Concert Advertisements and Reviews - 1888.

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Tuesday, 18 December 1888 : Miscellaneous Concert (Evening) at Strandtown Schoolhouse.

CONCERT AT ST. MARK'S, DUNDELA. Last evening a concert in aid of the building fund for the infant classroom was given in the school room, Dundela, before a large and appreciative audience. The choir of the chorus, assisted by a few friends, rendered some part songs very creditably, amongst which "The Winter Serenade,'" which was unaccompanied, was particularly well sung. "Jack Frost," with which the concert opened, went very well, as did the carol. "O Christmas Bell," later on. Mr. M'Elroy. who was in splendid voice, gave "The Toilers," by Piccolomini, with an organ obligato and he afterwards favoured the audience with a beautiful song, "The King of Kings," by Alfred Rawlings, the accompaniments in both cases being played by Mr. Morrison at the piano and Mrs. Hill at the organ. Miss Alice Bayer and Mr. Mahood gave a very fine rendering of Alice Mary Smith's beautiful duet, "Maying." the voices blending particularly well together. Miss Beyer rendered a new song, composed by the conductor, Mr. William Hill, entitled "Folded," to which there is an obligato for organ. This item was encored most emphatically by the audience. and the last stanza was repeated. This lady also took part in a trio with Mr. T. Hyde and Mr. Hutchison, "Love is like a golden chain, " by Lindsay Sloper which went fairly well, Miss M'Kisack, who is so well known as a most accomplished artiste contributed two songs, the first of which, ''Whiter than Snow,", by Frank Moir, .was beautifully given, and. in response to an imperative encore, sang Cowen's lovely little song, "The Snowflake." The canzonetta,- "'Tre Giorni son chi Nina," by Pergolisi was charmingly given. Mr. Mahood sang Balfe's "Good night, beloved," and Sullivan's "Once Again" most effectively, and, in response to an encore for the former item, gave "Let me like a soldier fall' in capital style. We have rarely heard this gentleman in better voice. Miss Richards, who possesses a remarkably sweet and sympathetic voice, sang very nicely Pinsuti's song, "The Silver Cup," which the audience. seemed to appreciate very highly. But we must say that Mrs. Wilson contributed not a little to the enjoyable concert. by her singing of the beautiful old song, "The Quakers" and in response to an enthusiastic encore, gave a most sympathetic rendering of "The Highland Cradle Song."; An andante from Mendelssohn's violin concerto was played by Miss Clarke on the violin, who displayed considerable ability. This lady also responded to an encore by giving, a piece by Schumann. Miss M'Dowell and Dr. Cooney (organist of St. Patrick's Church. Ballymena) each contributed a pianoforte solo. Miss M'Dowell's playing of Weber's "Rondo Brilliante in E flat" was masterly in the extreme, and in response to the demands of the audience played a charming piece by Greig. Dr. Cooney played Chopin's "Fantasie Impromptu in C sharp minor" in a manner that drew forth warm expressions of approval from the audience. The National Anthem concluded one of the beet and most enjoyable concerts ever heard in this neighbourhood and one which reflects great credit both on the conductor Mr. Hill, and the others who took part. Mr. Alexander Morrison played the accompaniments to the part songs and some of the solos. (Belfast News-Letter, Wednesday, 19 December 1888)

CONCERT AT STRANDTOWN. Yesterday evening a miscellaneous concert of most enjoyable nature was given the Strandtown Schoolhouse, which was thronged by an enthusiastic audience. Mr. Hill, organist of St. Mark's (Dundela), acted conductor, and thoroughly deserved the hearty congratulations he received at the close open undoubted success of the entertainment. The first item on the programme was the part song "Jack Frost" (H. J. Stark), which was creditably sung by efficient choir, who subsequently gave "A Winter Serenade" (Mitchell), unaccompanied, the Christmas carol Christmas Bella" (Dulciana'a arrangement), and "To all you Ladies"(Clara Maclrooe). In all these items careful training was manifest. Mr. E. M'Elroy's fine voice found full scope in his two songs "The Toilers" (Pippolomini) and "King of Kings" (Rawlings), Mr. Hill supplying in each instance the organ obligato. Miss M'Kleack most effectively Whiter than snow " (Frank Mori), and to pronounced encore "Snowflakes" (Cowan). The canzonetta "Tre giorni son cho Nina" (Pergolesi) was subsequently given with acceptance by same lady, an encore being declined. "Folded," a new composition by Mr. Hill, was given for the first time, and in the hands of Miss A. Beyer (with organ obligato) formed a charming item, being well suited to the young lady's rich voice. The last verse was repeated in response to a vociferous encore. Miss Boyer took part with Mr. R. T. Mahood in the duet " Maying" (Alice Mary Smith), and in the trio "Love is Like Golden Chain" (Lindsay Sloper) with Mr. T. Hyde and Mr. M'Hutchison, these selections going splendidly. " The Silver Sea" (Pinsuti) was sweetly sung by Miss Richards, who evoked enthusiastic applause. Mr. R. T. Mahood's reputation was enhanced by his excellent interpretation of Balfe's "Good Night, Beloved," undeniable encore being responded to with the favourite "Let Me Like a Soldier Fall" (Wallace). At a later stage Mr. Mahood rendered Sullivan's beautiful song "Once Again," which was heartily applauded. Miss M'Dowell displayed great ability the pianoforte solo "Rondo Brilliante"in E flat (Weber), and being warmly recalled she responded with "Carnival Scene" (Greig). An enjoyable item was the violin solo "Andante from Violin Concerto" (Mendelssohn), which Mrs Clarke showed rare powers, responding to vociferous encore. Mr. E, Cooney, Mus. Doc., T.C.D. gave, as might be expected, a very finished execution of the pianoforte solo Fantaisie Impromptu" (Chopin), which was heartily received. Mrs. Wilson, whose, name did not appear on the programme, sang with much acceptance " The Quaker," and to an encore which would brook no denial "The Highland Cradle Song," playing her own accompaniments. Skilful accompaniments were played to the solos by Mr. Alexander Morrison. The National Anthem concluded the concert, the proceeds of which are to be devoted the Infant Classroom Building Fund. (Northern Whig, Wednesday, 19 December 1888)

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