CARRYING ON

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 100, 30 April 1938, Page 14

CARRYING ON

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Although the season which has just closed lacked the glamour of the previous season—associated with the visit of the world famous conductor, Dr. Malcolm Sargent—it was not without its high lights. Three subscription, concerts were presented in the Town Hall. The first, on May 25, was notable for the first performance of "Forest," a tone poem by a New Zealand composer, Mr. Douglas Lilburn, of Christchurch. This proved to be a most interesting work and received an excellent rendering at the hands of the orchestra. Madame de Mauny was also associated-with •the orchestra in a fine interpretation- ■of • Schumann's Pianoforte Concerto in A Minor (Op. 54).

The second concert in August was remarkable for ah impressive performance, of Dr. Vaughan Williams's suite "F-los Campi," described as "one of tha most daring and advanced works by a British composer." Scored for small choir and small orchestra the vocal part was sustained by a particularly capable choir, the Schola Cantorum, recently,formed in Wellington, and the work was conducted by Mr. Stanley Oliver. This was a. first performance in New Zealand: Other items included Haydn's''Cello Concerto with Mr. Claude Tanner as soloist and Dvorak's "New World" Symphony. The last concert of the season in October was dominated by the appearance in the triple capacity of composer, conductor, and solo pianist of Mr.' Andersen Tyrer, and proved a triumph for this gifte4. .niusician/ ' His Concerto for Pianoforte and Orchestra received its second performance in New Zealand. Interest centred.most in the scenafrom Kit' Marlow's "Dr. Faustus," the music , for which was composed,by.Mr. Tyref. The vocal part was taken by tha Schola Cantorum, and the orchestra accompanied. A unique occasion wa3 provided in the appearance of Professor James Shelley, Director of Broadcasting, in the spoken part of Dr. Faustus. Mr. Andersen Tyrer conducted and the whole performance was a memorable one.

■ The council has again to acknowledge it's' iride'bteness to the National Broadcasting. authorities for facilities granted- in- -connection with rehearsals, and the presentation of its concerts. ■

■The conductor (Mr.-Leon de Mauny) gaveipjflii?'best in the service of the orchestra throughout the year. Tha value of his work was demonstrated in the invariably finished performances, the'fruits of painstaking zeal and enthusiasm. 'Thanks are also due to Madame de Mauny for her valuable help at'rehearsals, and in matters of organisation. . ■ :

The. membership of the orchestra has been fairly well maintained. Thera has heen a considerable defection during the. year through members going abroad, and' every effort has beea made to make good the losses suffered.

Developments which may or may not- affect the future of the orchestra are still very much in the air, and until something concrete eventuates, it will be the desire of everyone interested that • the . orchestra should "carry on."