Civic Orchestra Well Received

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31725, 8 July 1968, Page 12

Civic Orchestra Well Received

The first Sunday afternoon concert of the Christchurch Civic Orchestra in the series sponsored by Stars Travel Agency was given in the Majestic Theatre yesterday afternoon to an audience which filled the auditorium. Highly enthusiastic appreciation was roused by the orchestra’s vivacious playing of a programme excellently suited to the occasion. There was a pleasantly informal atmosphere, largely created by comments on the music to be heard being given by Mr Dobbs Franks. He did this clearly in non-technical language, and before each movement had important themes played by the instruments which would introduce them in the course of the composition.

The acoustic qualities of this theatre are excellent for orchestral work and helped in giving unfailing clarity to the playing. This was, of course, first achieved by the players themselves whose work throughout the programme was of high order in this respect. Not only was there clear texture within each of the sections of the orchestra, but the over-all balance was excellently maintained. The playing was always crisp and precise, and intonation was very good indeed. Mr Dobbs Franks, the orchestra’s musical director, set his tempi with fine judgment and brought forth stylish and artistic interpretations in every aspect of the playing. Mr Leonard Bernstein is the patron of these concerts and it was fitting that the series should begin with one of his compositions, his “Overture to Candide,” a work that is cheery, cheeky, tuneful, and rhythmical, with sleek orchestration. It was suavely played, with excellent poise giving the varying and attractive textures full opportunity to come through. The remainder of the programme was made up of very well-known works—Dvorak’s Symphony in E minor (the New World Symphony), the “Carnival of the Animals” by

Saint Saens, and Tchaikowski’s 1812 Overture.

The symphony was played with most attractive tonal colourings and with phrasing which shaped every detail. The improvement of each section of the orchestra in finesse of technique was unmistakeable, and there was an acute awareness of all expressive and tonal niceties of the part of each player. Suzanne Purnell and Martin Lamb were the piano soloists In the “Carnival of the Animals.” They kept perfect cohesion between the two instruments and played with life, humour and vivacity. Mr Bernard Kearns read Ogden Nash’s witty introductory verses to each movement of this ever-charming work with dramatic polish. The Skellerup Woolston Band joined the orchestra for the 1812 Overture and this work roused the audience to a pitch matching that of the music. It is dreadful music but it comes off with tremendous eclat, none of which was lost on this exciting performance. Even in its most furious passages Mr Dobbs kept all details of the playing quite clear.

It is noteworthy that the cannons were fired in the right places in this performance, and that is rare indeed. At the end, in tine tumult of appreciation, a squad of Army men came on carrying large rifles. They had supplied the excellent gunnery. All that was needed was a raid from the Armed Offenders’ Squad from the Central Police Station to round off the performance nicely.