CIVIC THEATRE ORCHESTRA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20426, 30 November 1929, Page 17

CIVIC THEATRE ORCHESTRA.

THIRTY PLAYERS ENGAGED.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR'S PLANS.

Satisfaction with the progress he has made in organising the orchestra for the new Civic Theatre was expressed yesterday by Mr. Edward Henkel, the musical director. Mr. Henkel has had the task of choosing 30 musicians to play under him A and choosing them not for their playing ability alone. He sets a high premium on personality. "I try to set a fairly high standard in my work," Mr. Henkel said, "but I am fully satisfied that I shall have an orchestra worthy of the name when the theatre opens. I can only hope that Auckland audiences will be similarly satisfied." It is Mr. Henkel's view that music can make or mar any theatrical or cinema production. During a lifetime spent almost entirety in the musical side of film presentation, he has collected a library of 5000 pieces of music, which, in addition to the music already in the possession of Thomas O'Brien Theatres, will be used to ensure varied and original musical programmes. "I wanted players of versatility, and I think I have got them," Mr. Henkel said. "We hope to be ablo to cater for the musical tastes of all."

The Symphony Orchestra at tho Civic Theatre will play from tho special orchestral barge, which will rise from below the auditorium with tho opening bars of music. For special numbers it will be raised to the level of the stage, and while the orchestra is playing accompaniments to films it will be lowered to take up the normal position of an orchestral well. Then there \yill be a stage band of 20 instrumentalists, forming a background for novel stage presentations. Assisting Mr. Henkel in the musical side of Civic Theatre programmes will bo Mr. Fred Scholl, who will preside at the grand organ, the largest instrument of its kind in New Zealand. Another attraction will bo a highly trained ballet. Permanent employment will be found for 12 girls, all chosen after exhaustive tests, and they will bo augmented by others for special occasions. Everything is being done to present tho most modern typo of entertainment in the Dominion's largest and most modern theatre.