GISBORNE PUBLIC AND VISITS OF INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23367, 25 September 1950, Page 6

GISBORNE PUBLIC AND VISITS OF INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS

“I feel that by bringing international celebrities to the provincial towns it can help produce an increased concert-going pubiie,” commented Mr. A. D. M. Longden, Australian impresario. who accompanied the violinist Alfredo Campoli, on his visit to Gisborne. Mr. Longden said that he had also been In the Dominion last year and in one or two provincial towns little public enthusiasm had been accorded performances starring international artists.

“From experience I find that Gisborne gives a good response, but I feel that it is not what it should be considering the size of the town and the great distance artists travel to reach it. 1 feel that there should be greater interest taken by the younger members of the community.’’ he declared.

Referring to the visit last year of the international pianist, Aleksandr Heilman, Mr. Longden commented that he had left a great impression on New Zealand audiences. Mr. Heilman had toured extensively in Great Britain and on the Continent since leaving New Zealand and a return visit to the Dominion was planned in 1952. Next year, said Mr. Longden, a visit of the Rumanian operatic and concert tenor, Petre Muntanu. to New Zealand was planned. This artist, who had enjoyed substantial success in the last two years at the Edinburgh Music Festivals, was one of the principal tenors of La Scala, Milan.