BAND CONCERT

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 39, 16 February 1933, Page 5

BAND CONCERT

TEST PIECES GIVEN

There was a' fair attendance.in the Town Hall 'last, evening. 'when _T concert was given by, the Port Nicholson. Silver Band, assisted by prominent local artists, prior to the band's departure for Dunedin to take part in ■ the Dominion: contest. The band will go south on Friday evening. Although the contest opens on Saturday, the Wellington band's' first test is on Monday evening. " ■ The opening number was "Marathon" (Rimmer), .the test march at the contest,, and it was played with vim and expression. It was followed by, the hymn for the contest, "Rochdale" (arranged-by H. Scotney), the band giving full religious significance to the music., The first piece for the Dunedin contest is the. selection "Berlioz" (arranged by Rimmer), and it offers wide scope, of which the band took goc _ advantage. : The second test piece, "A-Downland Suite" (Dr. Ireland), was specially, composed for the Crystal Palace contest, and consists of the \ following movements:—"Prelude," "elegy," "minuet," and "rondo.". Mr. Frank Wright, of Ballarat, who is to adjudicate at Dunedin,1 is of the opinion that "A Downland Suite" is the greatest woik yet written for; a brass band, and the audience was keenly ' interested to hear it interpreted by the local band. Without doubt it was a most ambitious .effort, and the band distinguished itself in its playing. The "minuet" was specially well rendered. Rossini was a composer of colourful music, I and the band's own selection for the conj test, "Rossini's works" (arranged by A. I Owen); gave, opportunity for bright playing. ,The: band worked up .to a. most effective and tuneful'climax. The .final number was ;Rimmer's "Raveriswood," which was well played. The subscriber's art union was drawn .during the interval, the. proceeds .'being devoted to the 10,000 shilling fund; Mr. Ken,Macaulay.s,pleasing voice was heaj.d to advantage in. '.The Two ..Grenadiers" and '"Somewhere a "Voice, is Calling/ "Mr. Will .'Yates '.tpld, some, funny stories, and gave two excellent humorous characterisations. Miss Kathleen 'Ferris was-warmly applauded for her two songs. Mr. Owen Pritchard sang "Koppa . ka banna,. an .Italian's idea of the playing of the Port. Nicholson bandy and he led community singing,-, and a. number of old favourites were .given, including some in a setting by" Mr., Will Bishop, .and the audience, joined.;.heartily in; the . singm» the accompanist was. Mr. Frank Crowther.