CITIZENS’ CONCERT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 787, 7 October 1929, Page 15

CITIZENS’ CONCERT

MUNICIPAL BAND PLAYS REQUEST PROGRAMME POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT • Tlie Citizens’ Concert given by the | Municipal Band at the Town Hall on 1 Saturday evening attracted a good attendance. Unusual interest was attached to the concert in that the programme had been chosen by the public. A consistently good standard was shown in the choice of numbers selected, the band being provided with a good opportunity of demonstrating its ability. Mr. Christopher Smith’s own composition, the march “Viva Auckland,” which opened the programme, received a very enthusiastic hearing, as also did Suppe’s “Pique Dame,” which was very brightly played. In response to insistent demand the band contributed the bandmaster’s “Beep Harmony.” Tlie most interesting pieces on the programme were Sibelius’s tone poem “Finlandia” and Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody Xo. 2. The Sibelius number received spirited treatment, fine precision adding to its undoubtedly stirring effect. The playing of the Liszt number also showed the band to be under perfect control.* Mr. Smith’s interpretation for the forces tinder his control was always pleasing and satisfying. Strauss’s popular waltz. “The Blue Danube,” a selection from “Lucia di Lammermoor, “A Turkish Patrol” and a selection from “The Desert Song” were all well received by an appreciative audience. Two Gilbert and Sullivan duets, “A Regular Royal Queen,” from “The Gondoliers.” and “Strange Adventure,” from “The Yeoman of the Guard,” Were sung by the Clarion Quartet. That bright, vivacious number from “The Gondoliers” was particularly well received. For an extra number that was demanded the quartet sang “Annie Laurie.” This also was very much appreciated. Mr. Duncan Black’s resonant bass was heard to good advantage in “MacGregor’s Wedding” and Miss Beryl Smith also afforded pleasure with her contralto solo “Xightfall at Sea.” Additional variety was added to the programme with a. duet for two cornets entitled “Cheerfulness,” by Messrs. J. Davies and R. T. Morgan, and a flute solo by Mr. Hal. C. McLennan. “The Witches Dance” (Bucher-Paganini). Miss Thelma Gordon made an efficient accompanist.

Gertrude Lawrence, the well-known English star, has completed her fi:*3t talking picture for Paramount, titled • The Gay Lady.” Charles Ruggles, Walter Petrie and Jow King are featured in the casts