THE WORLD OF MUSIC

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 27 October 1934, Page 2

THE WORLD OF MUSIC

AUCKLAND’S ORCHESTRA Z RECOGNITION- POR NEW ZEALANDER. GUARDS’ BAND ITINERARY. The Hamilton Amateur Operatic ■Society is to produce Sir Arthur Pinero’s well-known musical comedy, “The Boy,” in the Theatre Royal, Hamilton, during the coming week. Spectacular ballets have been arranged by Mr George Kingston, and special attention has been paid to the frocking. The producer is Mrs Cecily Tabor-Gregory, of Auckland, and the stage manager, Mr W. Blythe. It is interesting to note that the theme of the film, “Those Were the Days,” which has been showing in 'Auckland, is based upon “The Boy.” The cast includes the following principals: Mr Hugh Morton, Mr Ron Powell, Miss Myra Booth, Miss Eileen Laviugton, Mr Clement Shakeshaft, and Mr Eric Ewart.

The young Auckland dramatist, Mr Merton Hodge, was the subject of a comment in the London “Observer” recently. A correspondent drew attention to the fact that a search of many newspapers advertising Mr Hodge’s play, “The Wind and the Rain,” did not disclose one instance in which the author’s name was mentioned. “It reminds me of the names one sees in the advertisements of a forthcoming big production—the owners of the theatre, the lessees, the presenters (by arrangement with one or two other gentlemen), a big cast, and then the producer or director. I personally like to know the names of the author of the play,” the correspondent added. It was pointed oue that Arnold Bennett onee lamented that he had spent a long lifetime trying to ensure that the name of the author should' be inserted on all theatre-bills in letters at least half the height of that of the leading player or the manager—and had finally abandoned the attempt in complete despair. The Auckland Juvenile Orchestral Society, which was formed at the beginning of the year as an effort to provide ensemble training for young instrumentalists, concluded its season during the week at a social function at which several small compositions by Handel were played. The president, Mr W. G. Offer, expressed appreciation of the work done during the year by the conductor, Professor Charles Moor, and the pianist, Miss K. Twentyman, and said that the progress made by the players had been very encouraging. It is proposed to continue the society’s activities next year, although the difficulty has been, as usual, to secure young players of any instruments other than the violin, piano or ’cello. The dearth of wood-wind, players, particularly of the more unusual types, such as the oboe or bassoon, is one which extends into the ranks of senior orchestras, .more than one combination in Auckland being lamentably weak in this respect. Societies such as the Juvenile Orchestra, the Leys Institute Orchestra and the Aeolian Orchestra, should be able to play an important part in remedying this deficiency. A strong cast has been selected: by the producer, Mr Frederic MeCallum, for the Auckland Little Theatre Society’s production of “Treasure Island,” to be given in His Majesty’s Theatre for a six-nights season, commencing on November 22. Among the well-known amateurs in the cast are Mr Peter Dawson, Mr Val Mulgan, MiDan Flood, Mr Zante Wood, Mr Neville .Bonham, Mr Graeme Holder, Mr H. McK. Geddes, Mr A. E. 'Snaith, Mr L. Herd, and Miss C. L. Chambers. The part of Jim Hawkins ,the boy hero of R. L. Stevenson’s famous romance of adventure, is to be taken by Noel Mabee, a young Auckland lad who has already had considerable amateur theatrical experience. He is a son of Mr A. G. Mabee, well-known in sporting circles. The production will be staged on a lavish scale, and will be the most spectacular presentation the society has yet given, with the exception of “Peter Pan” in 1930. It will be the society’s 37th production, and the last of the 1934 season.

J t>- / - _ “Peter Pan” in 1930. It will be the society’s 37th .production, and the last of the 1934 season. PIANO SEASON COMMENCES. "With the opening of his New Zealand •tour, Philip Hargrave fulfils the promise of his directors, Messrs J. and N. Tait to allow New Zealanders to hear •this wonder pianist. Australia has been rewarding the small lad with receptions little short of ovations. That they have been thoroughly deserved has been confirmed by the opinions of the best Australian critics, who have no fault to find, except perhaps his youth, with Philip’s talent for piano expression. Declared to be Australia’s greatest musical discovery, this 12-year-old genius has a winsome personality, phenomenal memory and an astonishing gift of interpretation. Referred to by a well-known Australian critic as “a musical mystery; a small boy who carries with him a divine gift of musical genius that perplexes all who see and hear him,” young Philip is yet all smallboy when in the company of other boys. His outside interests are those of his companions, for he likes games of all sorts. The classics are his friends, too, and he plays them without reference to score, so merged is he in their meaning. His programmes will amaze New Zealanders, embracing as they do all the most famous composers. After Auckland a tour of the Dominion follows, and then the lad goes abroad for that experience that will make him world-famous. He may yet prove to be the Liszt of Australia.