Enthusiastic Praise for 2YA Orchestra

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 43, 11 May 1928, Page 5

Enthusiastic Praise for 2YA Orchestra

General Appreciation of Players and Selections

PPRECIATIVE comment has been evoked on all sides by the first week’s performances of the 2YA orchestra, and it is already plain that the engagement of such a talented group of performers will be not only an outstanding event in broadcasting but an event of first-class importance in influencing musical taste throughout the country. It is a definite policy that the orchestra shall cater for the popular taste, and the steps being taken through our columns to secure public judgment will afford a very reliable index to that taste, provided adequate use is made of the opportunity, as we believe will be the case. The initial concert from 2YA was re-broadcast by 3YA very successfully. This is likely to ke done frequently so that 2YA’s orchestra will mean almost as much to the other centres as to Wellington itself.

HE 2YA orchestra sprang into popular favour with its initial concert of Tuesday, May 1. Opinions heard on all sides indicate that expectations were exceeded by the very finished performances given by all performers of the popularly selected music calculated to make an appeal to every possible taste. The evening’s performance served to demonstrate conclusively that with an orchestra of this calibre the whole gamut of orchestral composition was available, thus assuring a variety not otherwise possible. The initial number of the orchestra was "Poet and Peasant.’? This is always a popular number and was undoubtedly brilliantly played. The mastery of instruments and precision of attack on the part of the orchestra left nothing to be desired. Mr. Geo. Ellwood’s solo was the outstanding feature of this particular number. The spirit of "The Answer" was sympathetically given. As musiclovers know "The Request" and "The Answer" interpret the query and answer of a blind organist as to the reason for his affliction. In "The Answer" there is conveyed a heavenly inspiration which soothes the wounded spirit and converts despairing ravings into content and happiness. The sympathy so necessary to this work was ably attained. In ‘Romanza Andaluza’ opportunity was afforded Miss Ava Symons to display her brilliance and artistry. The final number of this bracket was the ever popular Toreador song played as a trombone solo by Mr. S. J. Forrest. A musicianly interpretation of "Peer Gynt" proved very satisfying to classically-minded listeners. In the setting of "At Evening’? Mr. H. Berry distinguished himself by the fine tone of his cornet solo and "La Paloma," which followed, delighted many. It may prove to be the popular choice for the repeat number. Devotees of the fox trot were delighted by the versatility displayed by the orchestra in turning to fox trot numbers and waltzes. The final number, "Slavonic Rhapsody," was characterised by the brilliant work of Mr. A. H. F. Wright with the clarionet. In this he displayed brilliant technique and finished tone. And so ended the opening concert with the reputation of the combination definitely made. CHRISTCHURCH crystal set users have heard the new orchestra. To say that it has been enjoyed is to

express the sentiments of listeners very mildly. By the process of rebroadcasting through 3YA, the orchestra means almost as much to the crystal set users of Christchurch as to the crystal set users of Wellington. Though Tuesday is 3YA’s silent day, the station went on the air and rebroadeast the Wellington concert for the special benefit of Christschurch crystal set users, an action on the part of the Broadcasting Company which was widely appreciated. Many congratulatory messages have been received. One correspondent who is well-known to the correspondence branch at the headquarters of the Broadcasting Company for his candour in criticising or praising the Company as he thinks the occasion warrants, sums up the advent of the orchestra in these words: Wonderful orchestra at 2YA. Expected something "extra special," and it was a triumph to all concerritd. The R.B.C. forges ahead steadily. Congrat’s.