SECOND CONCERT OF SEASON

Southland Times, Issue 24240, 25 September 1940, Page 2

SECOND CONCERT OF SEASON

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

ATTRACTIVE PROGRAMME PRESENTED

Favourite orchestral selections have a strong public appeal and its selection of such numbers has endeared the Invercargill Orchestral Society to a strong and loyal following of music lovers throughout its existence of 32 years. In its second concert of the season in the Victoria Concert Chamber last night, the society presented an attractive and popular programme which was enjoyed by a large audience. Some absences of players because of the war imposed a heavier task than usual on the leader, Mi’ P. A. Poole, who had to substitute for soloists in other sections, but he carried through his parts with the ease which has come to be expected of him during his long association with the orchestra. Mr Poole has sat in the leader’s chair since the orchestra was formed, and he has been a tower of strength to the organization, participating most prominently in its progress.

The conductor, Mr W. J. Ferguson, drew fine interpretation of the works from the orchestra, repeating once more the success he has achieved at all stages since the society was formed. Although there were some gaps in the ranks of the orchestra last night, Mr Ferguson, with skilful arrangements, succeeded in covering them effectively and the general level of the performances was excellent. The strength of the string section made this possible, the full body of well-disciplined violins producing an admirable, smooth tone. The balance of the sections was well maintained and the orchestra responded well to all the demands made upon it. Two favourite overtures, “Poet and Peasant” (Suppe) and “The Barber of Seville” (Rossini) were played by the orchestra and offered a pleasing contrast. The good body of brass in the orchestra was heard effectively in the first, while the strings had a cheerful romp in the charming Rossini number. The silky tone of the violins was emphasized in “Benedictus” (Mackenzie), which was played by the violins in unison with viola, ’cello and bass obbligato. The serene mood of the piece was captured delightfully and the number was beautifully played. In the operatic field Bizet’s “Carmen” and Puccini’s “La Boheme” enjoy exceptional popularity because of the bright tunes which abound in them. Selections from both ’these operas were included in last night’s programme and they were well suited to the taste of the aildience. The boisterous “Carmen” airs were played spiritedly and the lilt of the Puccini numbers was well captured. Also on the orchestra’s programme was the march from Meyerbeer’s “Le Prophete.” Songs were contributed to the programme by Mr R. H. Anderson and Master Jack Wilkinson. Mr Anderson has a light tenor voice of pleasing quality and well controlled. He displayed a delicacy of interpretation and captivated the audience with a group of songs, including “O Flower of All the World,” “Sweet Early Violets,” “Mountain Lovers” and “Red Devon by the Sea.” Master Wilkinson’s soprano voice of full range was heard to best effect in “Solveig’s Song” and was notable for purity of tone and evenness of quality on all notes. Other numbers were “A Heart That’s Free,” “Pipes of Pan” and “The Piper from over the Way.” Miss Mary Gilbert was the accompanist.