MUSIC ABROAD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 176, 29 June 1925, Page 10

MUSIC ABROAD.

HENRI VERBRUGGHEN IN

AUCKLAND

Henri Verhrugghen, the notable conductor of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, and previously principal of the Sydney Conservatorium oh Music and director of the New South Wules Orchestra, was a passenger by the Aorangi, which arrived at Auckland recently, on his way to Sydney to see his three sons, and also having a holiday after his exacting season with his orchestra touring American cities. He stated in an interview that a feature of the last lewseasons, especially in New York, had been tho appearance of several British artists, such us Eraser Gauge (baritone), who is the husband of Amy Evans, the celebrated Welsh soprano, Myra Hois and Katherine Good Hon (pianists), whilst next season Felix Salmon and Leon Tertis would play. John Coates, the famous English tenor, and the London String Quartet would be also appearing. We have a very line combination of orchestral players, stated M. Vorbrugghen, when questioned regarding his organisation. It consists of 90 performers, all nationalities being numbered amongst the executants. The woodwinds arc mostly French players, and uro especially capable musicians, whilst the horns are amongst tho best in the world, and the stringed family contains a number of solo artists. In fact, the orchestra is made up of professional players. During the last season we gave sixty-two performances, and Canada was visited, and wo had remarkable successes. At one concert m Winnipeg and another in Regina there was an aggregate attendance ot 11,000 people. Arthur Middleton and Paul Althouse, who toured the Dominion, are now on their way to Australia. They sang with us in our season just ended. Ernest Schelling, a noted American pianist, has leaped into lame during tho last two years, ehielly or account of a wonderful orchestral work founded uiion Alfred Noyes’ poem, “A Victory Ball.” It is quite modern, extremely complex, admirably orchestrated, and makes a powerlul dramatic appeal. Eugene Goosens, the celebrated conductor, has been definitely appointed director ol the Rochet Symphony Orchestra, maintained by Air George Eastman, of Kodak fame. Sergei Rachmaninoff is greatly sought after, and is coining this waynext year. : Percy Grainger occupies quite a unique place by reason of his compositions anil clever pianoforte work. He recently played with an orchestra in fine style the Grieg “A Minor Concerto.” Paderewski is better than ever. He lias more complete masterv of himself and his piauolorte. Galli-Ctirci is, to my mind, a wonderful coloratura singer, and you will find in the matter of artistry, ease of production, charm of voice, ami sweetness a singer quite away from tho ordinary. That was my impression when 1 heard her sing hist m the Metropolitan Theatre, New A ork. Questioned as to the possibility ol the orchestra coming to New Zealand, AI. Verhrugghen shrugged Ins shoulders and replied: “Aon never knou. All things are possible, and perhaps—nor haps, 1 say—wo may oonic. J would very much like to. But there is tlie terrific expense. The members draw big salaries, and travelling is expensive. Anyhow, I would like to do it.