IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 224, 20 March 1912, Page 7

IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT

INTERVIEW WITH ARTHUR V. CARBINES. It is the usual custom when any of the world's great artists come in our midst to interview and glean from them impressions and experiences which may prove of interest in our w«rk-a-day life. But in this instance our special reporter has wandered from the usual custom and paid a visit to Mr. Arthur Carbines, who will be appearing at the Irish National concert next Thursday. On being shown into Ms room, Mr. Carbines was found seated on a box at the table with pencil in hand composing his sketches for the forthcoming concert. Mr. Carbines was in quite a talkative mood, and our reporter was able to secure some very interesting faets. "I suppose, Mr. Carbines, you have been connected with music quite a long time?"—" Yes! even when a child a few lays old I was able to open my mouth and aing with more volume than many accomplished artists, of mature age. My people realised what a voice I had, as did also the neighbors, and often my mother had inquirers. When I was ten I took a great liking to the organ, and for five years was chief organ-blower at one of the big churches, and to make myself proficient in my profession I used to take lessons on the mangle. After being at the organ for five years, the ambition was kindled within me to start, •on the piano, and I secured a position in a} piano warehouse working the pianolas. I was very successful at this, being able to play Works from all the greatest composers, including Bach, Wagner. Chopin, and others, without a sheet of music in front of me, and with' correctness and fullness which would be considered impossible for many of thej greatest artists, including Padrewski kimself."

[ Questioned as to what he thought of music in New Plymouth. Mr. Carbines said he thought it was just about the same as all other towns in New Zea- ; land. Of course when you compare it tto London there is a difference. For inI itanoe, a two shilling song you could buy for one shillin? and ninepcnce at Home. Then again you haven't so many bands, orchestral and operatic societies as London possesses, so you must not expect it to be the same. When asked how he liked the people of New Plymouth, he thought they were intelligent, as it wasn't even necessary. !to mark the numbers on the post office clock. The usual question was «6ked Mr. Carbines what he thought the main attraction of New Plymouth was, and he stated that New Plymouth possessed many, but to his mind the main, one was the Irish National Concert, on Thursday next,, and,..in his closing remarks lie advised all those who have not, heard it this year not to fail attending, even though his name is on the programme. A special feature of the concert will be the orchestral items by the Royal Pictures Orchestra.