Violinist And Conductor

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31111, 14 July 1966, Page 8

Violinist And Conductor

Henri Temianka, a distinguished American vioinist and conductor, wiH give an all-Beethoven recital in the Civic Theatre next Wednesday. Then he will conduct the newly formed N.Z.B.C. Little Symphony in concerts in Timaru (July 30), Oamaru (August 1), Nelson (August 3), Blenheim (August 4) and later in Wellington. The breadth and diversity of Henri Temianka’s achievements in the world of music today are difficult to parallel. Temianka is widely known as violin soloist, conductor, leader of the Paganini String Quartet, recording artist, orchestra founder, adviser to musical institutions, lecturer, film and television performer, and author. Born in Scotland of Polish parentage, Temianka received his education in England, Holland, Belgium, then at the national conservatories of Berlin and Paris. Finally at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia he graduated as violinist and conductor, under Carl Flesch and Artur Rodzinski. Henri Temianka founded his first chamber orchestra in London, and immediately revealed his remarkable gift

The sketches show different approaches to roofing in two Christchurch entries, the Beaven design (above) and a detail from the Pascoe and Linton design (below).

for creating programmes of unusual interest. A champion of contemporary music, ho made joint appearances with Prokofiev, Milhaud, Vaughan Williams, and introduced the works of new composers, including the then unknown Benjamin Britten. His intensive activities as conductor of his orchestra alternated with international solo appearances, during which time he appeared under the baton of Monteux, Szell, Reiner, Barbirolli, Mitropoulos and others. On one occasion he played the violin, viola and violina piccolo all in one evening while performing the music of Bach under Klemperer. In 1946 he founded the Paganini Quartet —he is still its leader—which is now in residence at the University of California, Los Angeles. In 1958 he founded the Temianka Little Symphony, since nenamed the California Chamber Symphony and now recognised as a leading musical institution in the United States. With this group Henri Temianka has created the ideal instrument far his unique artistry. Perhaps the best judgments on Temianka’s abilities as a musician have been expressed by Ijis peers in the world of music. Isaac Stern wrote: “I envy the audiences that will have an opportunity to hear these programmes. They are wonderfully interesting and full of music that whets the appetite of anyone who finds joy in listening.”