sang "The 33>ridge" very effectively, and was heartily applauded at its conclusion. The duet "Ive Wandered in Dreams" was beautifully given, and Mr Cribb's excellent tenor blended charmingly with the sweet soprano of Mrs Turner, as yet this was. the gem of the evening. After the interval the Makino Brass Band played the overture "Erin" in brilliant style. Mr McCullock did not give " "When Pat comes o'er the hills," but Mr Bussell sang in stead, "Wrecked and Saved," and although he was somewhat tired from the good work he had done in the Masses, yet he did very well. Miss McDonnell followed with the "Reign of the Roses" which she sang very pweetly. This young lady has a lovely voice, which will develope into a richness above the. average in a very few ye^rs. Mr George Wilson recited "An Italian; Sunset" with effect. ' His style was : so good that we regretted the" brevity : .of the 'piece. Miss Mahpney saug "Jes'siefs Dream" so well that she reeeured an encore. The due*"" Tie" Lily and the. Rose" by Mrs Lloyd and Miss . Gronin was the gem of the evening in the secular part of the programme. We have seldom heard anything more pleasing on the stage. Mr Cribb sang " Fireside Ornaments" very well, but we think his voice more suited for better music. We Were delighted with this performer, but regret that he aejeoteel a song in which so few opportunities ; were given of displaying his excellent voice and skill as a singer. At the conclusion of the performance the Rev. Father McManus came forward and in a brief address thanked the ladies and gentlemen of Wanganui j who had rendered them such valuable assistance. He also thanked those Feifding performers who had co-oper-ated, and the audience who had by their presence made the Concert a real success. The singing of the National Anthem closed 1 the proceedings;