Composer May Conduct Choral Work In City

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30056, 14 February 1963, Page 16

Composer May Conduct Choral Work In City

Christchurch music-lovers may nexit year hear “Belshazzar's Feast” performed by the combined choirs of the Royal Christchurch Musical Society and the Christchurch Harmonic Society under the baton of its composer, Sir William Wallton. The National Orchestra will accompany the choirs. Recently the Christchurch Civic Music Council was advised by the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation that arrangements had been made to bring Sir William Walton to New Zealand in March, 1964. The secretary of the council (Mr L. F. de Berry) said last evening that the corporation's letter said Sir William Walton was pleased with the prospect of coming to New -Zealand to conduct his own work.

[A spokesman for the corporation said in Wellington last night that the matter was still under negotiation. He said Sir William Walton had not yet given formal acceptance of the invitation by the corporation.] Tentative dates given for the Christchurch visit are the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the first week of March, 1964, said Mr de Berry. It was also proposed that the two choirs perform the same work in Wellington. Mr de Berry said the letter suggested the music council act for the corporation in making preliminary arrangements.

The ’‘rather, gigantic pro-

posal” depended on the willingness of the two choirs to co-operate; the council undertaking initial preparations; and the King Edward Barracks being available on the days wanted for the concert.

The two choirs would welcome the opportunity of performing such exhilarating music together, said Mr de Berry, particularly under Sir William Walton. He was quite sure the music council would do all it could to promote such a concert. The only point he was not sure about was whether the military authorities would allow the barracks to be used. The council is to seek the Army’s permission. Mr E. R. Field-Dodgson, conductor of the Royal Christchurch Musical Society, said the prospect was one of the greatest compliments that could be paid to a choral force in New Zealand. The conductor of the Christchurch Harmonic Society (Mr W. R. Hawkey) said the choir was always thrilled at the prospect of performing “Belshazzar’s Feast,” but particularly so under the baton of the composer.