Wellington Symphony Orchestra on May 2

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 41, 26 April 1929, Page 7

Wellington Symphony Orchestra on May 2

Outstanding Performance by Full Orchestra in Town Hall---Treat for Listeners

WELLINGTON’S excellent musical organisation, the Wellington Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Leon de Mauny, goes on the air for the first time this year on Thursday, May 2, with an excellent Tschaikowsky programme of music. It will be a musical treat. ¢ Listeners will have pleasant recollection of the first concert broadcast ‘byfthis orchestra, last year, and it will afford them great pleasure to learn that arrangements have been made whereby all the concerts of the 192% season by this talented combination will be broadeast by 2YA.

HE first of the season, the "Tschaikowsky" programme, which will be relayed from the Town Hall, will comprise the following :-‘Cappriccio Italienne," the famous "Symphony in B-Minor No. 6" (Pathetique) ; a ’cello solo by Mr. Claude Tanner, "Variations on a Rocoecco Theme" (the accompaniste being Madame de Mauny) ; the popular "Nutcracker Suite," and last, but not least, the famous "1812 Overture." . T[SCHAIKOWSKY’S Sixth Symphony, called by him "The Pathetic," has become the most popu: jar of his large orchestral works. It was its composer’s favourite, but he hardly anti cipated for it the general approval it has received. Whilst still engaged in its composition (1893) he wrote to his nephew: "To me it will seem quite natural, and not in the least astonishing if this symphony meets with abuse or seant appreciation at first. I certainly regard it as quite the best and especially the ‘most sincere’ of all my works. I love it as I have never loved one of my musical offspring before." .

HAT is known as the "Nutcracker Suite" is the music from a Russian ballet, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," telling of the wonderful adventures of a little girl, and of a beautiful pair of nutcrackers which she received as a Christmas present. There is a miniature overture, and then a set of six short pieces-"Characteristic Dances," Tschaikowsky calls them. and the title is very apt. They are all vivid, and some are amusing. The Suite, when played as a whole, is rounded off by the "Valse of the Flowers." The concert is timed to commence at 8.15 p.m., on May 2, and between 8 o’clock and 8.15 on May 2. a brief recital of Tschaikowsky’s songs will be Fr oadeast. the definite establishment of the Wellington Symphony Orchestra and the initiation of its first season, it is interesting to recall that its growth and development has been due to the continued enthusiasm of its founder, Mr. de Mauny, and his steady work throughout the past six years. Mr. de Mauny was for some 15 years 2 performer in the fumous London Symphony Orchestra, in which he had thoroughly comprehensive experi- --- (rr rr te — ae

ence and training. Mr. de Mauny came to Wellington from London six years ago, and commenced the practice of his profession. From the pupils then secured he has steadily built up that full body of well-trained string performers which is the backbone of any good orchestra, From year to year the number of players available has steadily expanded, until last year Mr. de Mauny felt that the time was ripe with the material available for the launching of a more ambitious effort. There was then staged the memorable Symphony Orchestral Concert in the Town Hall, which was relayed by 2YA, und was accorded the highest possible praise, not only by all who had the privilege of being present, but by listeners who enjoyed it through radio. TWNCOURAGED by the success attending that effort and the expression of views by scores of interested people that so fine an organisation should not be allowed to lapse, steps were taken to place the orchestra upon what is oped will be a permanent footing. A campaign is in progress for annual subscribers. Auckland supports their Bohemian Orchestra to the tune of some 600 annual subscribers. -Wellington, as the capital city, should be able to equal that performance. Sound financial support is essential to maintain the organisation, because the principle at stake is that all professional talent employed should receive an udequate fee for the performance, participation in which involves attendance at four rehearsals. ; Listeners in town are urged wherever possible to personally attend the orchestral concert. No matter how fine the radio presentation is, it cannot equal actual presence at a performance of this nature, where there are no fewer than 64 instrumentalists in the orchestra. : Incidentally, it may be mentioned that for the final item that will: be played, Tschuikowsky’s 1812 Overture," the orchestra will be strengthened by the addition of twelve brass instruments, thus retaining the original score as written by the famous composer. Never before in New Zealand has this famous number been performed by the full orchestra as required in the original score. ' In view of the arrangements made to permit of the broadcast of the performances by the Symphony Orchestra, thus carrying the enjoyment to country listeners, it is hoped that a certain number of country folk, who are in a position to do so, will become subscribers to the funds of the Welling- ton Symphony Orchestra. The guinea subscription should be sent to the Secretary, P.O. Box 168, Te Aro, Wellington. It is also hoped that the opportunity will be taken by ese performances to inculeate'a love of music in the larger schools of the city.