MISCHA LEVITZKI

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 310, 24 September 1921, Page 5

MISCHA LEVITZKI

PLEA FOR CONSERYATORIUM MUCH AVAILABLE TALENT IN NEW ZEALAND Had destiny not decided that Miseha Xevitzki should bo a musician, and one of the world's finest pianists, lie would have made a splendid business man. There are many famous artists, but there are tew who take the great interest Levitzki does in tho affairs of everyday life, and the practical side of the art in which he excels. To a Dominion reporter who interviewed him yesterday, he expressed his appreciation of the reception that was accorded him in Christchurch, and immediately went on to talk about a conservatorium of music in New Zealand. He became interested in his subject, arid showed more feeling lor music in New Zealand than do many New Zealanders themselves. "You certainly should have a conservatorium," said the virtuoso, who was born in Russia while his Russian parents were ' there on a visit to their relations, after having spent a number of years in tho United States. “You would find here in New Zealand that there is much talent that could bo brought out that otherwise would be kept under. The cost would bo fairly high; but that could be got over by a Government guarantee for at least, two years—the first two years of the conservatoriuni’s life. I estimate tho cost per year would be from 6010,000 to £15,090 as a minimum; but, if the right staff is obtained, the institution should become more than selfsupporting. I say that definitely, from iny knowledge of conservatoria in other places. While you would need some famous musicians for the heads of departments, I am sure, from what 1 have already seen in New Zealand, that local .men and women would fill other sections of tho bill. You New Zealanders are not alive to the talent you have here. 1 met a man in Christchurch who would be capable of filling a big position at any conservatorium. A Conservatorium is a very integral part of a nation’s development.” Without waiting to be asked, Levitzki told' of his life. “To begin with, lam 23 years of age, and feel much younger. .1 was born in Russia, and when my people found I had some degree of talent, 1 learned the. piano and music at a little town called Kemenehug. Later, I went to Warsaw, to the great conservatorium, and studied under Professor Michailowsky. I went to America at eight and a half years of age, and studied very hard until I was thirteen. 1 went to ordinary school as well, of course. I learned in the States under iitojowski, a brilliant Polish teacher and composer. I am going to play one of his 'very pretty waltzes at one or my concerts here. After that, I went to Berlin to finish my studies, and I learned there under the Hungarian, Dohnanyi, who is a very great composer m<v«l'. He has composed symphonies, concertos, and a wonderful ballet, on .Schnitzler’s ‘The Vale of Piercttc.’ ” The virtuoso went on to tell of the great seasons in Germany during tho first two years of the war. Although . English and French and Russian artists were not playing, there were people such as Busoni, d’Albert, Schnabll, F.redmann, Dohnanyi, and lesser lights touring tho country. In addition to those mentioned previously, Nikisch and Richard Strauss were, conducting the great orchestras, and. Flesch and Willy Burmester were playing tho violin. “It was the number playing,” said Levitzki, “It was the great interest shown in tho music. The opera was crowded every . night.” Levitzki went back to America in 1916, and has completed five seasons there, giving an average of sixty concerts a season. "This is tho first time I have boon out of America since, my return from Germany,” ho-said. His favourite works are Beethoven’s “Appassionato,” Chopin’s "Scherzo in C Sharp Minor,” and l “Ballad© in A Flat,” betides others by the some composers. He likes New Zealand.