CHORAL SYMPHONY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21763, 31 March 1934, Page 10 (Supplement)

CHORAL SYMPHONY

MAREO ORCHESTRA PLANS " RHAPSODY IN BLUE " The success of the Mareo Symphony Orchestra concert last week has led to an announcement of the greatest important of music-lovers in Auckland. Mr. Eric Marco stated recently that he will begin preparations for the presentation, at the fourth concert of the year, of Beethoven's great Ninth, or Choral, Symphony, looked 011 with reverence in all musical circles as the supreme achievement of Beethoven's maturity. The work is a great Ode to Joy, and it requires a large chorus in addition to a full symphony orchestra. Mr'. Mareo hopes to use a choir of 150 voices. Even in the largest cities of the world, music-lovers seldom have an opportunity of hearing the work, and its performance in Auckland will be a musical event of the first magnitude. In the meantime, May 3 has been set down as the date for the second concert of the year. The programme is not yet finalised, but the principal item will be Gershwin's famous " Rhapsody in Blue," which has become already a classic of modernity. In the presentation of this interesting composition, two pianos are employed as a basis to the orchestral work. The orchestra's activities will extend to lighter entertainment at a concert to be given in the Town Hall on April 12 in aid of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The orchestra will provide light operatic and popular numbers, which will not overlap in any way its more serious programme! Stage decorations by Madame Amy Miburn and special lighting effects will be features.