Conductor Wants To Avoid Retirement

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30955, 11 January 1966, Page 1

Conductor Wants To Avoid Retirement

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 10. Informality is a keynote to Arthur Fiedler's success, both on and off the conductor's rostrum.

- The sprightly silver'headed conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra arrived in [Wellington today with a [ jauntiness that belies his 71 years. Music and life are “fun" for Mr Fiedler, who spends half his life travelling round the I world. His approach to music is one of “keeping up with the times.” This is reflected in his increasing search for “local music,” which has even [taken in the Liverpool sound. I “1 always keep my eyes and ears open,” he said. “And [ when 1 was in Liverpool with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra I went to various dives and joints like the Cavern—where the Beatles began —and 1 enjoyed it.” Not only did he enjoy the music, but also dancing with the young mods, who frequented such places. Consequently he recorded the Beatles’ hit: “1 Want to Hold Your Hand" with the | Boston Pops Orchestra. It was so well received that he [has recorded two more of [their numbers.

“In fact, some people have told us it sounds better than the Beatles themselves.’ lie said. But he will not extend his repertoire to songs by other | pop groups. “After all, they [sound pretty much the same (and it was the Beatles who set the lead,” he said. I Classical music still remains Mr Fiedler’s first love. “But you don’t have to sit I with your head in your hands |as though you are in a cathedral when you listen to it. I It should be an enjoyable experience.” he said. [ He wants to avoid retirement. “I want to die with my evening shoes on,” he said. He will begin a month's [tour of prom engagements with the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra in Dunedin on Jan uary 27. He expects the programmes to include serious music. standard concert pieces, .show music such as that from “West Side Story” and the Liverpool sound. His immediate itinerary includes appearances in the Far East, the United States and Europe.