ORCHESTRAL CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2781, 6 September 1924, Page 2

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT.

CROWDED AND EXTHUSTASTTC AUDIENCE. Every available seat was occupied at the Town Hal] on Thursday evening on the occasion of the orchestral concert, the initial effort, in connection with a carnival to raise •funds to equip (he Citizen? Silver Band. The orchestral items by an orchestra numbering' upwards of seventy odd instrumentalists. to accommodate which lh - stage had *o he eniaigod, was the main fea!iire of the concert. The massed' musicians and their conductress, )f:ss M. TTealey. received a-great ovation from the audience when the curtain was raised. The concert opened with a pianoforte duet by Misses Dolatiy and E. Patterson, entitled “Qui Vive,’’ followed by the National Anthem. A? the audience rose to the first beat of the conductress, the whole scene presented. a spectacle which will live long in the memory.of those present. The Band then followed with the rousing march “Victoria.’' The Mayor then followed with a brief address in which he congratulated the Band and its executive upon its efforts in organising such a fine performance. He said the Council had agreed to subsidise I lie Band and hoped that similar concerts would be provided in the future for the entertainment of the public. Tie paid a special tribute to the enthusiasm displayed by Mr Holder on behalf of tin' Band. He said he had another pleasant duty to perform on behalf of the Band and orchestra which was to make a presentation of a suitably inscribed baton to their talented conductress, Miss M. Healey. The Mayor said it was unique to discover a young lady capable of training and conducting such a large orchestra and it was certainly a tribute to her musical talint and ability. As a token of esteem from the musicians he had great pleasure in handing her the rod of authority which she had deservedly merited. The presentation was accompanied by a salvo of applause. Mr Hornblow on behalf of the recipient, in acknowledging the gift, stated that Miss Healey’s efforts were prompted by a desire to promote a love for vocal and instrumental music in the community, which provided pleasant relaxation from tiie sordid things of life and gave an uplift to the spiritual. Miss TTealey paid a tribute to the-musi-cal talent which bad been manifested both here and in Shannon, which should be encouraged in every way possible and to the enthusiasm of all in attending practices. In conclusion she hoped that the present concert would inspire fresh enthusiasm in matters musical.

Mush appreciated vocal items were rendered by Miss Chalk and Mrs Kendall. The orchestra contributed several other items during the first half of the programme, which met with splendid receptions. The second half of the programme consisted of an opening selection by the orchestra and a number of instrumental selections by the talented pupils of "Miss Nea-lc, of Shannon, which rejected credit upon her musical genius and ability as a teacher. This talented musician also contributed several harp selections. The vocal numbers by her pupils consisted of two humorous duets in character by Misses .T. and F. Thompson, which were deservedly recalled. Master Owen Cahill put on a clever contortion act, followed later by a much appreciated turn with his two well-trained dogs, which fairly brought down the house. Miss La France and Lester Sinclair were accorded battering receptions and recalls for their items. The young ladies who appeared in the ballet "From Here to Shanghai” fairly captivated the audience and with their well-bal-anee and tuneful singing and charming costumes.

Mr Aitchison, president of the Band, in a brief address, thanked all who had assisted to make the affair such a splendid success and staied that requests had been made U> repeat the performance in other centres. its Mr Colder apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Mayor of Shannon, owing to indisposition, who was to deliver a brief address. The concert as a whole was a huge success from every point of view ami reflected credit upon all concerned. At the conclusion the floor was cleared and a most enjoyable and well-attended dance was held. The music and supper arrangements were excellent.