DUNEDIN ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 21518, 16 September 1933, Page 10

DUNEDIN ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

For its forthcoming concert the Dunedin Orchestral Society has chosen a programme which should be of general interest. The programme will be commenced with the conductors aiiangement of the National Anthem and Sir A. C. Mackenzie's nautical overture ‘ Britannic ’ will follow. This is a very happy and exhilarating work in which the audience will notice sonic clever treatment of Dr Arne’s famous song, 'Rule Britannia.’ First performed at the Royal Academy of -Music commemoration concert on May li, leJ4, this work maintains its freshness of appeal remarkably well. I‘or her group of English songs Miss Margaret Beattie has chosen 'A Grecian 1 icturc ’ (Alec Robertson). ‘Cuckoo (Martin Shaw), and ‘ Go Down to Kew in Lilac Time’ (Graham Pool). An interesting departure from usual procedure will be the inclusion of some short works for a trio. These will be played by Mr W. Lang (violin), Mr H. O. M'Farlano (’cello), and Mr Fcrnon Griffiths (pianoforte). The pieces to be performed have been selected from ‘ Miniatures,’ by Frank Bridge, and include the Minuet, Gavotte, and Allegretto from the first set. These are delightful and melodious examples of the composer’s earlier style, and they will have a wide appeal. Two items from Debussy’s ‘ Petite Suite ’ for pianoforte duet will be played by Mrs H. C. Campbell and Mr Vernon Griffiths. The items chosen are ‘Fu Bateu ’ and ‘Ballet.’ It is interesting to note that, though this charming music is now usually presented in its orchestral version (by Henri Busser), yet it was originally written by the composer as a pianoforte duet. The first half of the programme will be concluded with Joseph Holbrooke’s symphonic variations of ‘ Three Blind Mice.’ The work of a modern British composer whose compositions should be mucli better known; these variations are brilliantly written, and abound with interest from start to finish. The incursion of another (an equally well known) melody into the score will doubtless be noticed by many. The second half will be opened with Mendelssohn’s ‘ Concerto in G Minor ' for pianoforte and orchestra. This popular work will be played by Mrs H. C. Campbell, accompanied by the orchestra. Mr Alan Highet will sing two songs —‘ Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal ’ (Quilter) ana ‘ Songs of Araby’ (Clay). The trio will again be heard in two movements from a new trio by Dr Cyril Rootham. The concert will bo concluded with the last movement of Grieg’s ‘ Peer Gynt Suite ’ and Elgar’s stirring ‘ Imperial March.’ The . rehearsals have been well attended, and the orchestra is now at full strength.