A PROMINENT MUSICIAN.

Gisborne Times, Volume LX, Issue 9798, 7 May 1924, Page 6

A PROMINENT MUSICIAN.

PENDING VISIT TO GISBORNE

Mr Sydney Francis Hoben, who has been widely known in America for a number of years as a gifted pianist, lecturer, and teacher, will arrive in Gisborne on Saturday for a stay of six weeks. Mr Hoben has been touring America and Canada extensively for many years, giving interpretations of the story and music of grand opera . a the homos of distinguished social leaders. They are always private subscription affairs and not open to the public. He has already made appearances in Christchurch and Hawke’s Bav.

In Christchurch recitals were held at the homes of Mrs Bernard Wood (Sir Joseph Ward’s daughter), Mrs Edgar Stead, Mrs Henry Cotterill, Mrs John Deans, Mrs. F. H. Pyne, Lady Denniston, and other prominent ladies.

Jn Hastings and Napier Mr Hoben had placed at his disposal the homes of Miss Elsio Williams (Frimlcy), Mrs Jlohert Nairn, Mrs T. E. Crosse, Mrs J. D. Ormond, Mrs E. M. -Herrick and otl.'ors. The recitals have everywhere keen largely attended. Mr Ho! >en arrived from America in December, and will spend a year in the Dominion, before returning to the States, and will give a course of lessons in the cities and larger towns as well as his recitals. His American . criticisms are very enthusiastic, both as to his concert appearance and' to his teaching. Ke has appeared as solo pianist with John Barrymore, America’s leading actor; as accompanist with Geraldine Farm, the famous prima donna of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, and with many other widelyknown singers. And he has acted as vocal coach and teacher to many singers on the American concert and operatic stage. Mr Hoben received Ids musical education at the famous Royal Conservatoriurn of Music in Leipzig. Germany, which was founded by Mendelssohn and Schumann, and where he graduated with the highest honors. The Dominion, Times and Post, of Wellington all devoted column long interviews with him on his arrival in December and the Christchurch papers followed suit.