RELIEF CONCERT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20366, 25 July 1934, Page 8

RELIEF CONCERT.

Celebrated Russian Artists Assist. One of the finest entertainments of its type that Christchurch has heard for many years was presented in the Civic Theatre last evening by the concert arranged by the New' Zealand Broadcasting Board in aid of the Mayor’s Relief of Distress Fund. The theatre was packed with more than 1300 people, and many were turned away. The sum of £96 was taken at the doors, and in addition numerous donations were received from radio listeners. For the wealth of its talent the concert was outstanding. Paul Vinogradoff, the celebrated Russian pianist, and Senia Chostiakoff, the Russian tenor, both under contract to the Broadcasting Board, were the principal performers. Vinogradoft, with the 3YA Studio Orchestra, gave a masterly rendering of Schubert’s difficult “ Wanderer Fantasy,” a piece as restless as its apt title suggests. Its light and shade, solemnity and vivaciousness, calm and storm, all call for great ability. The pianist gave a completely satisfying performance. The orchestra, although its soloists were somewhat at sea in the more difficult passages, played well, and delighted Vinogradoff, who warmly congratulated Mr Harold Beck, the conductor. Throughout the concert the orchestra was called on to play pieces of a widely different nature, and merited all the applause that it received for its good work. Senia Chostiakoff, formerly leading solo tenor in the Don Cossacks Choir, captured the audience by his fine singing and charm of manner. He first sang a bracket of popular songs, in English, these being “ For You Alone,” “ Macushla ” and “ Tell Me To-night,” and received an ovation, for the last number especially. As an encore he sang in Italian the rousing “ Funiculi, Funicula.” The audience clamoured for more, and were rewarded by “ Until,” beautifully sung. But it was in his Russian numbers that Chostiakoff was at his best.