MR ANDERSEN TYRER

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26465, 5 July 1951, Page 8

MR ANDERSEN TYRER

Visit To Christchurch As Examiner IMPRESSIONS OF MUSIC OVERSEAS “The average man in the street in New Zealand seems to think that American music is composed entirely of jazz, but actually there is no more jazz in America than there is over here,” said Mr Andersen Tyrer in Christchurch last evening. Mr Tyrer who was formerly conductor of the National Orchestra, has returned to New Zealand after spending about a year and a half overseas, conducting examinations for Trinity College of Music in South Africa, America and Canada. He is at present examining for the college in Christchurch. The American orchestras were superb, said Mr Tyrer. It was surprising to know of the number of American firms sponsoring orchestras in broadcasts. One firm in New York sponsored a symphony orchestra with Pattiagorsky, a world-famous ’cellist. Mr Tyrer described the Hollywood Bowl, a huge open-air sound shell, as magnificent. Thousands of people could be seated in the natural basin, and the shell itself was large enough for performances by ballets and orchestra of more than 100 members. Mr Tyrer said South Africa had three Sermanent orchestras, as well as the roadcasting orchestras. The Durban and Cape Town orchestras were more than 40 years old, and were doing excellent work. The same could be said of the Johannesburg orchestra. Mr Tyrer said the New Zealand National Orchestra had done remarkably well, and was doing "magnificent work for its country.” “The New Zealand public does not seem to realise how lucky it is as regards prices for admission to orchestral concerts,” said Mr Tyrer. “Overseas they charge enormously high prices. The prices here are ridiculously cheap compared with those overseas.” Most of the orchestras in the world were having financial troubles, he said. In America, orchestras had to rely on the public and sponsors for support. One or two orchestras in England received grants from the Arts Council, but the rest had to rely on the public. Mr Tyrer will examine in Christchurch all this month.