STUDENT MUSICIANS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25385, 17 November 1943, Page 4

STUDENT MUSICIANS

TECHNICAL COLLEGE CONCERT The profound impression created by the performance of the King Edward Technical College Choir and Orchestra in the recital given for patriotic purposes in August this year, when Mr Frank Callaway made his first public appearance in the role of tutor and conductor which was originated by Dr Vernon Griffiths, was re-created with emphasis last night, when a completely satisfying entertainment was presented by the college orchestra before a.large audience in the Town Hall. The relegation of the school choir to a minor role in the concert had no effect on the musical interest attaching to the recital, for thereby the large body of instrumentalists was given full, opportunity to display, to the obvious delight of the audience, its qualities of flexibility and versatility, and to give a thorough insight into the valuable work that is being done in the college to foster the art of music-making. Mr Callaway’s control of the orchestra,was always incisive, and produced results that showed the complete confidence reposed in him by his young players. The concert opened with a vigorous and full-toned performance of the march, •’ Class Review ” (Lurie), by the massed orchestra of approximately 300 players, after which the school choir and orchestra combined in the singing of the school song, composed by Dr Griffiths, the organ accompaniment being played by Dr V. E. Galway. After this the programme was predominantly instrumental. The senior orchestra, comprising some 160 players, gave an attractive performance of two Irish melodies by Oscar Naylor, "Along the Ennis Road ’’ and “After Limerick Races,” and was later heard in Grieg’s “Norwegian Dances,”..Nos. 1 and 2, and the Minuet and Trio from-Haydn’s

“ Surprise ” Symphony, both ' of which were competently played. Another popular item, which had to be repeated, was the playing by the massed orchestra of a March from “ Carmen," by Bizet. A small orchestral group of 12 players presented the graceful Minuet from Handel s ’’ Berenice ” and the Andante, from Mendelssohn’s Concerto in E minor for violin and orchestra, in which Mr James Timlin played the solo part, was also an enjoyable item. Handel’s Concerto No. 1 in G minor, for organ and strings, was played by Dr Galway and a section of the orchestra with sympathy and cohesion, a second number by the same combination, Walford Davies’s “ Solemn Melody,” meeting with equal success. Mr L. S. White showed marked skill as a solo clarinettist in his performance with the orchestra of Mozart’s sprightly Rondo frem Concerto in A major. Another Mozart composition, Rondo in B flat, was played by a string quartet. A military band, conducted by Mr White, played with spirit and control in two numbers, “ Praeludium,” by Jarnefeldt, and Holst’s First Suite in E flat, the brasses and woodwinds maintaining both cohesion and precision. Miss Anita Proctor, who is rapidly establishing herself as one of the most accomplished of Dunedin’s younger concert singers, sang the difficult ’’ Let the Bright Seraphim,” from Handel’s “ Samson,” very beautifully. Master David Christensen’s sympathetic trumpet obbligato and the restrained and wellbalanced orchestral accompaniment putting the final touches to an enjoyable number. Two choral croups whose singing won the audience’s approval were heard in a bracket of three part songs, with descant, “Annie Laurie,” “ Loch Lomond.” and “You Gentlemen of England,” and the part, songs for trebles. “ Drink to Me Only ” and “ Robin Adair.” all arranged by Dr Griffiths. The pianoforte accompaniments were played by Misses J. McLennan and L. I.oy.