THE MUSICAL FESTIVAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 144, 19 June 1940, Page 6

THE MUSICAL FESTIVAL.

As an old entrepreneur and devotee at the slirine of imieie, I desire to congratulate the Government, Professor Shelley and all concerned on the great success of the Centennial Musical Festival. It was a happy idea to- present so wide a repertoire with grand opera, a eyinphony orchestra, extensive choral effort, not forgetting that Cinderella of art, clHf=eical chamber mueie, and to import for the festival such a coterie of fine artiets. Despite this cruel war. which fills all 'the crevices of our live*, it was a boon and blessing not only to the many thousands privileged to be present, but aleo to the wider audience* of radio listeners in every, part of the Dominion. The personal practice of music, which was retarded by the advent of mechanical harmony, will be greatly encouraged Iby thie feai*t of music. May I suggest that instead of waiting another century Xew Zealand should triennially repeat thie happy festival and perhaps in future add rome encouragement to the terpsichorean art by importing a well-known ballerina with a male consort, so that a complete evening of the ballet with its exquisite imwsic be a part of the repertoiru preIsented. HEKKY J. HAYWARD.