STAGE MUSIC FILMS

Hutt News, Volume XII, Issue 22, 17 November 1948, Page 11

STAGE MUSIC FILMS

(By E.G.A.)

N.Z. STATE ORCHESTRA

APPOINTMENT CRITICISED The extension of Andersen Tyrer's term as conductor of the New Zealand State Orchestra has aroused much criticism. It had previously been stated by the authorities that applications would be called for the position, and most people—musicians and others—considered that that was the fairest course to pursue. However, it was recently announced that Mr. Tyrer would wield the baton for another year. The Orchestra’s first season was a great success, any weaknesses being looked upon as to be expected in a young organisation. But this season the Orchestra's performance was very disappointing. Instead of building up on the first year’s work it spent a large part of the season participating in that comparatively poor production of “Carmen” In association with the operatic societies. Later, when the Orchestra got back to recitals, its playing was not very impressive. Next* year there is a suggestion that part of the Orchestra should be associated with the visiting Italian Grand Opera Company. Wouldn't it be better if it kept to the purpose for which it was formed? The outlay on the Orchestra must be very heavy, and many people are wondering if it' is justified on present results.

‘‘THE BEGGAR’S OPERA”

CHRISTCHURCH PRODUCTION Gay’s old English opera, “The Beggar’s Opera,” is being produced very successfully by the Christchurch Civic Music Council, with Gordon Griihsdale as producer and C. Foster Browne music director.

Patricia Cottee is Polly and Winston Sharp appears as Macheath.

GRAND OPERA TOUR

HELP FROM GOVERNMENT

The Italian Grand Opera Company, which will open a New Zealand tour at Auckland on February 15, will have a repertoire of nine or ten operas. The Minister of Broadcasting stated that the Government will cooperate in every way possible. It is ten years since an Italian grand opera company was last in New Zealand. DOLLAR PHOTOGRAPH SHOWN FOR FIRST TIME For tlie first time actual photographs of a ten-dollar bill, a sheet of Treasury Department stationery, an Internal Revenue liquor stamp and the official badge and commission of an agent of the United States Secret Service will be shown on the screen, when “T. Men” opens.

ORCHESTRA IN FILM

PRAISE BY RUBINSTEIN

In commenting oh the orchestra which Walter Scharf conducted for the Rachmaninoff Cohcerto eceties of "I've Always Loved You," Artur Rubinstein expressed the opinion that it produced a sonority of tone unequalled by mahy of our finest orchestras.

“From an artist’s standpoint,” continued Rubinstein, who recorded the piano music for the picture, "the entire production is correct and bears the unmistakable trade mark of authenticity. As is only too well known, and remembered, many of the film stories similar to ‘l’ve Always Loved You’ have been shockingly inaccurate.

"I believe the rank and file of the motion picture public has developed a • greater appreciation and understanding of good music and that is, recognised in this picture.”

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN

GREAT SCHOOL RECORD For 25 years the boys of Southwell School, Hamilton, have had an annual season of Gilbert and Sullivan opera. All the operas have been produced several times, and a tradition has been built a, great achievement of which the school is proud. Former students who appeared in earlier productions now go alOhg to see their 3ons in the same roles.

All the characters are taken by the boys, and some of them make very charming “girls.” The operas are produced by the Rev. Paul Sergei, principal of the school, and costumes and scenery are made at the' school. M r - Sergei, by the way, is an expert in artistic stage lighting, and is in great demand for repertory productions.

The school’s Gilbert and Sullivan choice tiiis year is “Ruddigore,” one of the lesser-known operas. *

ENGLISH PIANIST

MOURA LYMPANY’S PLANS

Moura Lympany, the English pianist who made such a vivid impression in* New Zealand a few months ago, gave the premiere of a new concerto at Carnegie Hall, New York, on November 8, Miss Lympany, who in private life is the wife of Colonel Defries, has been engaged by the Australian Broadcasting Commission for ■an Australian tour in 1950. It is to be hoped that she extends the tour to New Zealand, for her concerts here this year delighted music-lovers.

SABU MARRIED WEDS AMERICAN ACTRESS Sabu, the popular young Indian film star, was married recently. His wife is a young Hollywood actress Wild appeared in Sabu's last film.

AMATEUR PRODUCTIONS

REPERTORY SOCIETIES

The Wellington Thespians staged “No Medals,” a comedy glorifying the übdeeorated housewife, all last week.

Other repertory productions are:— Nelson, “Quiet Wedding”; Hawera, “An Inspector Calls”; Palmerston, “Flare Path”; Hastings, “Gaslight” add “The Camel’s Back”; Waipukuraii, “Pink String and Sealing Wax”; Hamilton, “Dangerous Corner”; Gisborne, “Pygmalion.”

‘‘MESSIAH”

AUCKLAND PERFORMANCE

Etta Burnett, of Melbourne, will take the contralto solos in the Auckland Choral Society’s performance of “Messiah.” The soprano will be Myra Sawyer, of Wellington. Georg Tlntner, the new conductor of the Auckland Choral Society, is creating a very favourable impression with his outstanding musicianship. The Christchurch performance of "Messiah” will have as soloists Valerie Peppier (soprano), Mary Pratt (contralto), Thomas West (tehor) and Bryan Drake (baritone).' v -- HOUSES OP FUTURE IN "LOST HONEYMOON” Prize-winning miniature models depicting projected houses and public buildings of tomorrow are shown in the new romantic comedy "Lost Honeymoon” by an arrangement made by the film’s art • director, Edward Jewell, with the School of Architecture at the University of Southern California. The models submitted by leading architects from all over the United States in a contest sponsored by the university will bo displayed in the opening scenes of the film in Francliot Tone’s office. He plays the. part of a young playboy architect.