MUNICIPAL CONCERT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 177, 17 October 1927, Page 15

MUNICIPAL CONCERT

A DELIGHTFUL PROGRAMME Rarely has a more interesting or varied municipal concert been given than that at the Town Hall on Saturday evening. The items were chosen with excellent taste and met with the instant approval of the audience. The Municipal Band, under the conductorship of Mr. Christopher Smith, was responsible for the majority of the numbers on the programme. “The Phantom Brigade,” Myddleton’s vivid march, opened the concert. This was followed by “The Merrymakers” (Eric Coates), a sprightly theme admirably played. “A Dervish Chorus” (Sebek) showed the band in still another mood. The theme is Oriental and the spirit of the East was splendidly maintained. Perhaps the most enthusiastically received number was the passages from “Coppelia” (Delibes) whicK required and received skilful treatment from the players. “The March of the Bell,” “The Valse of the Hours” r.nd “The Dance of the Automatons” each received individual treatment. The number ended with “The Village Wedding,” full of colour and movement. The powerful finale from Tschaikowsky’s Fourth Symphony was received most enthusiastically. It is a splendid work, full of lovely passages to which the band did full justice. The concluding band numbers were two lighter selections, “Les Tresors de Columbine” (Drigo) and “In Love” (Friml), both played with charm and appreciation. The vocal numbers were of a pleasing variety. Miss Beryl Smith sang “Hame” (Davies) with her usual good taste. Miss Alma McGruer was at her best in Liza Lehmann s “Prince Charming.” These two soloists joined in the following duets, “The Flower Song” from “Madame Butterfly,” and Lambert’s “My Thoughts are Swallows.” The accompaniments were delightfully played by Mrs. Arthur Ripley.