Palmerston North

New Zealand Tablet, 10 June 1915, Page 47

Palmerston North

In the past a high level of excellence has been maintained by the convent senior pupils at their annual concert, and they have set a difficult standard for each succeeding concert to reach. But past efforts were surely surpassed, when the ninth annual programme was given before a large and enthusiastic audience at the Opera House (says a Palmerston North paper). Rarely before in Palmerston has there been gathered on the amateur concert platform such a number of talented and well-trained pupils, and the artistic vocal and instrumental results reflected the teaching abilities of the Sisters of Mercy in a very marked degree. The opening item, after the National Anthem, was cleverly and pleasingly interpreted by Misses E. Lynch, M. Buchanan, A. Milieu, and V. Bartlett, the pupils exhibiting in their playing the careful training they have received from the Sisters. The chorus, ‘ Ave Maria ’ (Vincent) was impressively sung by the chorus of over TO voices, the effect being harmonious and well-balanced. Mendelssohn’s ‘ Rondo Capriccioso,’ was played by Miss Ida. Carey, L.A.8., her interpretation of the work meeting with the satisfaction of the audience, who heartily applauded the pianistc. The first soloist of the evening was Miss R. Palmer, who used her vocal gilts to great advantage in ‘Life’s glorious anthem.’ In response to the audience’s desire, she prettily sang ‘Asthore machree.’ Misses R. Kelly, L.T.C.L.,and E. Lynch were associated in a piano duo, the selection being Chopin’s ‘ Rondo in C.’ Each showed fine executive ability, and the rendition was most enjoyable. Allitsen’s ‘ Song of thanksgiving ’ was nicely rendered by Miss V. Graham, A.T.C.L., who sang with feeling and expression. One of the most acceptable items of the evening was the interpretation of Liszt’s pianoforte solo, ‘ Rhapsodic, No. 10,’ by Miss Y. Kendall, L.T.C.L., 1i.A.8. Miss Kendall is an accomplished player and the audience was not slow to appreciate her merits. Mrs. E. L. Broad sang with feeling and expression Gluck’s ‘ Che faro,’ the setting being jn Italian. Mrs. Broad replied to a warm demand-for an encore with ‘On the banks of Allan water,’ The first half of the programme concluded with a solo and chorus. The soloist was Mrs. E. J. Leydon, who used a splendid soprano voice to excellent advantage. The second half opened with ‘Rhapsodic No 2’ (Liszt), .which was played by six young ladies, Misses R. Kelly, T. Haywood, M. Hill, B. Lather, V. Lather, E. Pemberton. .The Angel us chorus from ‘ Maritana ’ (Balfe) was a happy selection and one that the chorus did full justice to. Miss D. Strang was the next vocalist. 'Mon coeur s’ouvre a ta voix ’ was her selection, and one that enabled her to reveal her vocal gift in a most acceptable form. As an encore number she sang Ashes of 'roses.’ A double quartet, ‘ You stole my love ’ (McFarren), was rendered by Mesdames Leydon and Broad, and Misses Strang, Spelman, Kearins, Devine, Rawlins and Millar. Miss Kearins’ singing of ‘When the flowing tide comes in’ earned many encomiums from the audience. She •also sang ‘ I cannot sing the old songs.’ Machetti’s beautiful ‘ Ave Maria,’ in which Mesdames Leydon, Broad, and Miss Kearins were associated, was one of the gems of the evening. Miss E. Millar won instant favor with a pleasing interpretation of Smart’s ‘ Lady of Lea,’ and in response to the demands for an encore sang a pretty Irish melody. The concert concluded with the French and Russian National anthems, and ‘ God defend New Zealand,’ and the National Anthem. The accompanists were Misses Graham, Kendall, and A. Rainbow, L.T.C.L. The proceeds of the concert were divided between the hospital and a fund which is being raised to assist in relieving local distress.