High Praise For Band

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29900, 14 August 1962, Page 16

High Praise For Band

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON. August 13. High praise for the National Band of New Zealand which participated in the world championship at Kerkrade. Holland, is contained in newspaper comment sent out by the band's manager, Mr R. E. Belgrave, of Palmerston North.

Writing of a concert given by the band on the island of Hoekse Waard, the local paper said: “The appearance in a magnificent concert of the National Brass Band of New Zealand will enter history as the most fascinating cultural

manifestation which has ever been executed in this district. “The public has never shown so much spontaniety and enthusiasm . . . the rousing reactions could not be bridled at the end of this grandiose musical festivity Rollers of applause exploded. The New Zealander* became confused by it This homage was a new experience for tlem.

‘They had themselves persuaded for an extra play, which again let to a hurricane of cheers. Once more, the musical director, Mr Smith, let pass over himself the storm of cheers The level-headed Anglo-Saxon director of this brilliant brass band, that travelled 30.000 kilometres to compete in our

country, bowed with a kind smile. “The time of parting had irrevocably come. Two hours, full with musical delight, had passed away like a holiday on the isle of Majorca.” Discussing the reaction of Mr Paul Waether, a director of the Opera of Vienna and one of the -djudicators at the Kerkrade festival, the newspaper reported him as saying: "Indeed here stops every criticism. Such a brilliant brass band I have never heard of. So don’t expect criticism of me. I just expressed what these visitors were able to do. For the brilliant interpretation of. for instance, the Slavonic Rhapsody, we can only have admiration,”