BRIGHT CONCERT

Southland Times, Issue 22731, 6 November 1935, Page 11

BRIGHT CONCERT

BLIND INSTITUTE BAND ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE An enthusiastic audience filled the Civic Theatre last evening when the band of the New Zealand Institute for the Blind provided over two hours of first-class entertainment. The band was in excellent form, and together with the individual items of band members, a lengthy and varied programme was presented. The institute members on tour are all competent musicians, and the concerts in the Southland country centres should be largely attended. It is regrettable that a crowded house did not crown the efforts of the organizers of last night’s concert. Sir Clutha Mackenzie, director of the institute, was on the stage and announced the various items. Assoicated with him was Mr P. B. Witt, of the Invercargill Rotary Club, who was responsible for the arrangements made in connection with the band’s stay locally. At an interval in the proceedings the Mayor, Mr John Miller, welcomed Sir Clutha and the band to Invercargill. Sir Clutha was a son of the late Sir Thomas Mackenzie, he said, and it was good to know he had taken up his life’s work in New Zealand. The New Zealand Institute for the Blind had done much good work since its inception, and he wished it every success in the future.

Replying, Sir Clutha said that Invercargill had treated the institute generously in the past, and there were a great many people here who took a keen interest in its work. At the headquarters in Auckland there were about 175 blind people from all parts of the Dominion. The institute was a busy, active and cheerful place equipped with school, workshops, retail shop, Braille library and centres of social life. Formerly institutes for the blind were but charitable homes, but to-day how different it was. The busy blind man lived an enjoyable and interesting life, and was of the opinion that he was infinitely better off than many groups in the community. Visitors were always welcome at the institute, and when in Auckland should, therefore, reserve time for a call. The purposes of the present tour were to give the bandsmen the interest and pleasure of travel as'a reward for their good work, and to show the friends and subscribers of the institute something of what had been accomplished as a result of their generous assistance. They also wished to further interest the public in modern work for the blind so that they would purchase their goods. Last year the sale of goods had amounted to £13,000 and over 100 blind men and women were kept in constant employment. The band, which opened the programme, is a highly efficient organization. As soon as the bandmaster, Lieut. G. W. Bowes, gives the word the music commences. It is a particularly well-balanced band, its march playing being crisp, with frequent variations of colour and just enough emphasis on accent to avoid monotony. The varying characteristics of the different composers are presented accurately and efficiently and with a pronounced easiness of style. A march “Conqueror,” a hymn, “Deep Harmony,” and a novelty two-step, “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic,’ were the band’s first numbers. A pianoforte solo by Julian Lee, aged 11 years, followed. Julian, who has been in the institute since the age of five, played very well and responded to an encore. A cornet duet, with band accompaniment, featuring bandsmen Allan Morton and Thomas Taylor, was loudly applauded. The numbers presented were “Badinage” and “Sleepy Hollow Tune.” Bandsmen Joseph Papesch, perhaps tne most accomplished musician in the band, played a piano accordion solo, “Down South.” This was instantly popular and the player was recalled. The dance band gave a good account of itself in “Russian Medley.” Sir Clutha explained that the band played at many functions in Auckland and was always in keen demand. Community singing, led by Mr W. Aitchison, brought part one of the bill to a close. Three numbers by the band headed the second half of the programme. A fantasia, “Golden Valley, a serenade, “Sizilietta,’ 2 and a march, “Half and Half,” were all firm favourites. Bandsman Robert Martin’s pianoforte solo, the slow movement from Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, revealed him as a player of very great merit. He was recalled. Two cornet solos were presented by Bandsman Morton, “Red Cap” with band accompaniment, and “Post Horn Gallop” with pianoforte accompaniment, while an interesting Braille reading was given by Bandsman James McGuire, 8.A., LL.B., A number of spirited sea chanties sung by the band were instantly acclaimed. The soloist was Bandsman Papesch. One of the most popular items of the evening, a xylophone solo by Bandsman R. Gheradi, came next on the programme. He played a diverting composition by Bandsman Papesch entitled “Xylophobia.” Bandsman Tumai Taraewa played, with accompaniment, a euphonium solo, “Land of Hope and Glory.” As an encore he produced from his instrument several clever modem and farmyard imitations. The band brought the first-rate programme to a close by playing the “Invercargill” march. Before the last item Sir Clutha thanked the institute’s representatives in Invercargill, the Rotary Committee. He also referred to Mr Witt’s good work, and to the commendable interest of the City Council, which had donated the sum of £5. They were all deeply indebted to their hosts and hostesses for billeting band members Everyone was, he said, enjoying his stay in Southland very much. This afternoon a matinee will be held, while the evening performance will be'given at Bluff. On Thursday and Friday the band visits Riverton and Mataura. Last evening’s concert was broadcast by station 4ZP. r '