ENGLAND APPRECIATES CLASSICAL MUSIC SAYS COLIN HORSLEY

Wanganui Chronicle, 12 May 1947, Page 4

ENGLAND APPRECIATES CLASSICAL MUSIC SAYS COLIN HORSLEY

(Special) Auckland, May 11. An enthusiastic appreciation of classical music has been sweeping all classes in England, according to the fampus New Zealand pianist, Colin Horsley, who arrived in Auckland in the Ruahine this morning. This enthusiasm is the direct result of wartime factory and camp concerts given by top-ranking musicians, and is certain proof that some good can come out of chaos of the war,” he said, in an interview with a "Chronicle" representative. Mr. Horsley added that although facilities for concerts in factories no longer existed, workers were getting together tp form music clubs of their own. and the contributed funds were used to engage well-known artists for private concerts. Mr. Horsley has established himself in Great Britain as one of the most brilliant of the younger generation of pianists. During the war he gave a great number of concerts before the United nations forces and workers in war plants. Since the end of hostilities lie has made extensive tours of the United Kingdom. Between October. 1944, and May, 1946, he made 43 appearances with leading symphonv orchestras, 24 broadcast solo recitals and 76 public solo recitals. “This is my first return visit to New Zealand in nine years, and the prospect of playing in my own country is an exciting one.” said Mr. Horsley. “Having had considerable overseas experience. 1 am anxious to judge and assess musical interest in New Zealand reaction, which interests me deeply. I am also most interested in the progress made in other forms of art in the Dominion, particularly painting and writing." Mr. Horsley said he had brought with him a number of works by modern composers which he believed had not yet been heard in New Zealand. Two were sonatas by Balakirev and Prokofiev. These had won popular acclaim in London. After the week-end in Auckland a Mr. Horsley and his manager (Mr. V. ■ L. Drewry) will trave’ Wellington, where Mr. Horsley expects to play with the new National Symphony Or- 1 chestra next Tuesday. From New Zealand the famous pianist will go to Australia for a series of concerts, and then to the United States, where he is to appear in New York in October. Colm Horsley is to give two concerts tn his some city, Wanganui.