NATIONAL ORCHESTRA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 16, 16 December 1932, Page 9

NATIONAL ORCHESTRA.

CONDUCTOR FROM BRITAIN. LONDON, Dec. 14. Professor R. S. Wallace, of Sydney University, has arranged with Dr. Mau colm Sargent, one of the most eminent British conductors, to visit Australia in July and August to conduct _ the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s National Orchestra, and carry out other studio work, also to visit all the States with ths object of building up an Australian National Orchestra. Dr. Sargent, in an interview, said he had never been to Australia, and was looking forward, with intense interest to his visit, though the trip was somewhat rushed, as he must be back in London early in October to carry out his existing engagements. He will spend eight full weeks in Australia, and hopes to give two concerts a week and possibly more. Concerts will certainly be given in Sydney a.nd Melbourne. The aim of his trips is to unify the existing orchestras into an organisation of about 100 players capable of the best work. “I want to build the Australian National Orchestra into something that will really matter.” Dr. Sargent is addressing a long questionnaire to the broadcasting authorities in Australia on which to base his general plans, which will not be settled before March. Professor Wallace, on behalf of the Broadcasting Commission, lias appointed the former Sydney city organist, Mr Arthur Mason, as the commission s London representative.