MUSIC FESTIVAL

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 226, 19 June 1940, Page 5

MUSIC FESTIVAL

To Begin In Wellington On Saturday The music festival which will begin ou .Saturday iu the Town Hall, Wellington, is not a local but a national event, for its organization has been carried out by the National Centennial Music Committee. A feast of opera, oratorio, and orchestral music is iu store for Wellington music-lovers. “Faust,'” which will be performed in the Opera House, the first time being ou Monday, is the result of many months of strenuous rehearsal by the chorus and principals-. The reception which it has been given iu the other centres has been particularly enthusiastic, and it has indicated to the people of New Zealand what musical performances in the great cities of the •world really mean. While discussing the production of "‘Faust” in Wellington. Mr. Elarison Cook, national producer and stage director for the opera, expressed surprise that many people did not know that the presentation would be given as a full stage opera. The scenery, he said, had been specially painted, and new costumes had been made for the production. Heddle Nash, as Faust, was undoubtedly the best actor and singer in the role that. Mr. Cook had seen, either in England or on the Continent. In faet, the whole thing was so excellent that it should satisfy the most fastidious critic. That the opera was being presented in our own language would provide audiences with a fuller appreciation of Gounod's great work. Contributing toward making the festival perhaps the most memorable occasion in 'Wellington's musical history, will be the enjoyment of such artists as Isohel Baillie, Gladys Ripley, Raymond Beatty, Oscar Natzkc, and Frank Bcrmingham. in addition to Heddle Nash. These distinguished artists are already firm favourites with their audiences in the other centres of New Zealand, and the utility who have listened to their broadcasts. The National Centennial Orchestra, under the conductorship of Anderson Tyrer. comprises many of the leading musicians of New Zealand, and has produced many impressive performances in the other centres where it. has played.