ATTRACTIVE CONCERT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20783, 19 July 1937, Page 6

ATTRACTIVE CONCERT

BAND IN THEATRE ROYAL Seats in the Theatre Royal should be in keen demand when the Timaru Municipal Band stages its next concert. Last night a large gathering showed warm appreciation of the work of the Band, under the conductorship of Lieutenant R. J. Simpson, and the assisting artists, when an outstanding programme, including many novelties, was presented. The Band was in good form and brought out the best in its numbers, many of which were new to a Timaru audience. Atmosphere was provided by the introduction of effective coloured lighting, which was something new for a band entertainment.

The Band ushered in the programme with “Fanfare Brilliante” (Hume), the trumpeting being performed backstag?. The opening scene, “The Jolly Coppersmith,” provided a rousing march, followed by the hymn “Nearer My God to Thee.” The appeal of th? music was strengthened by a candlelight effect, each music stand being equipped with a candle, while an illuminated cross was suspended from the stage scene. “Rose Marie” (Frlml) was a popular selection, while the echo serenade “Sizilietta” (arr. Simpson) was a novel offering, the cornet echo by Bandsman R. Milligan being played from the rear of the dress circle. The descriptive intermezzo “From a Russian Village” was rich in musical quality, features being a rousing Cossack march, a characteristic Chorale, The Song of the Volga Boatmen,” and a melodious mazurka. Twelve famous works were featured in “Classical Masterpieces,” including “Toreador Song,” “Spring Song ” “Prelude” Op. '

2 (Rachmaninoff), “Gavotte” Mignon, “Miserere” II Trovatore. “Prelude” Op. 28, No. 20 (Chopin), “William Tell” (Rossini), “Faust” (Gounod) Minuet” (Beethoven), “Hungarian Dance” (Brahms). “Largo” (Handel) and “Rhapsodie Hongroise” No. 2 (Liszt). Som th nt unusual in recent years for Timaru was a post horn solo by Lieut. Simps jn with Band accompaniment, an encore being demanded ‘Medley of Scottish Airs” (arr. Simpson) was well played, as were also a contest hymn “Adc.ation” (arr. Simpson) and a contest march, “Appreciation.” Mr H. Francis, of Christchurch, added considerably to the success of the entertainment with his tenor solos, “I Heard You Singing” (Coates) and “I Did Not Know.” Mr Francis also conducted a Timaru male choir in two fine numbers, “Song of the Bow” and “The Patriot.” Mr Inglis Todd was well received in Hie violin solos “Siciliano and Rigaudon” and “Songs My Mother Taught Me.” The banjo .solos, “Mexican Ride” and “Colonial Mpjor,” were effectively given by Mr W. F. Connors. The rccompaniments were played by Mr J. Morgan.