VISITING SINGERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 April 1940, Page 4

VISITING SINGERS

CENTENNIAL FESTIVAL. [PEB PEESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, April 15. A Government reception was tendered to musicians visiting New Zealand for the national centennial music and drama festivals in the social hall, Parliament Buildings, this afternoonThe ’ chief guests were'Mr Anderson Tyrer, musical director, Miss Isohel Baillie (soprano), Miss Gladys Ripley (contralto), Mr Heddle Nash (tenor), Mr Oscar Natzke (bass), and Mr Raymond Beatty (bass baritone).

The guests, who included Ministers ci' the Crown and representatives of the musical societies of Wellington, were received by the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) and Mrs Fraser. Welcoming the visitors, Mr Fraser said they would play a very important part in the centennial celebrations. “We regret that it is only possible to hold musical festivals in the four main centres,” Mr Fraser said; “but because of broadcasting, i every corner of the Dominion will be reached. The visit is memorable in the history of culture in the Dominion.'’

The Premier of Queensland (Mr W. Forgan Smith) said it was a splendid thing to bring out notable artists so the people of Australia and New Zealand' could benefit from their talent. He had every 1 hope that when the artists had carried out their contract in Ne.w Zealand they would see fit to visit Australia.

Extending thanks for the reception, Mr Tryer said tney hud the finest vocalists England could provide, and the centennial orchestra was the best the country could .provide New Zealand' was a long way from Europe and the United States and it was up to the public of the Dopiiaion to supp rt the festival strongly. '•