Queenstown Plays Host Boyd Neel Ensemble

Lake County Mail, Issue 9, 23 July 1947, Page 1

Queenstown Plays Host Boyd Neel Ensemble

“ Join the orchestra and see the world,” might well be the motto of members of the Boyd Neel Orchestra who stated in an interview at Queenstown, that one of their greatest ambitions had been to visit the resort. The orchestra arrived at Queenstown by cruiser coach from Christchurch, via Wanaka, on Thursday and spent two days of relaxation in the town. Although the weather was not good during the orchestra’s visit the enthusiasm of the party for the scenic attractions of the district was not •dampened. Members agreed that Queenstown was world famous as a tourist resort. “ The South Island of New Zealand has more to offer in scenic grandeur than any other country I have visited,” said one member of the orchestra. Mr Boyd Neel, himself, was much impressed with the beauty of the resort and the district. A section of the orchestra had a rehearsal on Thursday evening and a member advised a Press, representative that it was the intention of this section to give additional rehearsals' in New Zealand with the object of seeing more of the country. Mp Boyd Neel, founder) and conductor of the orchestra, is, apart from his

work in this connection, a inucli sought after guest conductor. He has conducted all major orchestras in Britain as well as the children’s concerts by the London Symphony Orchestra at Central Hall, Westminster. He has also conducted opera at Sadler’s Wells and Glyndebourne. Since the war he has resumed his annual visits to Holland to conduct the Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra.