THE MAJESTIC ORCHESTRA

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 47, 8 June 1928, Page 5

THE MAJESTIC ORCHESTRA

MR. JOHN WHITEFORDWAUGH HE Auckland Majestic Theatre orchestra, with Mr. J. Whiteford- . Waugh as musical director, is considered by picture public and radio fans alike, to be New Zealand’s finest picture house combination. Mr. Waugh is a musician of the highest ability, and has had years of international experience. He was born in Newcastle, Australia, of Scottish parentage. While still a boy he showed considerable musical talent, and. studied the violin from 8. Vost Jannsen, the celebrated German teacher, the piano under Dr. Tyrrell, and harmony and composition from George Young, organist at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Newcastle. These were, undoubtedly, some of the leading teachers in Australia. OS A a PT TT,

In 1914 Mr. Waugh entered the Sydney | Conservatorium to continue his musical education, and played the violin for Henri Verbrugghen, who immediately offered him a position in his or- | chestra. So impressed was Verbrugghen by Mr. Waugh’s talented playing that he accorded him the honour of attending all his interpretation classes free of charge. In 1918 Mr. Waugh left the Sydney Consevatorium and went on tour as solo violinist with Monsieur Goossens, the famous Belgian baritone. In 1921 he joined J. C. Williamson as orchestral lead and deputy-conductor. Mr. Waugh carries with him a charming personality, and has all sorts of wonderful ideas to make the musical programme at the Majestic one of its most attractive features. All who hear the regular Tuesday re-| lay broadcast from 1YA agree that the | magnificent musical programmes he has provided from the Majestic during the past twelve months are a reflection of the ideals of this popular and capable conductor. As is befitting the lar-. gest theatre orchestra in New Zealand, the Majestie also possesses the most comprehensive musie library. This library, which is the sole property of Mr. Waugh, contains over 109,000 or- chestral numbers, and is constantly being increased. New publications are added as soon as they appear in print. The library contains 400 overtures, many of which are impossible to duplicate. It is possible, therefore, to play a different overture every week for nearly eight years. Besides the overtures there are also, of course, orchestral suites, light und grand operatic selections, individual short orchestral nuinbers, Iarches, waltzes, ancient and modern danee numbers, and-ohMmost anything and everything you can think of that has ever been written. But just as interesting, possibly, as the library itself, is the organisation of this musieal beehive under a keen librarian, Mr, Rex. Wills. There is the Classification of all this musie under waltz, gavotte, love themes, storm music, ete, and under an alphabetical index. As a result of this system the librarian becomes a detective who, if given only one clue to the piece of mlusic wanted, cun immediately ferret out the correct number and bring ir triumphantly to you.