COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23859, 13 July 1939, Page 7

COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT

MR RITCHIE HANNA HONOURED ENTERTAINMENT IN TOWN HAIL During the past few years, in which a number cf youthful and, promising performers in this city, and elsewhere in the Dominion, have made up their minds to further their studies abroad, Dunedin music-lovers have established a notable tradition for generosity in their response to efforts made by local musical and other organisations to assist the departing artists by funds for their use overseas. That tradition was upheld last night when a large audience attended the complimentary concert given in the Town Hall by the combined musical organisations of the city to assist Mr Ritchie Hanna, the accomplished young violinist, who is shortly to leave for England to continue his musical studies. Mr Hanna is the latest of a long list of aspirants for wider and more complete artistic culture who have left New Zealand for the Old Country in recent years, and those who have followed his rapid advancement in his art since his first public appearance as a solo violinist some three or four years ago, confidently prophesy for him a future that will : be jilst as successful as those of other musicians who have previously left, this country. The programme arranged for the concert was pleasingly diversified, but principal interest naturally centred around the two appearances of Mr Hanna, who was received with warm appreciation. In each of his presentations he demonstrated the soundness of h}s early grounding, as well as, the development of his own ■ musical appreciation. His tone, although not big, was warm and sweet, and his technique was fully equal to the demands made- upon it by the compositions he selected. From the interpretative point of view his offerings were also satisfying, his tonal shading and expression revealing a mature insight into the essential atmosphere of the several compositions. His first number was de Beriot’s “ Scene de Ballet," the changing moods of which were skilfully interpreted, and as an encore he played “ Midnight Bells in attractive style. Later in the evening he gave a clean and well-balanced performance of the Francceur-Kriesler “ Sicilienhe Rigaudon,” which was followed by Zsolt’s descriptive “Dragon Flies.” Mr Hanna’s final encore was a “ Bolero,” of which he gave a rhythmic and characteristic presentation. The pianoforte accompaniments were sympathetically played by Miss Eunice Steadman. At an interval in the programme the Mayor (Mr A. H. Allen) briefly addressed the audience, and after explaining the aims of the musical organisations in arranging the concert, said that Mr Hanna had recently obtained a scholarship which entitled him to two years’ free tuition at the Royal College of Music, London. He had always been willing to assist in concerts organised by the musical bodies of Dunedin, and it was now his turn to receive assistance from those organisations. Mr Allen congratulated Mr Hanna on his past success, and wished him a further measure of success abroad. Mr Hanna, in reply,-thanked those ' who had organised the entertainment on his behalf, and also the members of the audience for their sun port, and said that he would endeavou. to repay in the future the kindness that had been shown to him. The concert opened with a group of part songs by the Otago Girls’ High School Choir, which, under the direction of Mr C. Roy Spackman, sang “The Shepherd’s Song’ (Godard), "Cradle Song” (Edmonds), and “Alexander” (Brewer), very charmingly. Mr Ivan Hanna, who is the possessor of a baritone voice of fine qual ity, and good range, sang Schubert’s “By the Sea,” and Miss Betty Pocock gave a praiseworthy interpretation- of the “Jewel Song” from “Faust. An interesting item was provided by the 4YA Orchestra, which, conducted by Mr Gil Dech, presented Gershwins “ Concerto in F,” Miss Muriel Ironside playing the solo pianoforte pnrt. This was a complex and intriguing work, full of the characteristic Gershwin idiom, and the treatment it received from the orchestra and the soloist commanded the close attention of the audience. The orchestra also played the final allegro from Dvoraks New World Symphony,” a melodious and brightly-coloured composition, the conductor maintaining good control - over the instrumentalists both in - this work and in the Gershwin number. As an encore the orchestra played an unusual arrangement of “ Drink to Me Only. Miss Anne White’s attractive soprano voice found excellent expression in her presentation of “One Fine Day.” from Puccini’s “ Madame Butterfly.” and a ladies’ double trio, led and accompanied by Miss Mavis Macdonald, sang “Dream Seller.” (Markham Lee) “Golden Springtime.” a Russian folk song, and the traditional “ Can Ye Sew Cushions?” with appealing ’ gracejand good tonal balance. Mr Arthur Macdonald sang Longstaff’s “ Where s the Sergeant? ” in his customary vigorous style, the entertainment concluding with a group of part songs by the Royal Dunedin Male Choir, conducted by' Mr Alfred Walmsley. These, were “Tell Me Not of a Lovely Lass”, (Forsyth). “ Summer Evening ” (Palmgren) , and “ Hymn of the Pilgrim (McDowell), all of which were well sung. Mr Eric Brebner took a solo part efficiently.