MUSICAL TREAT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 122, 22 April 1940, Page 3

MUSICAL TREAT

PATRIOTIC CONCERT. HIGH FARE PROVIDED. Musical fare reminiscent of the days when the Palmerston North Orchestral Society was enjoying its greatest popularity was provided at the Opera House on Saturday night, when the grand popular concert arranged hy Miss Marie Moffatt, the brilliant pianiste, in aid of the patriotic funds, was presented. It was one of the finest experiences that has happened in the musical world of Palmerston North for many a day—but, to a disappointing degree, the city proved itself unready to accept tho excellent offering. Only about three hundred persons attended tho concert —drawing outspoken comment by Mr W. B. Tennent, who returned thanks to the artists —but their enthusiasm was unbounded, tho performers being most warmly acclaimed. How great a service has l>eeii rendered by the formation of the New Symphony Orchestra through Miss Moffatt’s initiative and her offer to play Mendelssohn's famous No. 1 Concerto in G Minor with orchestral accompaniment, is as yet difficult to estimate,,hut there is no doubt that tho appearance of this combination of 27 performers marks a new era in tho musical life of the city. Under tho experienced couductorship of Mr C. L. Mowicm, it presented a programme of rare worth —certainly it is a long time since tho like has been heard in the Opera House. Undoubtedly the highlight of the programme was the magnificent rendering of the Concerto, with Miss Moffatt as the solo pianiste—it was a splendid performance of a most exacting work. Each offering by the orchestra —embracing von Suppe, iStrauss and Alfred Hill—was a delight. Miss Moffatt’s technique in the Concerto was such as to enhance her already outstanding reputation, and throughout tho three movements she held the audience enraptured with her interpretative ability. It is some time since Miss Moltatt has been heard in Palmerston North, and the audience’s delight with her performance was conveyed by insistent applause and the presentation of gifts at the conclusion of the item. Xlie orchestra’s performance was undoubtedly enhanced by the excellent stage arrangement, the players being placed in correct symphony orchestral formation against a black draped and tiered background, relieved with palins. From the first bars of “Morning, Noon and Night” till the conclusion of a- repeat rendition of “Waiata Poi” the rapt attention of the. audience was held, and many expressions of hope that it would long continue to function were heard. In particular a tribute is due to Air Mowlem and Mr P. S. Larcoinb for organising such a combination, and to Aliss Moffatt for arranging the concert as a whole. J n every other respect the programme set an unusually high standard. the choice of .numbers, being especially satisfactory and the performance" beyond criticism. Mr F. Cousins proved an excellent stage manager, the various items proceeding with the minimum of delay. THA NKS CON VEYED.

During the interval Mr Tennent, who apologised tor the absence of the Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford), who was out of town, expressed appreciation to Miss Aloffatt for her initiative in arranging the concert and to the performers. Thanks were due to Air P. 8. Larcomb for publicity, to Air F. Cousins, stage -manager, and Air C. AlcGrath for assistance off-stage, to Mr F. J. Murphy ajid the Ushers, hut the greatest thanks were due to Aliss Aloifatt for her action in organising the concert. Air T ennent expressed the hope that in the event of a similar concert by the orchestra and artists the response would be in keeping with the city. As a result of the performance tho Patriotic, Fund would benefit to the extent of about £25, and a debt of gratitude was owing to Afiss Aloffatt and tlie artists. On his call Aliss Aloffatt and the performers were accorded an enthusiastic vole of appreciation. Tho programme was as follows: New Svmplionv Orchestra. “Alorning, Noon and Night” (Suppe). Vocal solos, “Hois Epais,” “Lollita,” Ah- G. AT. Whitlock. Instrumental quartet (Dohnanyi), Afesdames J. Fisher, A. Farmer. I). Wnrhurton. Alisscs B. Eliott and Af. Garrett. Vocal solos. “The Shepherd's v Song.” “Where'er You Walk. Aliss AT. Diedericb. “Pianoforte Concerto No. 1 in G Alinor” (Mendelssohn), Aliss Af. Aloffatt and orchestra. Orchestra, “Light Cavalry” (Suppe). Piauo-Accordeon Trio. “Alelodies of Strauss,” “Carnival Memories.” Air mid Airs H. Prince, Mr .7. Oliver. Vocal duels. “Gendarmes Duct.” “Souvenirs.” Atcssrs .T. Brown and R. Walden (AD G. Dawson was Die accompanist). Orchestra. “Wine, Women and Song” (Struass). Trio. Popular Numbers. Alan Sundbnrn Trio. Orchestra, “Waiata Poi” (Alfred Hill). The personnel of the orchestra was: First violins. Airs It. S. Law, Aliss 1). Southey Baker. JDs A. Farmer. Afiss B. Bartlett. Mrs J. Fisher, AD Chapman ; second violins. Messrs P 8. Larcnmli. A. Former, A. AVood. Afisses B. Eliott, J. Findlay, F. Howlev: violas, Ali=s N. Hobson and Afr L. Findlay; 'cellos, Afrs D. Warbnrton and Afr .T. Dale; double bass. AD A. AV. Leet; flute. Afr L. Pascoe; clarionets, ADssrs TT. Alylroi and F. Piper; cornets, Afessrs A. J. Berryman and A-. Lester; French horn, Afr A. Donkin; etinhonium Afr H T. Guthrie; trombone, AD ’ AV. O’Hara; pianiste. Airs AI. Clift; drums and effects. Afr C. Bell.