ROLAND SEXTETTE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 4, 1 December 1934, Page 9

ROLAND SEXTETTE.

PERFORMANCE AT MESSRS COLLINSON AND CUNNINGHAME’S At Messrs Collinson and Cunniughame’s tearooms 011 Thursday a pleasant entertainment was provided when the Roland family sextette presented a programme of A'iennese waltzes and beautiful melodies. These talented young musicians, whose ages range from 13 to 19 years, comprise Olga (pianist), 19 years; Margit, 18 years, and Stephanie, 12 years (’cellists); Phyllis, 17 years and Elsa, 16 years (violinists), also Max, 15 years, the capable leader. For such youthful performers they have travelled far afield, having recently returned to'New Zealand after five years of intensive study in Vienna. Max, the leader of the sextette, handles his violin with consummate artistry, and the playing of the combination is marked by admirable balance and rich tone. Their story as recounted is an interesting one: —“AVhen Deszo Roland a handsome Hungarian, landed in New Zealand a quarter of a century ago he little dreamt that before many years had passed he would lose his heart to a New Zealander and become naturalised in this country. Still less did he dream that from this happy union would spring five girls and a boy all exceptionally gifted as musicians. The family lived in the pretty little health resort of Te Aroha until their father was appointed continental buyer to a number of New Zealand ~ and Australian firms. Music soon found expression in these children, and so impressed with their ability were prominent touring musicians that they constantly besought Mrs Roland if it was at all possible to take them to Europe to study. There came a day when the postman brought a letter from Mr Roland stating that all arrangements had been made for the family’s removal to his homeland. Bidding au. rev oil’ to New Zealand, they sailed via Suez to Naples, thence by train to Budapest. A'ienna, was at the time of their arrival in a very disturbed state, so for six months they made holiday in Hungary. Then came A'ienna. So keen were they on learning everything that was to be learnt in the home of music that they never once grew weary or let their interest flag, not even when they found it necessary to acquire another language, German being spoken in Vienna. As students at the Conservatorium they were able to attend all concerts and operas, hearing the greatest artists in the world. Their master was Professor Rudolph Malcher, a' friend of Kreisler, and first violinist in the famous symliony orchestra, of which he was leader. They were also privileged to undertake special study with Johann Strauss, a grandson of the famous composer, and had the honour of playing at the Strauss celebrations. They also met Madame Kreisler who was very interested in their progress.” The orchestra is playing in the afternoons at Messrs Collinson and Cunninghame’s.