AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 134, 9 June 1933, Page 9

AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA.

FIRST CONCERT.

The Aeolian Orchestra gave its first concert of the season at the Lewis Eady -nail last evening, under the direction of its new conductor, Mr. Gordon Carder- A bright and varied programme was presented, and the work of the orchestra was quite up to its usual standard. Considering that most of the members are young players, a very creditable performance was given. .. There were times when the intonation was far from perfect, and the instrumentalists displayed more enthusiasm than delicacy in their execution, but these are faults almost inseparable from amateur orchestral organisations. The best section of the combination last night was, perhaps, the wood-wind, which managed to hold its own despite the inability of the rest of the ensemble to keep the volume down. The programme opened- with a lusty performance of the "Coronation" march (Eilenberg)T This was followed by Keler Bela's overture, "Romantique," with its weird Hungarian harmonies. The tempo of the Strauss waltz, "Tales of the Vienna Woods," which came next, was painfully slow. The wood-wind players were heard to advantage in a selection from Verdi s "La Traviata." Two of the best performances of the evening were the Prelude to Bizet's "Carmen" and the same composer's "L'Arlesienne" Suite. In these the work of the cornetist was_ excellent. The performance of the Minuet from Haydn's "Surprise" Symphony was rather too ponderous for the nature of this movej ment. A march, "Distant Greetings, played with considerable gusto, brought to a conclusion a concert which was obviously enjoyed both by the performers and the audience. ; Mr. Gordon Carder conducted with, ability, whilst the leader was Mr. Neville Walker. The vocal side of the concert was provided by the members of the Balmoral male voice quartet, who displayed a good ensemble in several unaccompanied part-songs, in which their articulation was distinctly good. As recalls they sang some humorous numbers, which were- much appreciated. Mr. Stewart Harvey sang "Comrade of Mine, for which he was recalled. This young singer has a fine resonant baritone voice, but his singing lacks expression. Messrs. H. and S. Harvey sang the duet, On to the Field of Glory," and added The Admiral's Broom" as an , encore number. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Harvey.