MUSIC IN NEW ZEALAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18518, 1 October 1923, Page 8

MUSIC IN NEW ZEALAND.

NEEO FOR OONSERVATORIUM.

AUCKLAND ■ URGED TO- ACT.

A keen appreciation of- the works of modern' composers lias been ; noted ;, by Mr. Benno Moiseiwitsch, the j.iamst, m his travels in Australia and New i&ea'"lt i» a. healthy sign," said 'Mr.' Moiseiwitsch last evening, "that the l audiences ' appreciate ; the modern works as much as .they; do the classics. In fact, they seem to ; take- to them as a duck does to -water, and there is not the; conservatism in favour of . the old masters that might bo expected.' ; In discussing present-day / composers, the ' pianist said England certain'.;/ had Ihu healthiest, Sanest i batch. "There '■ are," he stated, '- "a lot ~of freaks ;; in France, something like the cubists in painting, but if 'anything more extreme. It is, however, merely a spasmodic movement, and will die a; natural dmth -\ Speaking of music in New Zealand, Mr. Moiseiwitsch 7 said he heard : a Wi-liing-ton girl play who was : undoubtedly a very talented * pianist. He , advised her to go to Europe ;to gain polish, aud to broaden her outlook on music- and ,life generally. "I shall not be surprised if we bear something from her in ihe next two ;or three years," he said. The visitor expressed the nope that next time he came to Now Zealand -he will find that a conservatDrium, of music has been established. "A conservatorium would eventually lead to 'in orchestra,", he said, "and these are the ; vital forces for; the development of music in any community. I should think Auckland,; ps s the «premieV *c|iAy, ought to do something in this matter, and if you are not careful Christchurch will beat you. : They are very keen down there, and often it is keenness that conquers." 'Expressing his admiration of New Zealand scenery, Mr. Moiseiwitsch said he was not a politician, but he thought the Dominion did not advertise enough. He would not be surprised if some people in England thought there were cannibals here, and,that New Zealand had a language of its own. ; The Empire Exhibition, he hoped, would! be a medium of enlightenment. There was a large gathering; at the Jewish Social Club • last - evening, when a reception was extended to Mr. Moisei-. witsch. Mr. Charles I. Nathan presided, and in introducing tho guest of; the evening, referred 'to. the high distinction he had attained in the realm of music. The Rev, S. A. Goldstein,' as president of the Auckland Zionist Society, also welcomed Mr. Moiseiwitsch. i:, ~ , : V