Violinist of Distinction

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 235, 5 October 1936, Page 8

Violinist of Distinction

Mr. Reg. Svttonn, of Wellington, and recontly of Dunedin, who will be appearing at the Regent theatre on Sunday night as a solo violinist, and also with tho choir of the Wellington Harmonic Society (by countesy of the De Luxe Theatre, Wellington) is a violinist of distinction. He commenced study at the age of six years, after manifesting musical ability at three years of age, when his love for tho violin led him to construct imitation violins from thin wood which, when given strings cut from lengths of fine copper wire, vibrated freely. At t/he ago of eight years he began to study with the celebrated teacher of Kubelik, Professor Sevcik, to whom Mr. Svttonn owes his technique. Later he studied interpretation with Eugene Ysaye, the greatest violinist of his day. Coming to New Zealand an account of tihe health of his mother, who was formerly principa' contralto soloist with the Halle Orchestra, under the conductorship of Dr. Hans Richter, Mr. Svttonn studied for some time with Rafael Squarsei. He has broadcast frequently from 4YA Dunedin and has collaborated with Dr. V. E. Galway (city organist of Dunedin and Professor of Music at tihe Otago University) at organ recitals given by the latter in the Dunedin Town Hall. Mr. Svttonn’s repertoire includes twenty-five standard concertos and over two hundred solos. While in Europe lie appeared as soloist with symphony organisations under well-known conductors, including Nikisch. Mr. Svttonn is the posessor of a very fine violin made 23 years ago by the Belgian maker, Auguste Falisse, wiho he describes as the Stradivarius of to-day. In 1912, he says, this violin took first prize in a competition held in Paris against 42 competitors, including violins by Stradivarius, Guarnerius, and Amati, besides other modern makers. He also owns a genuine Peter Guarnerius, dated 1690. Many readers will no doubt attend next Sunday night’s concert to hear Mr. Svttonn, and, to ensure seats, are strongly advised to book. Plans are at Aitehison’s, chemist, and N.Z.I. Company.