MUNICIPAL MUSIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 213, 28 November 1927, Page 15

MUNICIPAL MUSIC

SATURDAY’S CONCERT The growing popularity of Auckland’s Municipal Band was demonstrated by the large attendance at the Town Hall on Saturday evening. Mr. Christopher Smith, the conductor, had chosen a delightful programme, skilfully varied to suit all tastes. His choice had been principally operatic and even if some of the numbers were of the popular variety, their treatment by the band, lifted them above the commonplace. A feature of the concert, and a noticeable improvement, was the work of the soloists. The concert opened with “The Noble Commander,” a splendid march by Williams. It was followed by the Mozart overture to ‘•Hon Giovanni,” a work which showed the band at its best, whether in ensemble or solo work. The well-known features of Wagner's “Lohengrin” were played colourfully and an arrangement of themes from Verdi’s "Aida” was skilful and entertaining. Lighter music included a selection from “The Merry Widow” by Franz Lehar. A cornet solo, “Softly Sighs,” from Weber's “Her Freischutz,” was delightfully played by Mr. Fred. Bowes, and Mr Hal C. McLennan made a brilliant flute solo of “The Witches’ Dance,” a transcription of Paganini’s. Among the singers, Mr. Hartley Warburton, a forceful baritone, was at home with the "Toreador’s Song” from “Carmen." Miss Cecilia Duncan sang “Elegie” (.Massenet) sweetly and replied to several encores. Mr. Leo Whittaker was the capable ■accompanist. Buck Jones, having completed “Chain Lightning” for Fox Films, is preparing for his next Fox vehicle at the West Coast studio. Diane Ellis is seen opposite Buck in “Chain Lightning,” directed by Lambert Hilly er.