PLANS FOR THE CENTENNIAL

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20953, 4 November 1939, Page 15 (Supplement)

PLANS FOR THE CENTENNIAL

MUSIC AND DRAMA—POPULAR SINGERS ENGAGED

"Whatever attitude the people in some localities may have about modifying their programmes of Centennial celebrations, I believe firmly that the whole public of New Zealand will be unanimous in a wish for j a complete performance of the Cen- ' tennial music and drama festivals which are being planned by the National Centennial Music Committee with the assistance of provincial music committees,” states the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, in a review of the arrangements. As adjudicator, conductor, and musical adviser, the National Cen- I tennial Music Committee, in collab- ! oration with the National Broadcast- I ing Service, has engaged Mr Andersen Tyrer, a musician and composer of high standing. Arrangements have also been made for the engagement of the following well-known singers: Soprano, Miss Isobel Baillie, London; tenor, Mr Heddle Nash, London; contralto, Miss j Gladys Ripley, London; bass, Mr Oscar Natschcke, New Zealand and London. Proposed Opera Feature In the programmes of the provincial committees it is proposed to include the production of the opera, "Faust.” If this proves to be practicable the National Committee will assist by making available the foui 1 principal singers, as well as the costumes for a chorus of forty. Choir Competitions It is also intended to conduct in each of the four main centres, prior to the main festivals, a choir competition, the test pieces for which are: “Music When Soft Voices Die,” : by Andersen Tyrer, and “Diaphenia,” by C. V. Stanford. String Quartette Competition | • It is intended to conduct a com- I petition for string quartettes, the test pieces for which are: First movement quartette in D major “The Lark” by Haydn, and First movement quartette in A minor Op. 51 by Brahms. One-Act Play Competition With a view to stimulating interest in drama, the National Centennial Music Committee proposes to arrange to conduct through the provincial committees and with the assistance of the British Drama League a competition for a one-act play. Here again the winning teams in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin respectively will be granted return transport expenses to enable them to compete at Wellington in the finals for prizes of £SO and £25. Centennial Orchestra It expected that as one continuing insult of the Centennial Music Festivals New Zealand will have an established National Orchestra. This should follow the decision of the National Centennial Music Committee to assemble a Centennial Orchestra which will be a feature of the music festivals. The assembling of the players will be under the direct

control of Professor Shelley, Director of the National Broadcasting Service, assisted by Mr Maurice Clare. Competitions for Original Compositions Entries for a competition for original compositions have been invited by the National Centennial Music Committee; these comprise a choral composition, orchestral composition, a one-act radio play, and a one-act stage play. A first prize of £7O and a second prize of £3O will be awarded in each section. Festival Dates The following periods in 1940 will be observed in presenting the Centennial music and drama festivals in the four main centres, dates inclusive:— Auckland—May 13 to 19. Christchurch—May 25 to June 1. Dunedin—June 8 to 15. Wellington—June 22 to 29.