Katchen To Play Two Concerti, Give Recitals

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30130, 14 May 1963, Page 8

Katchen To Play Two Concerti, Give Recitals

Julius Katchen needs no introduction to the musical public at this date for he has previously given several recitals ip Christchurch with immense success. On his present New Zealand tour, however, Christchurch audiences will have their first opportunity of hearing him in concerto performances. With the Christchurch Civic Orchestra, Julius Katchen will play Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op 37. at the Civic Theatre at 3 p.m. on Sunday, The orchestra, conducted by John Ritchie, will also play Beethoven’s Overture to “The Creatures of Prometheus.” Julius Katchen will also give solo recitals in the Civic Theatre on May 25 and 27.

In the first recital he will play three Intermezzi, Op. 117. and eight Piano Pieces, Op. 76, by Brahms, and Beethoven-’s 32 Variations in -C minor. Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2 and Sonata No. 21 in C, Op 53 (the “Waldstein”). In his second recital he will play Seven Fantasies by Brahms, Mozart’s Sonata No. 6 in D, K. 284, Schu-

bert’s “Wanderer” Fantasy and Liszt's Sonata in B minor.

The president of the Christchurch Civic Orchestra Foundation, Mr G. A. G Connal. said: “It is frequently said that Christchurch lacks outstanding entertainments on Sundays, particularly ■’uring the winter months. Here is an experiment in music making aimed at answering such criticism and it is hoped that the public of Christchurch, particularly young people, will show their appreciation by supporting this concert wholeheartedly. If successful this concert could be the forerunner of other similar Sunday afternoon or evening attractions. “The presentation of this concert has been made possible only by the generosity of Sir Robert Kerridge. who has placed this remarkable pianist at our disposal on most generous terms, for which I take this opportunity of extending our grateful thanks and to Mr Katchen for his ready co-opera tion in joining in this venture in the spirit of helpfulness and at some personal inconvenience,” Mr Connal said.