A DISTINGUISHED MUSICIAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19033, 10 June 1924, Page 6

A DISTINGUISHED MUSICIAN

MR. SYDNEY HOBEN IN WANGANUI. An interesting visitor to Wanganui is Mr. Sydney Hoben, who arrived from Napier last evening. Mr. Hoben has recently arrived in the Dominion from America, where he has had a distinguished career as a concert pianist and lecturer for a number of years. Mr. Hoben gives the story of modern grand opera, virtually acting the various characters, and bringing in the finest of the music on the piano as it occurs in the opera. His recitals are exclusive, and by invitation, and arc given in the homes of society leaders. He has toured all over America and Canada with success, and appeared at the homes of prominent people, as well as at the clubs and large public and private schools. In New Zealand he has already appeared in Christchurch, Napier, Hastings, and Gisborne. At Christchurch his recitals were given at the homes of Mrs. Bernard Wood (daughter of Sir Joseph Ward), Mrs. Edgar Stead, Lady Denniston, Mrs. Henry Cotterill, Mrs. John Deans, and Mrs. Pyres. In Hastings Miss Elsie Williams placed “Frimley” at his disposal, and Dr. and Mrs. Robert Nairn (Sir William Russell’s daughter) also opened their home to him. In Napier Mrs. .j. D. Ormond was his hostess, and in Gisborne, the recitals were given at Mr. and Mrs. Richard Barker’s, and Mr. Harry Barker’s. Recently Mr. Hoben appeared before over a thousand girls and teachers at the San Francisco Girls’ High School. Mr. Hoben expects to give a series of Opera recitals in Wanganui in July. The pianist has appeared as soloist or acompanist in America with many famous celebrities, including Miss Geraldine Farrar and Mr. John Barrymore (America’s leading actor). He was also soloist at the San Diego Exposition. After spending a day or two in Wanganui which he last visited as a lad Mr. Hoben will go on to New Plymouth.