WING WHISPERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 4029, 2 June 1931, Page 64

WING WHISPERS.

• By Peter Pan. WELLINGTON. May 28. Dear “ Pasquin,”—The Wellington Philharmonic Orchestra, at full strength, is rehearsing assiduously for its appearance in the Town Hall next Wednesday evening, June 3, in association with Joseph Hislop and his gifted colleague, Isidor Goodman. Dunedin will have already

heard these two artists, and marvelled at the tenor talents of Mr Hislop and the frank genius of Mr Goodman. The Wellington Philharmonic Orchestra is a body of instrumentalists who have already been selected for signal honour in appearing in public with no less a personage than Jan Kubelik, who complimented the conductor, Mr John Bishop, and his players in glowing terms at the conclusion of his memorable appearance yvith the orchestra in November last. The orchestra is commencing its 1931 season of celebrity concerts —at all of which some famous visiting star will be the soloist—with Hislop and Goodman, in a concert that promises delightful entertainment, if not revelation. Hislop is to sing excerpts from Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger” and from Gounod’s “ Faust,” with full orchestra, and a group of specially’ chosen songs as well. Mr Goodman is to play the Saint-Saens Concerto in C minor; and the orchestra wil present a bracket of numbers, including Mozart’s Symphony in A flat. A magnificent programme, to suit all the varying leanings of musical experts and students! About 300 performers are to be utilised by Mr John Bishop, conductor of the Royal Wellington Choral Union, in his performance on Saturday, June 6, in the Town Hall, of Sir Edward Elgar’s masterpiece, “ Caractacus,” in which great interest is being manifested. The strong cast, which I announced last week, will be assisted by a chorus and orchestra running into the 300, so that a full-throated version is anticipated. Naomi Whalley’s soprano part is that of Eigen; Mr William Watters, baritone, will be Caractacus; Mr Harold Prescott, tenor, Orbin; and Mr Harison Cook, bass, will double the roles of Arch-priest and Claudius. The union is to present Wagner’s grand opera, “ Tannhauscr,” about the middle of September next, a treat to look forward to and jot down in one’s note book. It is hoped to secure the services of a wellknown operatic singer for this opera. A ’ season of Shakespearian dramatic recitals is to be commenced in the Concert Chamber on June 4 next, by Allan Wilkie and Miss Hunter-Watts; there ■will be four matinees and two evening performances, the season being divided into two series of three performances each, with an entirely different programme for each series. The first programme will include scenes from “ Macbeth,” “ Hamlet,” “Henry’ V,” “Merchant of Venice,” “As You Like It,” and “ School for Scandal.” The essence of Shakespeare wil assuredly be diffused by’ these two talented artists, who are choosing the big scenes from each play. The second series wil commence on Monday, June 9. when “ Julius Caesar,” “Taming of the Shrew,” “Henry VIII,” “ Richard III,” “ King John,” and “ She Stoops to Conquer,” will be enacted. Mr L. Monk is representing the Shakespearian stars on this tour. The entertainment promises the maximum of interest and education for students. Mr Bernard Page continues to provide his fortnightly organ recitals on the Town Hall organ to audiences that, if sparse, are at least most enthusiastic. His programme on Sunday embraced the following subjects:—Bach’s Chorale from Cantata No. 147; Mendelssohn’s “Midsummer Night's Dream” overture; Rheinberger’s “ Contemplation.”; the prelude to Act 111 of Wagner’s ‘Tristan and Isolde"; Cesar Franck’s “ Pastorale ”; three preludes by Scriabine; and Gigout’s “Toccata." The works were performed with brilliancy. The former Dunedin girl, Miss Daisy Hall, who now sings over the air to Wellington listeners-in. delighting them with her coloratura soprano voice and liquid notes, is very popular here. Her tones at times have been likened to those of Galli-Curci, and there is no doubt her voice is one of outstanding quality. It is hoped she will return some time later and give a recital in person here. Wellington would adore the experience, for her vocal surprises have been the talk of musical folk. Arrangements are being completed for the visit to Napier of the Port Nicholson Silver Band, to play’ in Clive square some future Saturday’ evening. Hastings will follow. Wellington car owners are proving generous in the matter of offering trans- _ port, so that the Hawke’s Bay people may’ enjoy the band’s music. Levitzki, the pianist, is to play here next month; Peter Dawson and Mark Hambourg on July 4; Balokovic some time later, after his Australian season. The intinerary for the “ First Mrs Fraser ” has been again changed by the firm of J. C. Williamson, and the premiere will now take place in Auckland, not Wellington; tire season comences on June 3 in the northern city, yvith a Dominion tour folloyving.