MUSIC AND DRAMA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 285, 2 November 1939, Page 11

MUSIC AND DRAMA.

PLANS FOR CENTENARY. WELLINGTON, Nov. 2. “Whatever attitude the people in 6omo localities may have about modifying their programmes of Centennial celebrations, I believe firmly that the public of Now Zealand will be unanimous in a wish for a complete performance of tho Centennial music drama festivals which are being planned by the National Centennial Music Committee with the assistance of provincial music committees,” said the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. W. E. Parry) in a statement issued last night reviewing tho arrangements. The Minister said that the Centennial music committees in the four main centres were co-operating on-I thusiastically with the national committee, and. each had planned a tentative programme which was expected to bo outstanding in interest and cultural value. Arrangements had been, made for the engagement of tho following wellknown singers, who would take a prominent part in the lestivals of the main centres: Soprano, Mies Isobel Baiilie, London; tenor, Air H.eddle Nash, London; contralto. Miss Gladys Ripley, London; bass, Mr Oscar Natsclicke, New Zealand and London.

In the programmes of the provincial committees it was proposed to include tho production of the opera “Faust.” If this proved to he practicable, the national committee would assist by making available the four principal singers, as well as the costumes lor a chorus of 40. The Minister said that with a view to stiffiulating interest in drama, the National Centennial Music Committee proposed to arrange to conduct through the provincial committees and with the assistance of the British Drama League a competition for a one-act play. It was expected that as one continuing result of tho Centennial music festivals, New Zealand would have an established national orchestra. This should follow* the decision of the National Centennial Music Committee to assemble a Centennial orchestra which would he a feature of the niusic festivals. The assembling of the players would he under the direct control of Professor J. Shelley,. Director, of tho National Broadcasting Service, assisted hv All* Maurice Clare. Entries for a competition for original compositions had already been invited hv the National Centennial Music Committee. These comprised a choral composition, orchestral composition, a one-act radio play, and a one-act stage play.