HEIFETZ

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 132, 25 August 1927, Page 16

HEIFETZ

YOUNG POLISH GENIUS j AT THE TOWN HALL TO- j NIGHT

SUCCESSFUL DOMINION TOUR

With the Auckland season which opens at the Town Hall this evening, Jascha Heifetz and his very able accompanist, Isadore Acbron. will conclude a remarkably successful tour of the Dominion. In the centres so far visited vast audiences have listened to this youthful virtuoso with amazement and at the conclusion of his recitals he has been cheered to the echo.

In Christchurch, as in Wellington, the two recitals were recognised as being unique events in the musical history of New Zealand. Both experts and the general public were delighted with the programmes submitted, which proves that the management exercised a wise discretion in presenting what may be termed mixed as distinct from purely classical programmes. The enthusiasm of the Christchurch audience was such as to justify the belief that Dunedin, which is also a critical city, would express its approval of the wonderful artistry of this genius of the violin. A worse night could not have been chosen for the opening of the recital. It was cold, misty and miserable, and before the recital rain fell in torrents. Despite this fact a large audience assembled and for over two hours Heifetz held his hearers spellbound by his art, and it was with the greatest reluctance that they eventually rose to depart. As the musical critic of the “Otago Daily Times” put it: “The reports of the genius of Mr. Heifetz which have reached us have not been exaggerated. On both the technical and musical sides his equipment is complete. To have heard him is a privilege which Dunedin will not soon forget.” The enthusiasm at the second recital was even more marked than that displayed at the opening one, and Dunedin’s farewell to Heifetz was marked by manifestations of delight at his playing and regrets at his departure that are rarely accorded visiting artists. Following the opening recital this evening, Heifetz will also play in Auckland on Saturday, August 27.