Praise For Progress Of Orchestra

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31339, 8 April 1967, Page 14

Praise For Progress Of Orchestra

The noted Italian conductor Alceo Galliera had generous praise for the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra when asked about its progress yesterday.

Mr Galliera last conducted the orchestra four years ago. Though reluctant to make comparisons with other orchestras, he said that its standard of playing had improved very noticeably.

Not only had the size of the orchestra expanded but its ability to play as a unit had become more marked. What pleased him most was the orchestra’s quickness to grasp new techniques and to respond to the directions of the conductor.

Mr Galliera did not agree that the orchestra would necessarily improve further by engaging European players. New Zealanders were just as capable of orchestral work as anyone else. The only problem was that there were fewer people to choose from.

He urged the continual instruction of young people in music, beginning with school children and carrying on through higher standards of

education. This had been been done successfully in England and Australia in the schools, and in Italy in the universities.

Mr Galliera described music as the best of international languages but by no means the answer to international problems. The solution of the latter was a matter of good will.

Mr Galliera will be with the N.Z.B.C. Symphony until May 4. His home is now in Strasbourg.