OTAKI CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 83, 17 June 1881, Page 2

OTAKI CONCERT.

"• -. The Bfcond of the series of conoerts in aid of the organ fuad of St. Paul's Church, Otaki, was held in the College at that town jhip on Wednesday evening last The night being beautifully fine, a large number of persona were present, the hall beini< well filled. Precisely at 8 o'clock the band, led by Mr J. Webber, played the wull-Known '' Marsellaiae " as an overture with great effect This was followed by a; part.eongr, J'.Fiom yonder rale endi liifl," Dotiizotti), by eleven singer*. Although a little unsteady in one or two places, the piece was well rendered, and was warmly applnuiei. The other part songs given during theev^ningwere "The dawn of day," (Ready)" Annie of I'LarMW," . (Mendel*. s^lin.) The irlees weie -" Lordly jrallants, " (Calcott), "Dame Durden," and " Theb^lla of St. Michael's tower." Of these "Annie of Tharaw " was by far and away the best, the Jights and shades being very well rendered, although in this piece, as in the other part songs, the weakness of the tenor caused the bass o appear rather too loud at times. Calcott'* well-known glee, "Lordly gallants," was also capitally given, and well received by the audience. But the greatest suooeaswaa achieved in the amusing glee "Dame Durden," which fairly convulsed the audience, the catchy parts of "John-kissed-Molly," &c., being .brought out with great distinctness and ?* precision. This piece elicited the most vociferous encore, of the evening. We must not forget to mention the part song "All < among the barley," the treble of which was capitally sung by about a dozen of the children attending the Otaki State school, the othet parts being taken by some ef the adult singers. In response to a most decided encore the last verse was repeated. With the exception of ''Dame Durden," all the gleea and part songs were unaccompanied. Miss Simcox in the first part contributed the song by Allen, " Who can tell ?" which was splendidly sang. This lady is the fortunate possessor of a sweet soprano voice of good compass and power, and which is used to the best advantage. In response to, a pronounced encore Miss Simcox repeated the last verse. Mrs Greenough was also encored for her singing of Gatty's song, "Tell him I love him yet." Although evidently very nervous, Mrs Greenough acquitted herself admirably, and is pose-sad of a voice which, with a little more practice, will deoidedly make her a great favorite with concert goers. Mrs Simcox contributed Sullivan's difficult song " Looking back " in a very successful manner, despite a little hesitation at one part, her low notes being ex'rcmely rich and full. Mr M'Kay, in the first part, sanir " Fifty years ago,", with .great npirit, and received a decided encore, a similar honor being conferred on Mr Simeox for his

rendering of the f unions " Nancy Lee." Mr ' and Mrs M« William aang the duet " Gabriel ff.Jfef* B **^" ma ver y effective style, ' oncHlSa to repSM the last vorse. A duet by ?$& *P\ Mfe* Sirocox, " The evening pieeze, .\^ wes also given, and although' Miss Simcox suffered under the disadvantage of having te play the accompaniment, the beauty of the music was not impaired. This item was one of the best on the programme. Miss Bright played a piano solo in very good style for a young performer, and received great applause. Miss Simcox also contributed a piano solo to the programme. The *J^mjmJJ!MM^ , sire D amore n (P. Beyerrand was superbly played, the difficult runs being performed being' _ brilliant thrbogbout. • "In^reroonse to an irresistible encore, Miss Simcox Dlaved '^N«l«ileii Z io,^l^h-»l«o^«rt^flpeMly ?° A-?fxT«: Dari 9gtne erooing the Key. J. M 'William retried "The fall of Poland »' in a most telling manner, and Mr A. J Hadfield gave a comic .reading entitled lhe one-horse shay; 0 This was given in . such a manner agio fairly eo&vulse the audience, who applauded Mr Hadfield so vigorously that he was obliged to re-appear and give another short reading, in which the troubles of an unfortunate young man were related, The . entertainment on the whole was most enjoyable throughout, and V reflected the greatest credit on all con-^ , corned.'-' Mr Simoo'x conducted and nofra of any kind Occurred. We hope to , hear of more qf these entertainments oeinj; given, as they. "do" an incalculable amount of good. ■■•■...