Bringing the Arts Together

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 258, 31 October 1940, Page 5

Bringing the Arts Together

UNIQUE GATHERING AT MISS DEAN’S STUDIO

In Palmerston North last evening there was a gathering of people representative of widely diversified talents and cultural gifts which must have been unique for this centre at least. It was a happy thought on tho part of Miss Mona Dean to take advantage of the presence in the city of Dr. C. Edgar Ford, examiner for Trinity College, London, and Mrs. Ford to bring together at her studio some of the leaders in this district of music, education, architecture, medicine, literature, dramatic and other arts to meet them. By a coincidence Mr. Max Pirani, examiner for the Royal Schools of Music, is also visiting tho city and he, too, was gathered in. Miss Dean received the guests wearing a f*oek of gold and rose brocade with matching coatee banded witb black net. She wa3 assisted in her hostess duties by members of tho Manawatu branch of the Registered Music Teachers’ Association. Mrs. Ford wore a graceful frock of black taffeta with flared 3kirt, and quilted coatee. Lovely bowls of ranunculus, tulips, roses and scarlet foliage adorned the blue and cream studio where a cheery ! fire offered a further welcome and the | guests enjoyed meeting and chatting with the overseas visitors. Dr. Ford was prevailed upon to give some of his delightful improvisations for which he has a great gift, and Mr. j Pirani demonstrated his high musical | attainments in his generous offerings at the piano, playing Barcarolle (Chopin), three Preludes by Rachmaninoff, two Fairy Tales by Medtner, “Reflets d’Eau” (Debussy) and a Bach Fantasia before the company was satisfied. Savoury supper was enjoyed and before tho party terminated Mr. John Murray voiced the appreciation of the gue3ts to Miss Dean for the opportunity of coming together in such happy asso- ' ciation and of the privilege of hearing two such fine artists as Dr. Ford and Mr. Pirani.

Mr. J. Holmes Runnicles, president of the Registered Music Teachers’ Association, said his branch comprised only a small band but they were glad to have shared this experience of widening the interest. He added his thanks to Miss Dean and his appreciation of the pleasure provided so graciously by Dr. Ford and Mr. Pirani.