Juan Matteucci Director

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32068, 16 August 1969, Page 1

Juan Matteucci Director

Joan Matteucci, the former conductor of the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra, had been appointed musical director and principal guest conductor of the Christchurch Civic Orchestra for 1970 and 1971, said Mr G. R. Lascelles, chair-, man of the orchestra! foundation, yesterday, j Mr Lascelles said Mr Mat-! teucci would bring to the orchestra fine musicianship and professional experience at a time when both were vital for its continuing development. “The foundation is also negotiating for the services of a series of guest conductors and soloists for the same period,” he said.

‘‘lt is envisaged that in 1970 the orchestra will present a series of six subscription concerts and at least four popular concerts in addition to its regular programme of recorded broadcasts, schools’ concerts and the provision of orchestra accompaniment for the city’s leading choral societies, “Inquiries are at present! being made to ascertain the requirements of the New Zealand Opera and Ballet Companies. The orchestra has, in the past, provided orchestral accompaniment for the Christchurch seasons for these two companies as one of the conditions of the financial support it receives from the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council.” The foundation’s contract with Mr L. Yffer, the orchestra’s leader, had been extended to December 31, 1970, and he would continue in the

role of both leader and assistant to the musical director throughout that period, said Mr Lascelles. “The orchestra will be conducted for its remaining two subscription concerts this year by Mr Matteucci and Alex Lindsay, the concert master of the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra. Two popular concerts will be given, the first of which will be conducted by Alan Barker, who recently conducted the New Zealand season of ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ and the second by ■Professor John Ritchie, the orchestra's founder. “With a continuance of the present public support and, it is hoped, an increasing awareness by the local bodies of the orchestra’s significance in the community, the foundation has every reason to believe that real progress will be achieved during these years,” he said.