January 1861: Saturday Evening Concerts – Miss Helen Kirk
An article on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 7th of January, 1861, reads:
“SATURDAY EVENING CONCERTS,
MISS HELEN KIRK.
The hope which we expressed on Friday, that at the concert of last Saturday there should be a
crowded house to give a hearty welcome to the new contralto, Miss Helen Kirk, was, we are
happy to say, even more than realised. The City Hall was literally crammed from floor to
ceiling, and perhaps on no former occasion have so many people been packed into it. As
usual, the programme was commenced by Mr. Lambeth’s splendid performance on the
grand organ, of which he is so thoroughly master – indeed, a more finished organist it would
be difficult to find. Mr. Stembridge Ray next sung Mrs. Miller’s song of ‘A Thousand a-Year,’
which he did with admirable effect. The Brousil Family then played the Andante and Finale
of Mendelssohn’s symphony on Scotch Airs. The precision with which they executed this
beautiful music was deservedly highly applauded. Before Miss Kirk made her appearance,
The Chairman (Mr. Neil McNeill) stood forward and said: – About two years ago the
attention of the directors was directed to the young lady who makes her first appearance
before you this evening as one possessing a rich musical voice, and that, if properly educated,
might be useful to herself and an honour to the city. After due deliberation, an arrangement
was come to with her friends, and from that time till now she has been under the tuitionary
care of Mr. Lambeth, the city organist. She appears before you to-night, not as having perfected
her education, but as possessing such a knowledge of the science of music as we think justify
us in bringing her before the public from time to time. I am happy in being able to say that in
addition to her musical abilities, she is amiable in her disposition and modest in her behaviour.
I have only further to add, that it is the earnest wish of the directors that her musical career be
long, brilliant, and useful, reflecting credit on her teacher and all concerned. (Applause.)
Miss Kirk received a most cordial and flattering welcome, the cheering being loud and prolonged.
It was enough, certainly, to send a debutante of ordinary presence of mind off her mental
equilibrium, but Miss Kirk did not exhibit any flurry, and proceeded with her song – Stephen
Glover’s ‘O for the bloom of my own native heather’ – as if she had been long in the habit of
appearing on the City Hall platform. The song was charmingly sung, and tended well to bring
out her rich alto notes. On being encored, she gave ‘My Nannie’s awa’,’ which she sang even more
beautifully than the other. One thing which is highly in Miss Kirk’s favour, and shows both her
natural talent and the care with which she has been taught, is that in every one of her songs she sings
thoroughly with the understanding; and she throws a depth of feeling into such pathetic pieces as ‘My
Nannie’s awa’,’ which fairly carries away the sympathies of the audience with her. Her next air was
‘Gloomy Winter,’ which brought out both her fine alto and pure soprano notes, the latter being
unusually high for a contralto voice. She was again encored; and so, indeed, were all her songs. The
other two which she gave were Linley’s ‘Ballad Singer,’ and Gabriel’s ‘Skipper and his Boy.’ Miss
Kirk must be highly gratified with the result of her first public appearance, and we hope that
throughout her career she will meet with the same success. Mr. Stembridge Ray sang a number of
pieces in the excellent style which characterises all his musical efforts; and the very clever
performance of the Brousil Family received due encouragement. Mr. Frederick Harley, as comic
singer, was much applauded and frequently encored. Mr. Banks presided at the piano-forte, and
Mr. Lambeth accompanied Miss Kirk.”
George Fairfull-Smith, August 2022.