New head of Perth Festival

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34127, 13 April 1976, Page 24

New head of Perth Festival

The concert director of the famous Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, David Blenkensop, will become the new administrative director of the Perth Festival this month.

Mr Blankensop has worked with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for 15 years. “The chance of a new job is very welcome. Ive had a marvellous time here, and been able to travel extensively in Europe and the Soviet Union. But 15 years in one job is a long time,” he told N.Z.P.A.

"I've seen orchestras we’ve had here become real jewels, but the time eventually comes when one has to seek new pastures. "The job in Perth has a special attraction for me because it embraces all the art forms, not just music. To me this is a new challenge. I will also have to organise theatre, films, and fine art.” Mr Blenkensop, who described Perth as “the most beautiful place I’ve seen,” said the offer came completely unexpectedly. "A colleague of mine who worked as a professional musician was asked while he was in Perth whether he knew anybody in England who would be interested in running the Perth Festival, because the present director is about to retire,”

PAINTINGS A collection of paintings of Akaroa by Margot Wethey, of Alexandra, will be shown in the Akaroa Fire Brigade hall on Easter Saturday and Sunday. Later they will be shown at Jeanne’s Pot-Pourri, Akaroa.