FOURTH CONCERT

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25677, 14 December 1948, Page 3

FOURTH CONCERT

CHRISTCHURCH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA REQUEST PROGRAMME The fourth concert of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, which was held last evening in the Civic Theatre, took the form of a request programme and provided an opportunity for rehearing some of the works previously performed by the orchestra. The orchestra gave its first concert in August, when many of the works on last night’s programme were played. Those who heard last night’s performance should be well satisfied with the progress achieved by the orchestra in- its comparatively short life. Much of the credit for its success is due to the leadership of Mr Maitland McCut'heon, and to its able and vigorous conductor. Mr T. J. Kirk-Burn-nand.

The programme included the Grand March from “Tannhauser” by Wagner, which was played in an enthusiastic and spirited manner; overture to “Der Freischutz” by Weber, and Borodin’s “In the Steppes of Central Asia,” in which there was some fine string and woodwind playing. The highlight of Mendelssohn’s Concerto in G Minor for Piano and Orchestra was the solo work by Miss Shirley Dodds, who played with feeling and vitality. “Finlandia” by Sibelius showed the full stature of the orchestra as a team. A pleasing performance was given bv the overture, recitative and air from “Messiah.” in which the solo part was taken by Thomas E. West. The programme concluded with “Nell Gwynn Dances” by Edward German and selections from 3ullivan’s lolanthe.

During the evening the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews) spoke briefly, ? and congratulated the orchestra on the success it had achieved, and the commendable progress it had made since its inception. The constitution of the Symphony Orchestra had been one of the highlights of musical Christchurch during the last year, he said.