IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT AT TIMARU.

New Zealand Tablet, 31 March 1921, Page 35

IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT AT TIMARU.

The strong national sentiment and the irrepressible love for Erin are manifested the world o’er by Irishmen on St. Patrick’s Day, and nowhere more loyally or with more profound patriotism than at Timaru (says the Herald for March 15). Last night the annual national concert was given in the Theatre Royal, and as usual there was a crowded house, there being manifested an enthusiasm born'only of a deep-rooted national pride. As in years gone by. the artists engaged were in the front rank in the Dominion, and drawn from centres between Dunedin and Wellington, several coming with a reputation already Dominion-wide. A marked feature was the appropriate nature of the items, and Irish folk lore, song, and story were represented in full measiue. Madame Gower-Bums has many friends in Timaru, but in the large audience last evening she possessed many devout admirers. Into such popular items as Killarney,” “The Last Rose of Summer,” and Come Back to Erin” she infused a wealth of meaning, giving each of these gems a new significance. In both parts of the programme she was paid the flattering tribute of a double encore. Miss Mabelle Esquilant (Dunedin) scored an unqualified success, and was a prime favorite from her first appearance. “Kathleen Mavourneen” and “She is Far From the Land” weie no doubt her best-known numbers, and she exemplified the generosity of feeling and sympathy so strikingly displayed in the real Irish character. Mr. W. ' X %/ AV -’U. VUU/i UUUC/i . 11l 1 , VV • Watters, of Oamaru, is very favorably known in Timaru, and he added in no small measure to the unbounded pleasure derived from the concert by his vocal numbers. “The Wearin’ of the Green” was his opening number. He was recalled on two occasions and his rendering of “The Hills of Donegal” and ’“The Mountains of Mourne” were received with enthusiasm, the deep underlying sentiment in each being most artistically presented. Mr. G. H. Andrews has no

firmer friends than the crowded theatre of Irish men, women,- and children, judged by the vehemence of their demands on his cultured talent. “The Minstrel Boy” 1. *j 1 p i • i i • i *» • • • he gave with fine martial grandeur, while his singing of “A Toast to Erin” was one of the most • stirring efforts of the evening. “The Irish Emigrant,” “A Little Bit of Heaven,” and “O’Donnell Abu” were also given by Mr. Andrews. Mr. Norman Aitken (Wellington) well maintained his reputation as a monologuist. Miss Cissy Kyle, of Timaru, danced the Irish jig and hornpipe in costume. The South Canterbury Orchestra did much to enhance its reputation under the baton of Mr. de Latour, by selections which were accorded a very encouraging reception. The aspirations and pent-up hopes of the troubled nation were beautifully expressed in “A Nation Once Again” as sung by the Marist Brothers’ School boys. Tn this item the junior voices were heard in well-balanced and harmonised accord, and the youthful expression of the undercurrent of sentiment was characteristic' of the national pride and irrepressible spirit. Mrs. N. D. Mangos presided at the piano. Her task was a no mean one, and through it all she displayed that delicate artistry and culture of which she is possessed to a remarkable degree. The concert throughout was an unqualified success, and was listened to by the crowded audience with rapt delight and unalloyed joy.