No sallow companion this fellow traveller

Press, 12 May 1981, Page 6

No sallow companion this fellow traveller

When Christopher Bunting travels by air in Britain he books two seats — one for himself and one for a “Mr Cello.”

The English musician finds this the easiest way to transport his cello. , It is small wonder that Mr Bunting likes to keep his cello by his side because it was last insured for $95,500.

“My cello is about 300 years old; never leaves England and is, I think, priceless,” he said. “When I travel overseas I take my modern cello — it is only five years oid — and is usually placed in the hold. Mr Bunting is in New Zealand at the invitation of the String Teachers and Players’ Association.

Wiiile in Christchurch, he will conduct a two-day seminar for teachers and string players which will incorporate teaching, lecturing, and performing. Mr Bunting has been impressed by the string players he has seen in New Zealand.

“There is a great deal of talent in New Zealand but Government funding is needed,” he said.

“Cello playing is a marvellous education, even if you do want to be a professional. “It can develop the intellectual capacities which do not get otherwise developed. It promotes intelligence and physical activity,” Mr Bunting said. After New Zealand it is back to England, via Au

tralia, and more teaching, performing and composing. “I hate composing but I like the result. I always enjoy the next concert.” Mr Bunting will also finish work on his first book on cello playing. It has been a 15-year project.

He has many pupils in England and conducts a youth string orchestra. “At present there is a cellist explosion in England. Maybe because Prince Charles is a cellist,” he said.

Mr Bunting intends to continue his teaching and performing. “Playing the cello is a lifetime quest. I have never perfected it,” Mr Bunting said.