ANDRE SKALSKI.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17030, 2 May 1923, Page 10

ANDRE SKALSKI.

CHAT ABOUT ORCHESTRAS. Andre Skalski, the Polish pianist, who is visiting Christchurch, made some interesting comments on the Ne-v South Wales Orchestra, and his association with it. He said that he had not been in Australia long when he was asked to take over the conductorship which M. Verbrugghen’s retirement hail made vacant. There was a great clatter made, and many people signed a great petition objecting to the claims «f Australians being overlooked. “ It was queer,” he said. “ that some who signed the petition against me played both sides, for when I was appointed they wrote congratulating me.” After his appointment he became very busy, far too busy to bother answering the people who were attacking him. In the six months that the orchestra was controlled by him 82 concerts were given. “ So you see,” he said. “ I had no time to worry about what people thought of my appointment. I was absorbed in my work.

Music is all I care for. not what people say about me.” He said that the orchestra had beer somewhat slackly controlled when h< came in. The players imagined thai they belonged to one of the greatest orchestras in the world, but many ol them, had not even heard n great orchestra, and wliat was more the\ would not practise. ‘‘Fancy practis ing by time. Two hours a day. What good is there in that ? There .should he a constant striving towards perfection. Xo rehearsal should end unti ! the work is perfect. T have to practise eight hours a day. and those people with their two M. Skalski has come to New Zealand under management to give recitals. but he said he was glad of an opportunity to see the country when he was so close to it. At the end of the tour he would go hack to Australia and then on to America and England “ Perhaps when T am in England,” he said wistfully, “ 7 shall have a chance to see my Poland once again.”