MUSICIANS HONOURED.

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15361, 9 October 1923, Page 6

MUSICIANS HONOURED.

FAREWELL CONCERT. TO MR AND MRS W. R. FOX.

A few years ago Mr and Mrs W. R. Fox arrived in Hamilton with excellent reputations as musicians from Australia. Since <thcn they have played an important part in the development, musically of the town and district, especially in orchestral work, and have clone much to foster a taste for the best in this important direction. The importance of this cannot be overestimated. The orchestral concerts given by Mr and Mrs Fox and their pupils have given great pleasure, and have proved that there is much talent in the town which only needed developing. When it was announced that Mr and Mrs" Fox had decided to return to Australia widespread regret was expressed, and it was felt that the opportunity should be taken of publicly expressing Hamilton's appreciation of all that they had done in the cause of music. A farewell concert was therefore arranged. This took place in the Theatre Royal last night, and was largely attended.

The Concert.

Rarely indeed is such an enjoyable concert programme presented in Hamilton. A gratifying feature was the manner in -Much all the musical bodies united to do honour to the guests of the evening, the stage holding members of the Orchestra, the Choral Society, and the Male Choir to the number of about 200. As may be imagined the ensemble work of so many performers was particularly inspiring. The Orchestra, opening the programme with Blankcnburg's March in C, a gay rollicking measure that set the body swaying and the , feet tapping, quickly proved that it was a well-balanced combination of capable musicians, well controlled by Mr Fox. The selection was excellently played, and was warmly applauded by the audience. The Introduction and Prayer from" Rienzi " (Wagner) was the Orchestra's next item. This beautiful composition, which has the dignity and grandeur of all Wagnerian music, gave full scope for every instrument, and the Orchestra's fine performance will not readily be forgotten. All the devotion and beauty of the theme were fully brought out. Enthusiastically recalled, the Orchestra responded with the always-popular selection of airs from " Carmen." " Boccacio" (Suppe) was another lively number that pleased the audience, and an encore was demanded. The stringed orchestra was heard in "Wiegenlied" (Kjerulf), a beautiful composition, and the gay " Lion Du Bal" (Gillct), and was recalled for each selection. The work of the orchestra throughout the evening was of a very high standard, reflecting the greatest credit upon the players and the conductor.

The outstanding feature of the programme was the performance of the Concerto in C minor, first movement (Beethoven) by Mrs W. R. Fox, with orchestral accompaniment. In this massive concerto Mrs Fox proved herself an unusually brilliant pianist, mastering the many technical difficulties with the greatest ease, and bringing out the beauty of the theme with delightful artistry. She was well supported by the orchestra. It was a fine performance, and the gifted player was accorded a well-deserved ovation and presented with several floral tributes. In response to the applause, Mrs Fox rendered " Ettincelles " (Moskowski), and, again recalled, the Prelude in C minor (Chopin). Each was played delightfully. Hamilton is proud of little Peggy Sorby and Mr James Lee, two young pupils of Mr and Mrs Fox who have displayed a touch of genius, and who are expected to make a name for themselves in a wider sphere. Last night Miss Sorby "Saltarella " with astonishing ease for one so young, bowing and interpretation being alike excellent. Twice recalled, she was equally successful in " Moto Perpetuo " (Bohn), and " Humoresque " (Desau). Little Peggy's career will be watched with interest, for she is a very talented child. Mr Lee, as usual, aroused enthusiasm by the brilliance of his technique, and his rare gift of interpretation, and his playing was, as always, a keen delight. The "Tarantelle" of Wieniawski, was played so beautifully that Mr Lee was twice recalled, responding with "Ave Maria (Schubert-Wilhelmj) and "Am Meer " (Schubert-Wilhelmj). Mrs N. V. Lc Petit was the vocal soloist. Her sweet, cultured voice, which she uses artistically, was heard to advantage in two dainty numbers — "A Sunset Song" (Landon Ronald) and " Will-o'-the-Wisp " (Spross). As an encore number she sang expressively a humourous little song about apples growing on a lilac tree. Both Mrs Le Petit and Miss Sorby were presented with lovely bouquets. The Hamilton Male Choir (under the capable- guidance of Mr J. G. Norman) was encored for its artistic and effective rendering of the " Bugle Song" (Dudley Beck), and the Hamilton Choral Society (led by Mr Gladstone Hill) also pleased with "A Spanish Serenade" (Elgar). The massed choirs and orchestra gave an inspiring rendering of the Hallelujah Chorus (Handel). The accompaniments were played sympathetically by Mesdames W. R. Fox and H. Hammond. Mr H. Popplcwell was a capable stage manager, and Mr P. W. Maddock acted as business manager. All concerned in the performance are to be heartily congratulated. It was certainly one of the finest and most enjoyable concerts presented in Hamilton. Much disappointment was felt when it was announced that owing to throat trouble Mr J. G. Norman was unable to sing. Presentations. Just before the final item on the programme the Mayor, Mr J. R. Fow, came on the stage, and said he had a pleasing duty to perform—to give recognition, on behalf of the people of Hamilton, to Mr and Mrs Fox on the eve of their departure for Australia. The coming of a. gifted family to a town in these new lands was a matter of great importance. In the older lands music and the other arts had their place and received full recognition; but in the newer countries the arts often did not flourish, and music was neglected. Therefore the town and district where a taste for the best in music was fostered, and the people lifted above the sordid and trivial things of everyday life, were fortunate. A programme such as that presented that night relieved the drabness of life and lifted the hearers into higher company, giving them, through the performers, some conception of the lofty thoughts of the brightest and most gifted sons of men. It was largely through the talent and the perseverance of Mr and Mrs Fox that such happy results had been achieved in Hamilton, and that the opportunity had been afforded of hearing some of the best orchestral music. The other two organisations represented on the plat,>form —the Choral Society and the^jihi.

Choir—delighted to do honour to the guests of the evening. He hoped the little tokens of esteem and remembrance which he had been asked to hand to Mr and Mrs Fox would serve to remind them of the town, and would give them a longing to come back; he could assure them that if they did return they would receive an enthusiastice welcome home. On behalf of the people of the town and district he had great pleasure in publicly acknowledging the great debt owed to Mr and M,rs Fox for their work in fostering a love of the best in music, and wished them happiness and success in their new sphere. (Applause.) Mr Fow then handed to the guests of the evening a handsome scroll of honour (containing an address of appreciation) from the citizens of Hamilton, a large framed and autographed photograph of the Orchestra and Male Choir from the Orchestra, and a wellfllled wallet from the puplis.

Mr Fox said he and his wife felt overwhelmed at the wonderful display of goodwill, which they would remember proudly for the rest of their lives. They appreciated greatly the gifts and kindly remarks. Their association with the pupils, Orchestra, Male Choir and Choral Society had always been of the happiest nature, and it was the loyal support of all concerned that had made their lives happier and their work easier. They would carry away with them the happiest recollection of their sojourn in Hamilton, and would always wish the town and its people continued prosperity. On behalf of his wife and himself he thanked them very much. (Applause.) Mrs Fox was presented with several beautiful bouquets. " They are Jolly Good Fellows " was heartily sung, and cheers for Mr and Mrs Fox brought a happy interlude in the evening's programme to a close. A flashlight photograph of the performers was afterwards taken, and a memorable evening closed with the singing of the National Anthem. The Address. The scroll (which was done by Mr Harold Young, of Auckland) was a handsome piece of work, with artistic views' of Hamilton, mounted on grey silk. The lext\ of the address was as follows: "To Mr and Mrs W. R. Fox, from the undersigned as a mark of the cs'tccm and respect in which they have been held by their many pupils, the various musical societies, and the citizens of Hamilton generally.

Dear Friends, —We desire to thank you, firstly, for the great work which you have done in so conspicuously raising the standard of music in our community, also for your generous and willing aid, given whenever •called for, in the advancement of deserving public causes; and, further, for the keen personal interest which you have at all times taken in the studies of your many pupils.. Wc count ' ourselves fortunate in having known you, and now that you are about to depart from our town we unite in wishing both of you good health, wealth, and many years of happiness.—We arc, sincerely, John R. Fow (Mayor), etc. Hamilton, iNew Zealand, October 8, 1923.'.'