C.S.I.M. benefit concert

Press, 24 June 1983, Page 4

C.S.I.M. benefit concert

A Benefit Concert for Rowan Prior, cellist, and John Rogers, violinist, presented by the Christchurch School of Instrumental Music staff and senior students at the James Hay Theatre, June 23, 8 pan. Reviewed by Philip Norman. Over the years the Christchurch School of Instrumental Music has given much practical help to young musicians in the form of tuition and opportunities to play in an orchestra or ensemble. Last evening, the school added a further dimension to that practical help; it organised a benefit concert to help two young musicians gain further tuition overseas by granting them the proceeds of the concert. The two feted musicians, Rowan Prior and John . Rogers, have already gained scholarships from London institutions, but in the face of the diminishing value of the New Zealand dollar overseas that is nowadays not enough. That the staff,. students of the

were prepared to band.together to help is laudable. The wide-ranging styles and media presented made for a most interesting and enjoyable concert. The Senior Brass Ensemble, conducted by John Young, opened with Michael Tippett’s “Fanfare for Brass,” a little tentatively, but with sufficient flourish to set the programme in motion. A set of charming miniatures conducted by Graeme Wallis followed, presented by the Recorder School Staff and members of the Senior Recorder Ensemble. Later, the CS.LM. Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Peter Zwartz, opened and closed the second half with well delivered readings of “Adagio from Spartacus” by Khachaturian and Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty” waits. All these performances were a fitting tribute to the two beneficiaries of the con- cert. What a fine cellist Rowan Prior is. Barely 19 years of age and already she has a . rich, full-bodied tone, a ?■ secure technique and a well

developed set of interpretative skills. The many moods she captured in her “Pieces en Concert” by Couperin (with chamber orchestra conducted by Ellen Doyle) were topped only by the poignant atmosphere set in Bruch’s “Koi Nidrei.” The emotive power in her expansive phrases and her sobbing cello tone made for a most memorable farewell performance. John Rogers is also a player of great promise. His confidence, vitality, and remarkably secure sense of rhythm made for an excellent account of Hindemith’s “Zwischem Berg Und Tiefem Tai" In his “Fantasia for Viola and Chamber Orchestra” (conducted by John Emeleus), he showed a pleasing understanding of style and brought Ute to even the moat inconsequential of Hummel’s melodic lines.

To Rowan Prior and John Rogers, may you meet success in your studies; to the C.5.1.M., congratulations on a fitting farewell gesture to these tyro talented musi-