Orchestra’s debut

Press, 20 February 1980, Page 29

Orchestra’s debut

NZPA Hong Kong t Green banners of appreciation were passed to the conductor, Michi Inoue, and the violin soloist, Ruggiero Ricci, when the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra made its debut performance at . the. Hong Kong Arts Festival! ; ' • ' - For the Cantonese people of Hong Kong this was a traditional honour to talent. But the accompanying five 'recalls of conductor and artist indicated a response from the packed concert 1 hall that s ,the orchestra had earned its place as the musical centre-

piece of the month-long festival.

“We have made a good start,” said the tour manager; Mr Peter Averi, after nervously contemplating the impact the orchestra might have on the opening night of its first overseas -tour since 1974. Shostakovich’s festival overture was the orchestra’s debut piece. Some music lovers found it a slow beginning, but the violin concerto earned wide appreciation. The performance did not impress everyone though. A local music critic found the debu-f no more than "solidly stolid.” ' .

Under a Jhree-column

heading in the “South China Morning Post” — “A performance which lacked Russian spirit” '■ — the critic, David Gwilt said that judging bv form on the first night the orchestra, would not offer concent-goers new insights. However, Gwint s comments were not echoed by a reviewer on Hong Kong radio. He said the various sections of the orchestra had nothing to be ashamed of and “the brass shone with brilliance throughout, sometimes almost too brilliantly for the limited stage of the city hall.” The concert was impressive, he said. .