STUDENTS' ORCHESTRAL CLUB

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23340, 4 November 1937, Page 8

STUDENTS' ORCHESTRAL CLUB

FINAL RECITAL OF SEASON In its final recital of the year, which was presented in Begg's Concert Chamber before a large audience last night, the Students' Orchestral Club gave another of its spirited and entertaining performances, the quality of the instrumentalists' work reflecting credit on the enthusiasm of the conductor, Mr J. A. Wallace, who for some five years has kept this body of young players working steadily along lines which should provide them with a sound basic understanding of orchestral practice.

The recital opened with a vigorous performance of Egener's " Grand Stand March," after which the orchestra gave a competent interpretation of Suppe's well-known "Pique Dame" overture, the colour and movement of which were reproduced with good effect. The principal work of the evening was Schubert's "Unfinished" Symphony, a composition which made heavy demands upon the qualifications of the players. The lovely melodies running through the symphony were handled with good expression, and the general atmosphere of the performance was that of confidence and decision. The lively airs of " The Mikado " were presented with attractive spirit and colour, the orchestra displaying good cohesion and balance, and the programme was brought to a conclusion with an interesting performance of Erik MeyerHelmud's "Russian Suite," in which the three sections—" Moonlight Night in Winter Time," "With the Russian Gipsy Orchestra," and " In the Troika " —were presented with a good insight into the essential mood of each number.

That most neglected of instruments, the viola, was given a prominent place on the programme, Miss Nancy Hobson playing two viola solos in artistic and musicianly style. Her first number was Andante from Goltermann's Concerto, Opus 14, in which she achieved rich, flowing tone, and she displayed good technique in her performance of "Spanish Serenade," by GlazounovKreisler. Miss Bessie Gallien sang Benedict's lilting "La Capinera" with attractive freedom of expression, Mr Fred Bell's flute obbligato being cleanly and skilfully handled, and later in the evenini. she gave an equally pleasing interpretation of Puccini's "Vissi d'Axte." Mr Asquith Thomson, who is the possessor of a bass voice of fine, rich quality, particularly in the lower register, gave a polished and satisfying presentation of Handel's "Droop Not Young Lover," and subsequently was heard in a pleasingly restrained and well-modulated rendering of Lehmann's "Myself When Young." The cianoforte accompaniments were played by Misses Eunice Steadman. Rona Thomson, and Kathleen Allan.