Successful Concert By Schools’ Orchestra

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29820, 12 May 1962, Page 13

Successful Concert By Schools’ Orchestra

Last evening, in the Teachers’ College Hall, an appreciative audience had the opportunity of listening to a performance which was the culmination of a week's intensive training in orchestral playing by a symphony orchestra of 92 young players who are pupils of post-prim-ary schools in New Zealand. Some of the players had come from as far afield as Auckland and Dunedin, and have been billetted by postprimary school pupils in their homes in Christchurch.

The course, the fourth of its kind to be held in New Zealand, had been organised by Mr W. Walden Mills, adviser in music to the Department of Education, and assisted by Mr R. E. Perks, lecturer in music at the Christchurch Teachers’ College. Starting at 9 a.m. last Monday, the members enrolled in the course have spent a full school week of preparation, both in small groups under tutors and in rehearsals, together with Mr Walden Mills.

In addition to these practices, members have been expected to rehearse their parts at home after 3.30 p.m., when the course finished each day. The standard of playing reached by these young people last evening reflected toe intensity of toe training and help they have received this week, and Mr Walden Mills is to be congratulated and thanked for his large share in bringing this most interesting group to such a high level in such a short time. Much credit, of course, must also go to the tutors, who, for several hours each day coached small groups of players who have obviously learnt much from these professionals. They were: Mrs Elizabeth Rogers, Misses Ellen Doyle, Gloria Findlay, Vinnie Ross, Messrs John Dodds, Thomas Rogers, Gerald Newson, Francis Dennis, and Robert Wrighton. The programme included music of a very high and suitable standard, and served to extend the players without being too difficult for a good performance to be achieved. It included “Turkish March” by Beethoven, and Prelude and Fugue in E minor by Bach. This latter item was admirably conducted by Mr Perks, who drew a rich tone from the orchestra.

Some delightful contrasts of colour were heard in Ballet music, “Rosamunde” by Schubert, and the woodwind section was outstanding here.

Mention also should be made of the fine pianissimo playing by the strings. Of special interest was a work specially written for this Holiday Course. This was “Pastoral” by Miss J. McLeod, a music student of Victoria University. Wellington.

It is quite outstanding in its conception. Thte young composer in this work shows considerable promise and it w*s appropriate for an orchestra of young people to perform it. Contrast in a programme of

orchestral music was gained by the very fine solo work by two young Christchurch performers. Christopher Whitts, ably accompanied by Mr Clifton Cook, sang with pleasing tone and with a greet deel of maturity of interpretation two songs “The English Rose” and “O Lovely Night.” William Langford gave a brilliant performance of two Etudes by Chopin, though at times the piano used could not give all he wanted by any means.

It is always a pleasure to hear this promising young pianist. The concert ended with a spirited performance of Berlioz’s Rackoczy March. Appreciation was expressed at the conclusion of the performance to players, tutors, soloists, Mr Walden Mills and Mr Perks by Mr T, Archer of toe Education Department. This was a very thrilling concert and the week's tuition should have a very beneficial effect on school orchestras throughout the country when these players return to them next term. G.M.M.