JASCHA HEIFETZ SAYS, “THANK YOU!”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 118, 9 August 1927, Page 15

JASCHA HEIFETZ SAYS, “THANK YOU!”

WELCOMED BY MUSICIANS SHORTEST SPEECH OF CAREER TASCHA HEIFETZ made the shortest speech of his career when Auckland musicians informally welcomed him at the Grand Hotel at noon. “Thank you,” was the simple reply of the famous as he gravely bowed. Those who expected to sqe the slim, youthful Heifetz of six years ago were disappointed. Instead they saw a selfpossessed and immaculately dressed young man of the world. Jascha hates making speeches. Never will deliver one unless he can possibly avoid it. He knows full well that his art speaks for him. It is much the happier medium, contends the violinist, though he is now perfectly at lifme in the intricacies of the English language. Instead, he told a little story. Sir Edward Elgar, when Heifetz was last in London, heard a gramophone record by the violinist. It was Beethoven’s “Dance of the Dervishes.” The foremost British composed of the day listened attentively, and then asked: “Who is the second violinist?” Jascha Heifetz laughed merrily at the recollection, which was apropos a remark concerning his flair for double stopping. No longer was he the solemn young man. politely bowing. After conversing briefly with a number of those present, several of whom he had met when previously in Auckland, the violinist retired, pleading the excuse of the fatigue of his sea trip. Although the Ulimaroa treated him much more kindly than when he last crossed the Tasman, he was undeniably tired, he confessed. Mr. J. F. Bennett welcomed Jascha Heifetz on his second visit to Auckland. Those present included: —Mr. John Farrell,' manager for J. and N. Tait; Mr. C. N. Drake, personal manager; Mrs. Boult, secretary, Auckland Society of Musicians; Mr. Colin Muston, Mr. Cyril Towsey, Mrs. A. Mulgan, Mr. Scott Colville, Miss Dora Judson, Miss Margaret Stoddart, Mr. C. B. Plummer, and Mr. Searcey, organist of St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney.