Reception For Conductor Of N.Z.B.C. Orchestra

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30576, 20 October 1964, Page 9

Reception For Conductor Of N.Z.B.C. Orchestra

Opera was the most difficult and complex form of musical expression, said the new conductor of the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra (Mr Juan Maateucci), speaking at a reception arranged in his honour by the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Opera Society. Nearly 150 persons attended. Opera was having a renaissance at the moment, Mr Matteucci said, but there was no opera theatre in the world which could support itself, as producing an opera was very expensive. Because of his great affection for opera he felt the authorities or the State should make funds available for the presentation of two operas a year, with the best singers and good orchestras. Mr Matteucci was accompanied by his wife. They

were welcomed by the president of the Christchurch branch of the opera society (Miss K. O’Connor). Mr Matteucci spoke of his attachment to opera, and briefly traced the history of opera and the part of the orchestra in opera.

After Mr Matteucci had spoken, illustrating some of his points with excerpts from recordings of operas, Mrs W. Owen spoke on visits to operas in Europe. Mr U. Williams, the general manager of the New Zealand Opera Company, spoke briefly of plans to perform “Porgy and Bess” at the Pan-Pacific Arts Festival next year.

Maori action songs were sung by three of the performers who will appear in “Porgy and Bess,” Mark Metekingi, Peter Cowan, and Isabel Whatarau (Mrs Cowan). Isabel Whatarau also sang “Summertime,” from “Porgy and Bess,” and “Ave Maria.” The accompanist was Mrs M. McNair.