The living arts

Press, 24 August 1976, Page 20

The living arts

Rebroff’s return One of the most successful entertainers to tour New Zealand — the giant Russian singer, Ivan Rebroff, who has made two sold-out tours — will return next month. Rebroff, who is at present touring Europe, recently made a two-month tour of Canada and the United States, giving 50 performances in 40 cities. His tour schedule kept him so busy that he used the flight time from Europe to America to rehearse with his Balalaika ensemble. This was made possible by Air Canada, which gave him the use of the first class lounge in the Boeing 747 jet. And he has kept up the busy schedule — from North America he rushed back to Europe for a big tour there before heading for South America to, squeeze in a one-month tour there. Then it was back to Europe for a tour of Germany last month. He is having a short break before his trip to New Zealand and Australia, because he is scheduled to spend October touring South Africa, and in No-

vember he will be back in Europe, touring the Netherlands. Harpist An Australian harpist, Louise Johnson, aged 21, has started a four-month tour as relieving harpist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Her first performance was in the Puccini opera, “Turandot,” in Wellington last week. 512.000 Hodgkins A world record price of $12,000 for a Frances Hodgkins painting was paid at the art auction at Dunbar Sloane, Wellington, on Friday. The previous record for a Hodgkins painting was $lO,OOO paid in Auckland earlier this year. The top price paid for a painting at the auction on Friday was $14,000 for a Van Der Velden. Some 220 paintings were sold during the two sittings, for a total price of $llO,OOO. Opera aides When the Australian Opera presents “Rigoletto”

and the new opera, "Jenufa,” in New Zealand in October New Zealand singers, dancers, and stage crew will join the company. The general manager of the New Zealand Ballet (Graham Atkinson) said that auditions were being held this month, and that performers would be required full time in October. Mr Atkinson, who is co-ordinator for the tour, said that 26 singers, several supernumeraries, both male and female, and dancers from the New Zealand Ballet would augment the 60 or so Australian visitors.

There will be three performances of "Rigoletto” in Wellington and four in Auckland, alternating with the new opera, which will be performed three times in each centre. Most of the equipment required for the performances will be flown from Australia by Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules aircraft, and other equipment and lighting will be either made or supplied in New Zealand. —Derrick Rooney