“Earth and Sky” a major project

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32562, 23 March 1971, Page 11

“Earth and Sky” a major project

Jenny McLeod’s “Earth and Sky,” which is to be produced in Christchurch next month by the Civic Music Council, is one of the biggest school music projects undertaken in Christchurch. “Earth and Sky” is described by the composer simply as “a production for schools.” About 200 children use singing, dancing, mime and narration to tell the story of the Creation as recorded in Maori legend and ancient Maori poetry.

Commissioned in 1967 by the Queen Elizabeth Arts Council, with the assistance of the Australian Performing Right Association, “Earth and Sky" was given its world premiere by the Wairarapa Primary Schools Music Festival Association in Masterton on September 7, 1968. This was conducted by Dobbs Franks, and was attended by an impressive array of dignitaries, including the Prime Minister.

Praise for the work and performance was enthusiastic. A second performance was given in Tauranga in 1968, and a Royal Command performance in Auckland in March, 1970. It has also been released in a commercial recording.

The music requires three massed choirs of about 50 voices each, and two small choirs of about 10 voices each; two orchestras of about-20 each; and about 30 other acting and miming parts. The musical style is highly dramatic, with a flexibility which makes, it admirable for children. Some of the music is technically demanding, especially in rhythm, but there is no doubt that Christchurch has the resources to give a first-class performance.

Jenny McLeod is a Wellington composer, aged 30, who after graduating Mus. B. with first class honours in 1964, studied composition in Paris and Cologne for two years. Since 1966 she has been on the music staff of Victoria University.

The Christchurch production will run for eight performances (including matinees) in mid-April, immediately after the Easter vacation. Rehearsals began last September. Miss McLeod has been invited to act as adviser to the production. The production is under the over-all control of a committee of the Christchurch Civic Music Council, set up

for the purpose. The detailed organisation is being done by working sub-committees. All music is being played by pupils of the Christchurch School of Instrumental Music, and the massed choirs are drawn from Form I classes of Christchurch intermediate schools. Private schools are providing the two small choirs. Students majoring in music at the Christchurch

Teachers' College, and. senior university music education students are helping in the preliminary rehearsal work. “Earth and Sky” is a work which will exert a big influence on school music in this city. It is an uncompromising work of art—and this is its strength.