Queenstown

New Zealand Tablet, 8 April 1915, Page 53

Queenstown

The concert given in the Town -Hall on Friday evening, March 19, by the pupils of the convent school, assisted by leading local amateurs, was very largely attended, there not being a vacant seat from stage to entrance door (says the Lake Wal-atip Mail). Children's performances have such an irresistible charm about them, whilst the concerts given by this school

■ .. • '-_../, ■ : _. ■ .-, - '■' .■ ; - —., .•,*! . ... . ,- ■ ■■;...■■ ■-, : ■,.-.;-•V.^ always have a. special musical interest, so that it is not to be wondered at that .the audience was a most' enthusiastic one. The first appearance .: of; the I small boys was in a. song and drill entitled ' The drummers,' in which the little chaps seemed to enjoy themselves as much as did their patrons. '\~ A dialogue 'Pussy and the mice,' was then charmingly given by the infants of the kindergarten. The more grown girls showed what their quality was' in ' Sunshine and shadow,' an action song in. which their movements were very graceful, considerable effect being gained by their robing in frocks of dainty coloring. Equally successful was their number, ' The gleaners.' The item which brought down the house was one programmed as ' Gulls from the operas.' A regiment in cadet attire were ranged up to attention by their captain, who put them through a few orders; each 'Number' was then called on in turn to declare himself in a few-lines of verse, which embodied a local hit of some kind. Very popular also were the choruses given later in the evening by the children, these being the stirring patriotic songs ' The old brigade and 'Our territorials.' The foregoing comprised the contributions of the school children to the programme. The pianoforte duets given by other pupils were two in number. Misses M. McCarthy and Lee played ' Capricante ' (Wachs) with much brilliance and finish, which Miss McCarthy was associated with Miss Gudgeon in a very musicianly rendering of bracketed duets, 'Grande valse brilante ' (Hunten) and 'Galop brillant' (Bohr). Mr. Edgar Shancl met with a very good reception in his musical monologue, ' I met her on (lie stair," and lie was compelled to return and supplement this with another, 'The drama.' Miss Monica Mcßride gave a most charming rendering of the song ' Your little shawl of blue '' ; her other item was ' Somewhere a voice is calling," the encore demanded to this being The dear little shamrock of Ireland.' Mrs. Curtis gave a highly acceptable rendering of ' At the fountain,' for which she received the'plaudits of the audience. Mr. D. Macpherson once more proved what a. valuable acquisition he is to the musical talent of the town. My kingdom was his solo, whilst the vocal duet ' The battle eve ' which he and Mr. J. C. Mcßride were associated in was a most conspicuous success, .a repetition of it being emphatically demanded. • Mr. G. Donaldson was responsible for a most amusing story entitled ' That's not what father used to say.' Mr. Donaldson later in the evening sang ' Shipmates o' mine' with fine sympathetic feeling. A comedy rejoicing in the name of Cupid in the kitchen concluded the entertainment. Included in the cast were Misses Julia McLeely, B. Richards, and Mr. J, McNeil. All three did themselves credit, especially the former, who sustained the part of the maid-of-all-work most cleverly. The accompanists of the evening were Misses Gudgeon, Lee, and McCarthy. Mr. Gavin took occasion to thank the audience on behalf of the Dominican Nuns for their attendance; also those ladies and gentlemen who had given the benefit of their talents to the programme.