MUSIC SECTION MEETS

Southland Times, Issue 23774, 23 March 1939, Page 8

MUSIC SECTION MEETS

SUCCESSFUL YEAR REVIEWED ENTHUSIASM OF MEMBERS PRAISED “The first year of the Music Section of the University Association of Southland was a great artistic success,” said the chairman, Mr Charles Martin, Mus.Bac., L.R.A.M., at the annual meeting of the section last evening. There was a good attendance, “The section started the year with much trepidation but, by sticking to the original programme and through the members’ enthusiasm, the first year was very successful,” said the chairman. “The association’s objects are to study the work of symphonic and other great artists and also to invite artists to give performances at the meetings of the section.” Mr Martin commented on the recital given by Mr Felix Swinstead, F.R.A.M., which was very much enjoyed by members of the section and the public. “The section was very fortunate in getting Mr Swinstead to give a recital and, although he was very busy with examinations, he also gave members informal, instructive talks,” said Mr Martin. “Tire section is also very grateful to lecturers who prepared, and delivered, addresses and also to the artists who . illustrated these musical talks. “I only hope that the enthusiasm that marked our first year will be continued this year,” said Mr Martin. “If this is done and the programmes are kept to a high standard and the membership kept up, the section will undoubtedly justify its existence.” Mr Martin mentioned that Mr Paul Schramm, the Viennese pianist, was returning to Invercargill at Easter and, although he was giving two public recitals, he had. expressed his willingness to give a recital and address to members of the section entitled “Modern Music and Oddities.” “There are certainly some oddities in modern music,” said Mr Martin, “and Mr Schramm has met many of them. I am sure the address will be very enjoyable.” It was explained that Mr Schramm would play some classical pieces at the end of his address. It was decided that the first evening of the section for the year would be a “Strauss” evening. Mr Martin and Miss Ruth Wesney played a pianoforte duet arrangement

of Massenet’s “Fetes Boheme,” Mrs John Bush sang a group of English songs, Mrs Arthur Bolton, a young violinist who has recently arrived in Invercargill, played violin solos and Mrs E. K. Mills sang a group of songs. Of outstanding interest was the group of German songs sung in the vernacular by Dr Franz Neumann. The election of officers _ resulted: Chairman, Mr Charles Martin; secretary, Miss M. Barlow, L.T.C.L.; committee, Mrs W. Jones, Misses N. Enderby, M.A., and M. M. Robinson, MA., and Mr H. Slater.