CONVENT SCHOOL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2675, 3 December 1909, Page 3

CONVENT SCHOOL.

ANNUAL CONCERT. The large atrd.enee which assembled at His Majesty ? s Theatre last evening were highly delighted with the entertainment provided by the pupils of the Convent School orq the occasion of tlicir annual concert. The entertainment opened with a short concert programme/ ancl those present were at once put in a good humor by the bright manner in which Vita Bros.’ orchestra the opening number, “Opechee,” an Indian intermezzo, by ‘J. Gfogan. “Cloud and Sunshine,” a charming song and dance by girl pupils followed, loud applause greeting the enchanting scene which was presented by the limelight effects on the pretty costumes 'of the girls. A repetition of the item was imperatively demanded. Great . amusement was created by thirteen boys, arrayed in irreproacliable evening dress, in the song “Tall Top Hat.” The lads acted well, and caused great merriment by their top hat drill. The “Hoop Song,” bv 23 girl pupils, was another number which greatly pleased the. audience, and an encore was insisted upon. The drama “Tara,” an adaptation from the opera “Finola” and Moore’s melodies, was then staged. The scene of the drama is laid in the time of the early kings of Ireland. The cost of characters was as follows:— King of Tara, Miss R. Cussen; Prince Niall. Miss Barry; King Herman, Miss O’Connor; Princess -Finola. Miss L. Power; Moira (Fine-la’s attendant), Miss .Hird; Dua, Miss R. Cussen; Una, Miss R- Gordon; Eva. Miss Dunlop; Ella, Miss NNeenan; Ida, Miss K. O’Gonnell; Ethma, Miss E. Manning: Maureen. Miss Doyle; Ita, Miss A. Cassidy;Aged Minstrel of Tara.'. Miss Burke: Kings Messenger, Master F., Alley ; Cormac, Master C. Pratt; Diarmid, Miss L. Tuohv ; First Bard, Miss I. Neenan ; Second Bard, Miss Dunlop; Attendant, Master C. Rowley. From the opening chorus, Ihrougli Tara’s Hall,” sung to the air The Harp that, Once,”-to the closing .scene where all are assembled in the new Palace of Tara for . the marriage scene, the drama, went with a good swing. The. youthful actors were costumed m attire appropriate to the, age in winch the scene was laid-, and the manner m which the principals spoke their lines and sang the various numbers allotted to them reflected very high credit oil the capable training they had received from their teachers, the Sisters of Mercy. As'the Princess Finola, Miss L. Power sang and acted well, her best nupnihefs being “Go whero-Glory Waits Thee,” “Silent, O Moyle,” and . The Last Rose of Summer,” while her acting in the second scene oil Niall s return was distinctly good. Miss Barry made a charming Prince Niall, and her ricli contralto voice was heard to advantage in “The Harp that Once, “The Meeting of the Waters,” and ‘’‘Like Clouds of the Night” (“Let Erin Remember”). Miss Burke was cast as the aged Minstrel of Tara, and her singing of “Silence in our Festive Halls, ’ “Dear Harp of My Country,” and “And Doth Not ,a Meeting” were among the most enjoyable vocal numbers of the evening. As Moira, Finola/s attendant, Miss Hird had not a heavy part, but she provided a rare treat by the sweet and sympathetic manner in which she sang “S'he is Far from tlie Land.” Miss R. Gordon also sang sweetly the lines “Again Do We Come” to the air “I Saw, from tbe Beach.” As Corinac, Master O. Pratt spoke out his lines fearlessly, and was warmly applauded 'for the spirited manner in which he sang “Through Erin’s Isle.” Miss Duff performed tlie duties of accompanist in a. capable manner, while a great deal, of the success of the entertainment was due to the excellent manner in which "Messrs'Vita Bros.’, orchestra played the incidental mu&ic. One of tbe prettiest numbers was the “Sing. Sing” chords, Miss Goffo having trained, the pupils for, the dance which made this item so acceptable. Mr. R. H. Clark was responsible for the excellent lighting effects winch added so much to the beauty of the scenes. _ ’ Tlie production was a distinctly meritorious one, and reflected the greatest credit on the Sisters of Mercy, who must have devoted a great deal or time and, patience.; to bring their pupils to such a stage of proficiency as they displayed last evening;