NEW CITY ORGANIST.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1835, 22 August 1913, Page 7

NEW CITY ORGANIST.

MR. BERNARD F. PAGE,

ARRIVAL IN WELLINGTON

Mr, Bernard F. Page, tho rece.ntly-ap-pcinted Wellington City Organist, arrived by tlio Rotorua yesterday from London, to take, up his new duties. .Mr. Pago is a yomjg Englishman, of rather striking appearance, with the distinctive speech of a man of culture and education. lii the course of a chat with a Dominion reporter, Mr. Pago gave some interesting details of his career. He was born at Avandswurth, London, .28 years ago, and has been engaged in tho study of music since lie was 3J 'years of age. His first official appointment came early in life, for when he was appointed deputy-organist at the Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury, Wandsworth, in 1896, he was only eleven years of age. Whilst lie still held that position, lie was further appointed organist at His Majesty's Prison, Wandsworth, which office he held until 1902. In that year ho went to the Church of St. Mary Ma'gdalon, Brockloy; and in 1903 was appointed to St. Anne's, Vauxhnll. From 'June, 1910, until the date of his-present jippointment, Mr. Page was organist at the Carmelite Church, .Kensington. This is one of tho most important Roman Catholic churches, in London, and it has always been famous for tho quality of its music. The appointment was. therefore rather a triumph for a player of Mr. Page's years. He had nevertheless established for himself a most enviable reputation, both, as a skilled organist and as a composer of some note.

• Mr, Pa.ga has earned the commendation of some of the most noted musical authorities in tho Old Country. He has been described by Dr. C. W. Pearce, Dean of tho Faculty of Music in tho "University of London, as "one of tho most gifted organists in London, at the present day." Professor Bantock Pierpoint, of tlio Guildhall School of Music, has said of him that "as a solo organist he lias few equals," while Professor Edward d'Evry, F.R.C.0., of Trinity College, London, s:\ys: "As n-;>«>ci(al organist his jplayiua of standard classical music is very good and sound; his rendering of modern masters brilliant and effective, and his pcrformnnco of transcriptions of orchestral scorn is quite exceptionally happ.v." .Mr. Pago was met at tho boat yesterday by the Town Clerk (Mr. J. -R. Palmer), and tho members of the committal of selection. In tho morning ho paid his first visit to the Town Hall and -tried the organ. Speaking to a reporter f-iib-sequently, Mr. Pago said that his first impressions of tho city were delightful. Tho vessel had arrived on a very fine day, and what lie had aen of the harbour and city had pleased him very much. The Town Hall, ho thought, was very fine for a oity of the size of Wellington, and ho was charmed with the organ. It was an excellent instrument, quite up to the standard of the best English organs. He was looking forward to a pleasant stay in Wellington. Mr. Pago is accompanied by his wife and 1 two, children. The date of his opening recital has not jet been fixed, but it will take place very shortly. Last night the Mayor (Mr. .T- P. Luke) presented Mr. Pago to the City Council. On behalf of the citizens, Iris AVorship extended Mr. Page a hearty welcome. ITe remarked that Mr. Pago's selection and appointment were unanimous.