KUBELIK, WORLD-FAMOUS VIOLINIST

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18659, 30 August 1930, Page 14

KUBELIK, WORLD-FAMOUS VIOLINIST

NEW ZEALAND TOUR COMMENCES SEPTEMBER 27th. Jan Kubelik, world-famous violinist, is to tour New Zealand under the auspices of the enterprising firm of J. and N. Tait, who have brought to these shores other great artists of international fame—Galli-Curci, Paderewski, Hislop, Heifetz, Moiseiwitsch and Chaliapin, to name but a few. Kubelik (who will open his New Zealand | season on Saturday, September 27th), ranks as one of the world's greatest artists. He has made triumphant tours of the whole world, and wherever he has appeared he Ijas aroused an enthusiasm unparalleled in the world’s musical history. He is the idol of the British public, and he has thrilled vast audiences in the largest halls of the world’s great capitals. Record after record has been broken by this wonderviolinist. While many thousands have been wildly cheering his magical playing, thousands outside have been vainly clamouring for admission. In many of the continental cities the whole house has been booked up in a few hours, and Kubelik’s season have had to be extended, so great was the popular demand to hear the marvellous music he draws with magical bow from his wonderful and rare specimens of the violin makers’ art. His “Emperor” Stradivarius is alone valued at £25,000, and his beautiful Guamerius is one of the most perfect specimens in the world. After the Wellington season a comprehensive tour of New Zealand will be made, and it is hoped that arrangements will be made for this world-falhous artist to include the provincial cities and towns in his itinerary.

Kubelik Laughs at Life. Kubelik is said to laugh at life. That may be so, but he confesses that there is one thing in his life he takes seriously—and that is his music. Other things he laughs at. i “I laugh at life,” he says, “and I rather think that life likes us to laugh at it. My life has brought to me two great joys; pleasures which have always gone side by side—let me call them the artitstic and the ‘touristic’! I am never so happy as when I am playing or composing. But it is a happy state of affairs that my profession enables me to see the whole world, to watch it growing as it were. I see so many startling changes; they impress me, and sometimes they move me to express myself in my favourite language—the language of music. And now, I am again to see the wonderful beauties and the progressive peoples of the lands of the Antipodes—Australia and New Zealand. There, in those free lands of the Pacific, lie many sweet memories to be recalled in my present visit. There one can see the vigour and independence that has done so much to give them a world-wide reputation.”

Kubelik is not only a great player, he is a composer of note. New Zealand audiences heard him as a boy; they will now hear the man—and the wonderful artist he is. It is hoped that during his New Zealand tour Kubelik will include some of his own charming numbers in his delightful and varied programme, preferably his well-known piano and orchestra arrangement of Paganini's Concert D Major, Campanella, and the Variations and Fibich's “Poem.”

etta Cavendish. Noel Boyd, Herbert Leigh. Reginald Newson. Dulcie Davenport. Betty Ralland. Beth Mackey, Reginald Dane (which was last in Melbourne in “Journey’s End”), John Fernside. Phyllis Clegg. Leslie Victor, Romola Hansen. Leal Douglas, Dorothy Stanward. There are three acts in “Little Accident.” The first takes place in the morning room of the Beckwith Home in Vickley; the second in the reception room in the Ellen Harris Hospital, Chicago; the last in Mrs Case’s boarding house, Chicago. The play will be produced by George D. Parker.

I When “Little Accident,” the famous I comedy success of London and New i York, opens in Australia playgoers will renew acquaintance with Ethel Morrison. a popular actress, who for some jears since she left Australia has been doing well on the American stage. Miss Morrison made her first appearance in Melbourne in Gilbert and Sullivan opera, and in comedy she has proved equally successful. Another popular artist to figure prominently in “Little Accident” will be Mary McGregor, whose remarkable versatility has again been indicated by her recent performance as Tondeleyo in "White Cargo” with Leon Gordon. An exceedingly strong company has been organised for “Little Accident.”

Marie Bremner. who plays Marianne in “The New Moon” at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, receives many letters each day from girls who seek not only informating regarding a stage career but also advice on personal matters of all kinds. During the prevailing depression, many girls- who have lost their positions or are anxious to earn a livelihood write to Miss Bremner. One letter during the week contained the following: “I am young, good looking, and can speak four languages. Do you think I would be successful on the stage?” Another wrote as follows:

“I have tried several business engagements, but have found these, unsuitable, and unpleasant. I would love to go on the stage. At parties, etc. I have caused screams of laughter by my imitations. Do you think I could become an actress?” Miss Bremi\er replied to the effect that there is no easy road to success on the stage. It is paved with hard work, and the basis is real ability. “There is no such thing as ‘luck’ in the theatrical profession, though I will say that opportunity is a great help.”