MUSIC IN LONDON

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 91, 14 October 1931, Page 11

MUSIC IN LONDON

FLOURISHING STATE

TALENT IN THE COLLEGES

Some interesting observations on music in London were made by Miss Valeric Corliss, A.E.A.M., L.R.A.M., of Wellington, who returned by the Tamaroa to-day after nearly two years in England.

Interviewed by a "Post" reporter, she said that at the presont moment London seemed to have reached a sort of pinnacle of musical eminence. Its orchestras had gone ahead in an outstanding manner, and people appeared to be very interested in them, and attended the concerts. She saw no sigii of any falling off of interest people were taking in the performances given by musicians. There did not appear to be any danger of mechanical music affecting the position. Progress was being made by the Royal Academy, the Royal College, Trinity College, and the Tobias Matthay Pianoforte School, and it was noticeable that the talent which those places had at Ihe presont time was outstanding. Miss Corliss said that she had had three trips Home, mainly about musical matters, and this time she had heard more talent among students than ever before. A large number of American students took advantage of London's opportunities to make themselves proficient in music. The stage, Miss Corliss said, seemed to be flourishing, too, and there were engagements for good actors nnd actresses. In addition, London had its many wonderful and charming picture houses.

Broadcasting in England was tremendously strong, vital, and extraordinarily interesting. The 8.8.0., she thought, was one of the most wonderful organisations in the world, and the manner in which it had progressed in the last seven years was quite outstanding. It was controlled by very talented people, and the concerts broadcasted were really wonderful. A feature was that the programmes were so well spaced; there was no "horrible mix." The 8.8.C. Symphony Orchestra ranked among the famous orchestras of the world. There were no foreigners in its ranks, and its work was appreciated not only through England, Scotland, and Wales, but on occasions throughout the Continont. "One thing that I was impressed with in London —as is also every New Zealander —was the extraordinary consideration shown, by the London people," said Miss Corliss. "It is shown you in tho buses, in the streets, by the policemen, and everywhere. London musicians meet you with 6iich consideration, simplicity, and charm. There is another thing: they wcro all sincerely interested in New Zealand, and expressed the view that they would like to come here, but the distance was too far."

Among the interesting people she met were Hugh Walpole, Sir Philip Gibbs, Inn liny, and Jack Buchanan, tho film stnv. Sir Philip Gibbs told her that he had a, brother living in Nelson, nnd that he would liko to visit New Zealand. "I told Jack Buchanan that his work was admired," she said, "and he said, 'Give New Zealand my love.' He said he would come here as soon as he could, if only for tho fishing." Miss Corliss, who was accompanied by her mother, availed herself of the opportunity of meeting many of the leading musicians and hearing the latest works. During her stay in London she did some teaching at the Tobias Matthay Pianoforte School, of which she is the Now Zealand representative.