THEATRE MUSIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 818, 12 November 1929, Page 1

THEATRE MUSIC

PICTURE ORCHESTRAS TO COME BACK | STAGE PRESENTATIONS Orchestras wi.’l shortly make a reappearance in Auckland thea--1 tres. Although the orchestra! wells, which have been deserted since the advent of the talkies sounded the death knell of the picture musician, will probably not be reoccupied, stage presentations of music will be given in some of the leading theatres. Questioned by a Sun representative this morning. Mr. D. Quinn, of FullerHayward Pictures, said that an orchestra was now in process of formation, and stage presentations would be given commencing next month at the Majestic and Strand Theatres. It is understood that a similar Wienie is being adopted by the management of the Regent Theatre. “It has been found by experience that although music satisfies it does not draw,” said Mr. Quinn. “It is the picture programme that proves the bigattraction, and the re-establishment of orchestral music in our big theatres is regarded as an additional item on the programmes.” As far as possible those profesj sional musicians who relied upon their j picture engagements for tlieir living are being taken on under the new scheme. For a start it is the intention of the Fuller-Hayward management to form an orchestra of approximately 15 picked players Linder the direction of Mr. Whiteford-Waugh and it is hoped that the nucleus of a first-class musical organisation will be formed from among the ranks of the professional musicians. Although Auckland is the first centre in which stage bands will be used it is thought possible that a similar scheme will be adopted by the Fuller-Hayward Company in Wellington.