Royal variety concert

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33448, 1 February 1974, Page 18

Royal variety concert

The Royal variety concert in the Town Hall auditorium last evening should go down on record as being the best —possibly the only—concert ;of its kind in New Zealand. Any doubts about the wis'dom of having such an uniusual combination of artists, (spanning rock, classical, folk, land pop music, and ranging (from the Civic Orchestra and ■ the Band of the New Zealand , Army to Bulldogs Allstar 'Goodtime Band, were quickly dispelled. More than 450 performers from all over New Zealand (with the majority from Christchurch) showed what the cream of our musicians ( can produce, given the incen-' 1 tive and the impetus. One could sense that, in '

spite of themselves, in spite ’ of possible cynicism about i IRovalty and the Common- 1 iweath, the younger and more 1 sceptical members of the < show were overcome by thei’ I electric atmosphere as the 1 Roval Family entered theh auditorium and took their i ! seats. 1 I After the playing of the-

National Anthem, an in-frequently-heard overture these days, and a formal welcome by the compere, Ray Columbus, the concert opened in the grand manner with the Christchurch Harmonic Society, the Royal Christchurch Musical Society and the Christchurch Civic Orchestra, conducted by Vanco Cavdarski, presenting selections from Gounod’s “Faust.” The 45 members of Te Wai Pounamu Maori group presented a rather too long series of action songs and poi dances, as well as a haka which was interpreted by some as the comic part of the variety concert. Cathie Harrop added sentiment to the programme with the lilting “Greensleeves” and the nostalgic “A Touch of Rain.” She was followed by the Link, whose performance of “I Who Have Nothing” was most untypical of them. However, they handled the number well, and Dave Kennedy’s singing was particularly good. The lovely 14-year-old

Erana Clark was a little ou of voice at first, obviousl; because of nervousness, bu she gained confidence. Th< Bulldogs were outrageous a expected, but it is to bi hoped that the Queen wa amused. A performance of technica brilliance was given by Be linda Bunt, playing the fina movement of Mendelssohn’ Concerto in E for violin. Shona Laing’s “Whisperin; Afraid” was beautiful, an< the Band of the New Zealani Army lived up to its increas ing reputation with an impos ing series of numbers. Although I normally wouk be the last to admit it, it was indeed a moment filled with feelings of pride and emotion when, predictable as it may seem, the concert closed with Steve Allen and the entire cast singing—you’ve guessed it—“ Join Together.” Should there perhaps be more concerts of this nature, of home-grown excellence? But then, one wonders, without the incentive of some-; thing like Royalty, would' anyone go? No.—K.M.F.P. 1