DUNEDIN BURNS CLUB

Otago Witness, Issue 4028, 26 May 1931, Page 23

DUNEDIN BURNS CLUB

AIONTHLY CONCERT. The influence which Scottish music possesses over the minds of Scottish people and of their descendants was strikingly illustrated on Wednesday- evening when a crowded house greeted the first item of the programme at the Dunedin Burns Club’s monthly concert in the Early Settlers’ Hall. Despite the unpleasant nature of the weather practically every seat yvas occupied by an audience which fully appreciated the entertainment provided, recalls being the order of the night. The president of the club (Mr G. Currie) expressed his pleasure at the large attendance of the public, and stated that it was extremely gratifying to know that the membership numbers were being fully maintained. Referring to the club choir, Air Currie made an appeal for new members, especially for male singers, of whom, he said, there yvas something of a shortage at the present moment. The first item on the programme yvas a bagpipe selection by Air W. Budge, folloyving yvhich the choir, under the direction of Air F. C. Cooper, rendered that favourite of Scottish audiences, “ Caller Herrin’,” in a manner which dreyv hearty applause from all parts of the hall. The choir was later heard in tyvo other numbers, “ The Kiltie’s Alarch,” and “The Vikings’ Song,” both of yvhich yvere well rendered and were received with marked appreciation by the audience. The remainder of the programme, which as has been said, met with the approval of those present and earned for the performers numerous recalls, yvas as follows:—Song, “ Coinin’ Through the Rye,” Aliss Nell Wilson; song, “Border Ballad,” Air W. Ruffell; recital, Aliss Sheila Neilson; song, “Ae Fond Kiss,” Air D. Lyons; dance, “ Sailor’s Hornpipe,” Aliss Rita Miller (Oamaru) ; song, “ Better Bide a Wee,” Miss Aland Kenyvard; violin solo, “ Ave Alaria,” Aliss Dora Wilson; song, “Sons o’ Bonnie Scotland,” Aliss Jean Al’Gregor; song, “Alary,” Air James Fergusson; song, “ Granny’s Highland Hame,” Mrs J. Aitcheson; recital, Aliss Sheila Neilson; duet, “My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose,” Alisses Nell Wilson and Aland Kenyvard.

The duties of accompanists yvere capably carried out by Alisses E. Wright and Doreen Sheehy. Before the conclusion of the concert, a special vote of thanks yvas accorded to Mr J. Leech .for his work in arranging the programme.