MUSIC FOR CHILDREN

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 144, 20 June 1931, Page 7

MUSIC FOR CHILDREN

SUCCESSFUL FIRST CONCERT

A sea of expectant and eager faces greeted Mr. John Bishop in the Town Hall early yesterday evening when he appeared on the platform to conduct the first of the scries of three concerts which tine Juvenile Concert League has planned to give for the delight and edification of the rising generation in ■Wellington. About the success of this innovation there was no doubt from tho start, and both children and adults thoroughly appreciated the concert and made it clear that they did so. Tho former (school battalions materially helping) filled nearly all parts of the big Town Hall, although there would havo been room for several hundred more (a defect which will probably be remedied at the next concert when those who stayed away hear from their playmates what they missed), and of adults there was a goodly number, although the rules aud regulations which lay down that no adult is to be admitted without at least 0110 child in attendance was strictly observed. In other words, these concerts arc not to be regarded as free shows for adults. By the time the concert was finishedit lasted from 0.30 p.m. to 7.45 p.m.— it was difficult to know who weio the moat enthusiastic, the audience or tho performers. Tho former's enthusiasm was decidedly infectious, and- it is a moot point whether the performers— there was an orchestra of 65, a choir, and several. solo instrumentalists —did not derive just as much enjoyment from their efforts as did the audience from listening. The children paid the closest attention throughout, and highly appreciated Mr. Bishop's happy remarks about the pieces to bo played and about the various instruments and their functions. For instance, when ho told "those noisy men at the back" to stand up, up stood like a well-drilled platoon all the trombone players and others hi the orchestra* who make deep and weird noises. This kind of thing and the general informality of the whole concert was an immense factor in the success of the evening. The one thing that Mr. Bishop did not explain, and what a small boy sitting next the "Post" representative wanted to know, was the function of " that little man who waves his arms and a stick." That "little man" of course was Mr. Bishop himself conducting, and to him the children's thanks and the thanks of the community are due for the indefatigable energy shown in arranging the concert. He fully deserved all the applauso he got, and so did all the voluntary performers and helpers who aided him in his efforts to give the children a real musical treat.

The programme was an ideal one from the children's point of view—a little bit of everything and the best at that. Time did not allow encores, although they would have been welcomed. The orchestra opened with "Hungarian March" (Berlioz), which was stimulating enough as a commencement. Then came the well-known "Sea Shanties," sung by Mr. Hanson. Cook and th,e male voice choir. . Mr. George Ellwood followed with 'cello solos, "The Swan" (Saint-Saens) and Poppor's "Gavotte." The charm of a string orchestra was then heard in three English folk songs, Miss Ava Symons following with two perfectly played violin solos. More male voice choir .singing , came nest, including the '.■Soldiers. Chorus" from 'Faust," and the orchestra rounded off the concert with Brahms.'" " Hungarian Dances.'' To improve on that programme, when its purpose is considered, would bo hard.