HIGH STANDARD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 207, 2 September 1936, Page 16

HIGH STANDARD.

MUSIC IN DOMINION. "MORE THAN SATISFIED." DR. MALCOLM SARGENT'S VIEW. So long as those responsible for ■broadcasting in New Zealand realise tlxat they have duties- to discharge to the public and the musicians, there need never be any fear of difficulties, said Dr. Malcolm Sargent, conductor of the Royal Choral Society of London and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, in a hurried interview before he sailed for Australia by the Niagara last evening.

"I tallied with broadcasting authorities and Ministers of the Crown in Wellington," he said, "and I was delighted to find that they realised the possibilities fpr. good,that the radio can do. It was plain to me that they wished to nee their financial and influential power to further the interests of this great art which is to use. music rather than abuse it and so increase the interest of the. listeners in thie important phase of culture."

Praise for the musical appreciation of New Zealanders was expressed by Dr. Sargent, who, during his stay, acted as guest conductor to the Royal Wellington Choral Union at special concerts. He said he was delighted with the series of concerts and amazed at the enthusiasm shown in Wellington. People had been turned away and one concert had been booked out within a short time of the plans being opened. That showed that there were audiences in New Zealand who were able to appreciate fine music. There were musicians in the Dominion who were capable of holding an audience completely spellbound.

"A conductor is not like a pianist or a violinist. He can only act as a producer, bringing out the latent talent," said Dr. Sargent. "That shows music in New Zealand to be of a hijrli standard. There are orchestras and choirs in Wellington capable of giving such rendering of the classics as would stir the people to the depths. I was more than gratified with the concerts. After each one I received many letters of congratulation from people who had been present and from those who had listened over the air."

Dr. .Sargent will spend two months in Australia, giving 14 concerts in the main cities. It had been sufre;ested that lie should return to New Zealand for the centenary celebrations in 1940. but he was unable to make any promise.