LEVIN ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

Shannon News, 8 June 1923, Page 3

LEVIN ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

AN ATTRACTIVE CONCERT

(From the “Levin Daiily chronicle.”) There was a very fair attendance at the Century Hall on Tuesday evening when the Levin Orchestral Society gave its second concert, though it could have been wished that a much larger audience would have greeted the orchestra. The Society is one that deserves every encouragement. It is essentially an educative factor in the life of the town, striving to improve the public taste in music on the one hand, and on, the other, we are pleased to notice, providing the means of study for many young players who cannot help but he benefited by the experience. There is no need to dilate upon, the pleasure derived by the subscribers from the Society's efforts —this was self-evident on Tuesday night, those present being agreeably surprised at the progress made since the last concert. A great deal of the credit for this is due to the sound musical knowledge of the enthusiastic conductor, Mr M. R. Varnham, who was instrumental in forming the Society, and whose tactful handling has kept it moving steadily forward ever since. He in his turn owes something to the loyalty and good comradeship that seems to Characterise the relations of the members, and which, being continued, should put the Society into the position of being one of the most flourishing local institutions. The programme offered wa® a, lengthy one —its only fault being, perhaps, a toogenerbus complement of orchestral items, no less, than twelve selections being presented, and being interpreted with excellent results. The numbers offered included such diversified works as the overture to “Tancredi” (Rossini), a charming “Nocturne” (Slater), an “Andantino” movement, (Lem,are), a couple of marches and several waltzes. This was a good test of the orchestra’s powers, but under Mr Varnham’s baton it acquitted itself with credit and Welt-deserved the- generous applause bestowed on each item.

The members of the- orchestra, are as 'ollows :

First violins.—Mr J. W. Mayfield, (leader), Mrs Bould. Miss D. Jenson. Second violins—Mr H. Varnham, Miss Ingram, Messrs C. Hooker, and B. Edgington. Viola..—Miiss K. Williamson. Cello. —Miss Neale, A.T.C.L., L.T.C.L. Bass. —Mr A. Prouse. Clarinets.—Messrs M. B. Varnham, W. Phillips. Oboe.—Mr S. Parsons. Flutes.—Mr O. Jackson, Mr Quarrio. Comet. —Mr G. Fox. Saxophone.—Mr Et Mooney. Piano.—Miss N. Williamson.

The assisting artists were happily chosen. Miss Berrill, being preventer! bv a sever© cold from singing, had provided ah acceptable substitute in Miss Alderton, of Otaki, who made two appearances and greatly pleased the audience by her singing, having to respond to triple encores in each case. Her singing of “Mary,” “It's Quiet Down Here," a. ..I “Cornin’ Through the- Rye,” revealed the capacity of her voice, no less than her clear enunciation and. intelligent expr&ssion. Mr E. S'. Pepper is a violinist of unusual powers, drawing a mil rich tone from his instrumient and receiving quite an ovation from the audience. His playing of the familiar airs from “T 1 Trovatore” was delightful and gained for him a, double recall. The other contributor was Miss Middiermss. who is nhvavs assured of a. cordial welcome from the local public. In musical monologue and humorous recitation she gave the audience of her best and also received a twice repeated recall. During the interval, Mr D. _W. Ma.theson president of the Society, ex-ore-sed the pleasure of the subscribers at the general excellence of Ihe nro era-mini 0 !. On behalf of the Society he thanked Miss Neale and Mr Quarrie of Shannon, for their assistance. He had also been asked to mention the tocietv’s appreciation of Mr Allan Prouse’s kindness in arranging for the convevanee of the Shannon members to and from Levin. The conductor and members also wished to acknowledge m.anv kindnesses they had ieceived from Mrs Williamson,'who might be called “the mother of file orchestra, especially in placing her home at the members’ disposal at all times tor special practices. He apologised for Miss Berrill’s inability to sing, but expressed the Society’s thanks to Miss •\ button for so readily filling the vacancy, and tot the other contributors. The pre-ident said he could heartily commatulate the conductor and playin 'members oni the excellent progress thev had made. It had been a most enjoyable programme and showed that they” must have worked haTd since last concert. He was pleased to see so many young players in the ranks. They did not, perhaps realise what such an organisation meiant socially and musically so far as the town was concerned, but they would do so in lime to come. The Society deserved the strongest, support possible and the best way to give that was to become honorary members. He assure a Mr varnham of the good washes of the subscribers for the orchestra’s future success. (ApplauSe). Mr Varnham said the Society was a good? thing. It helped to brighten rip ’the town and was always willing to assist in local functions. He knew there were some very good players m the towui w r ho had not. seen their way to join up with, the orchestra, but he hoped they would be able to reconsider their decision, and assist in future concerts. The conductor deprecated the tendency to l go in for too much music of the fox trot and jazz type and said the Society aimed at a higher standard and hoped to work up to a better dates, though he admitted they nVulst have some light music. (Applause).