ROMAN CATHOLIC CONCERT AT KIHIKIHI.
[SPKOI.W, UKroKTHU.] This concert, which has an annual institution, was held here on loth inst. in aid of the church funds. tt was decidedly the best I have ever been at in the district, both for music and singing. With such singers as Miss Allen, Miss Swan, Mr Clarke, Rev. Dr. Egan and Father Lenalnn,—the two latter gentlemen being accomplished musicians as well as singers— ittcmild not fail to be a success. Miss Allen and Miss Swan sang very beautifully, and it would be difficult to say whether " True till death," by the former, or " The Exile of Erin," by the latter lady, was the gem of the evening. Patriotism would incline a good many towards tho latter, while an impartial critic would perhaps find it somewhat difficult to decide. I have had tho pleasure of hearing Miss Allen on several occasions, but I never heard her to such advantage before, which however, may be due to the acoustic properties of the hall. In the duot with Dr. Egan, she sang with great taste and expression. Of Miss Swan, it is sufficient to say, that she is known as the " Onehunga Nightingale." Mr Clarke, who is on a visit to the district, has a fine voice indeed, and is an acquisition to the district, which, however, I am sorry to say is only temporary. \Y ith his voice he would bo in constant demand for tho various concerts and entertainments. Dr. Egan who is well-known in musical circles in Auckland, is a host in himself; he not only sings faultlessly but is a perfect master of many musical instruments. He accompanied all the songs and gave a solo on a wonderful flute which was sent to hiin from Rome. Is is of peculiar make, boitig in one piece from where the mouth piece is fitted. There are fifteen keys, and besides this inntramont there are only five others of tho kind in existence. The tone is wonderfully sweet and soft, and is free from any of the shrillness in the higher notes which is so often heard in the ordinary flute. The Rev. Father is equally at homo in humour as in pathos. He saug " When Other Lips" very feelingly, and in response to an encore set tho house in roars with "I'm Not Meself at All." No one on looking at or speaking to the grave and reverend clergyman would imagine he possessed such versatility. In lasher Lenahan we have also a good singer and musician. He sang two songs exceedingly well, and for the remainder of tho pieces ho played the violin accompaniments. Mrs Hutchinson accompanied 011 the piano for all the songs with the exception of the two sung by Mr Clark, for which Mrs Simpson played. M;ijor Jackson (who occupied the chair) in_ a _ few words cautioned those who felt inclined to mako a display of larrikinisin that on the first exhibition of it they would be summarily ejected. This had the effect of keeping the hoodlums quiet, the only display being a slight one when one or two ventured to beat time with their feet when Miss Swan was singing " Killarney." In a large audience such as was present, it would be difficult to find the guilty persons, and as the interruption was not very serious, it was allowed to pass. A good many beat time to the music between the verses, but with the exceptions mentioned above they had the good sense to stop when the lady was singing. The Chairman, in thanking the performers for their assistance, paid a welldeserved compliment to Mrs Hutchinson, who had only practised with the singers on that afternoon for the first time. As a matter of fact the whole programme was arranged only that afternoon, but apparently that made not tho slightest difference to the singers or accompanists, who performed their parts to the upmost satisfaction of everyone. If the promoters of the Catholic concerts can guarantee the presenceof the same singers, at a future entertainment ;the hall will not hold all who will come. The name of Dr Egan alono will draw a larger attendance than the hall can accommodate. Father Lenahan with his violin, and the Dr with his powers of mimicry could keep the attention of the audience the whole evening. At this concert there was music to suit all tastes, high class music for those who preferred it, and humorous pieces which made even the most seriously disposed laugh heartily. The number present was estimated at 250, every seat being filled. I would suggest that at the next concert stewards bo placed at intervals among the audience, and if rude and illmanered people persist in talking while the songs are being sung, let tho stewards order theiu to keep quiet or leave the hall. I know some people who had to change their seats on that account, and the rudenes-i was nut confined wholly to the male ho idluins. I hope the offenders will take the hint and behave themselves in futuie. As may be imagined the conversation of such people is not characterised by either wit or wisdom. The following is the programme: —Piano, (March) Dr Egan; .Song, " The Angel at the window," Father Lenahan ; song, " A Vision,' Miss Allen ; (encored, "No Sir" in response), song, " Rose Marie," Mr Clark ; song, "The Exile of Erin" (by special request) Miss Swan ; (encored, " Merriest Girl)," flute solo, " Home Sweet Home," Dr Kgan ; and chorus, " Eileen Alannah, Misses hjwan and Allen, Dr Egan, and Mr Clarke. Interval of ten minutes. Overture, Piano, " Marclie aux Flambeaux," Misses Farrell and Arm Id : song, "When other Lips Dr. Egan (encored); "I'm not meself at all." which was also encored, and as the audience would not be denied the doctor good-naturedly complied with what may be called the " Laughing song." The singer simulated every conceivable variety of laughter, and with each change the audience involuntarily changed also imitating unconsciously the intonation with genuine, hearty mirth. Song, kt True till Death, Miss Allen (encored, but not responded to); son", "The Roll Call," Mr Clarke; song, "The Shamrock" Mrs Madigan; song, "Killarney," Miss Swan (encored, ' Ihe Banker,") ; song, " Seventy Years Ago,' Father Lanahan ; " Gipsy Duet, Miss Allen and Dr. E#an. "leather O'Flynn," Dr. Egan (encored). In response to the recall the Rev. doctor said that as there had been ho many comic pieces he would give a "nocturne," the which was "A love scene by moonlight.' "It was he said " rather romantic "and he noped the audience would like it. They did like it without doubt, for it kept thein in roars till he finished. The parties to the lovemaking were an ainourous Tom and a coy '* Tabby cat," and their il mewsings were " felinely " told in cat language (no catastrophe from excessive ca(t)chination). "Patrick's Day," and the National Anthem on the piano by Dr- Egan brought a most pleasing entertainment to a close. The Chairman, before tho concert began, requested the audience not to encore as the programme was a long one and some of the young people would be anxious to begin the dance, but his request was disregarded for which the audience might well be pardoned. After the concert an adjournment was made to the supper room where a capital table was provided by the Kihikihi ladies. Dancing was kept up till near morning, Mr Sibley providing the music.
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Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2448, 20 March 1888, Page 3
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1,236ROMAN CATHOLIC CONCERT AT KIHIKIHI. Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2448, 20 March 1888, Page 3
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