OPERA AND EDUCATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 455, 10 September 1928, Page 14

OPERA AND EDUCATION

FULLERS’ OFFER TO SCHOOL

Grand opera, apart from being- the prince of entertainments, can be regarded from many other angles. It gives inspiration to the greatest musical geniuses, calling from them the immortal harmonies and melodies that have enriched the music of the world, and creating treasures of memory for all time. It gives scope to the greatest instrumentalists as well as to the finest singers to display their art. and so helps to exploit the possibilities of vocal and instrumental music. It has another and even grander signifiance, in that it helps the cause of spiritual progress, properly understood and in its widest sense, because it is not only an education in musical art but is also an aid to general culture and good taste —a priceless asset in an age of commercialism like the present, when so much that is poor and worthless is offered to young and old alike. The growing generation, the youngsters of to-day, can get the best and the most out of the treasury of music which is to be found in grand opera. To that end. as well as to create opera audiences for the future, Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fuller have decided to grant to secondary schools and certain other educational establishments some further concessions in addition to those already given the general public in the moderate prices now being charged. Particulars of these concessions may be obtained by all interested from Mr. W. J. P. Fitzgerald, grand opera representative, at the St. James Theatre.

June Collyer, instead of Sally Phipps, ■will be the girl in the second Fox Newsreel features to be made in Europe this summer. Miss Collyer is now in New York, where she will be joined early by staff and cast, and the whole party will then proceed to Europe.