Observations on "New Zealand" Night

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 50, 27 June 1930, Page 39

Observations on "New Zealand" Night

Some Biographical Sketches

OLLOWING are some interest Wiing biographical sketches on the composers whose work fig- ; jures in the special New Zea~land. programme to be _ presented from 3¥A next week :-. Dorothy Filkins, L.C.C.1. ISS FILKINS, who has adopted the pseudonym "Gene Doryn" for her musie writings, was born in Dunedin, but is now resident in Knowles Street, Christchurch. Her love of music developed early and she ‘studied the piano in Dunedin, where her early childhood was spent. A severe illness, which kept her from the piano for nearly a year, overtook her when 2a child. During her convalescence. she wrote little tunes and airs, which apparently implanted the ambition to do bigger things in composition, and when her people removed to Christchurch she studied theory and other’ branches of elementary composition under Dr. Bradshaw at Canterbury College. That she was a bright pupil is pgoved by the fact that she completed in two years a course that ordinarily takes three. ‘The Society for Imperial Culture, Christchurch, in 1928 offered a prize of £50 for the best original composition, giving contestants the choice

of writing either a cantata on "Promethetss Unbound," by the poet Shelley, or a string quartet. Miss Filkins did not avail herself of the option, but wrote both the cantata and the string quartet. Miss Filkins was awarded the prize. Both these works are to be performed this evening, and also a ’cello solv, "Nocturne," and a song "slumber song," written by Miss Filkins.

Harry Rossiter. FYARRY ROSSITER was born in Christchurch, but spent his early *teens in Dunedin, where he studied composition under the.late Mr. A. J. Barth-a very gifted musician, who resided there for over a quarter of a century, and to whose guidance several musicians of note owe much of their success. Mr. Geo. H. Moore, now well known in London musical circles, was a fellow student under Mr. Barth, when Henry Rossiter was in Dunedin. On one oecasion, wishing to test his pupil’s progress, he asked Harry Rossiter to "write something in. three-four time." Harry retired to another room and wrote a waltz. Showing it to Mr. Barth, he was: questioned as to its originality and spontaneity, and when satisfied on these points, Mr. Barth made one or two suggestions, after which it was immediately published, and became ‘instantly popularasthe Onslow Waltz. It was dedicated to Lady Onslow, wife of Lord Onslow, the then Governor of New Zealand. The Onslow Waltz is still a good seller. Mr. Rossiter has written several

works, some of them big and ambitious, and some of them performed with-con-spicuous success. His song "Zealans dia" about to be sung,. gained instant success, has gone through several editions, and is still a popular song throughout New Zealand. The words are by the late Mr. R. Thompson, founder of the firm Milner and Thompson, predecessors of Chas. Begg and Co., Ltd., Christchurch; and are well worth the composition ‘which adorns them. The Aria O Salutaris Hostia-also on to-night’s programme-was written. in Christchurch, and on Madame Dolores’s visit many years ago she was shown a copy, which pleased her to the extent that she decided to sing it, which she did, with thrilling artistry, in the Pro-Cathedral, the composer standing, unseen, immediately behind: her during its performance. Madame Dolores’ very warmly complimented Harry Rossiter on the reverential charm and merit of O Salutaris Hostia, and has several times written from different parts of the world for copies of same to replace worn-out ones. This will be sung this evening by Miss Lilian Hanham, with violin .obbligato and ’cello obbligato by Miss Irene Morris and Mr. Harold Beck respectively. Frank Hutchens, A.R.A.M.

R. HUTCHENS, who has been a Professor at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music since its reception, was born in Leeston over 30 years ago. His parents moved up to Taranaki while he was very young, and where the early development of the talent he doubiless possessed asserted itself. Fortunately both his parents were ardent devotees of music and both gifted in this direction. This is doubtless the origin of Frank Hutchen’s genius, and his father-an accomplished musi-cian-gave the boy the best possible advice and tuition in the circumstances to such purpose that Paderewski, on his first visit to Wellington, consented to hear the boy play, and immediately recommended his being sent to Europe. By considerable self-sacrificing ‘and energetic effort on his parents’ part this was ultimately achieved, and he was admitted straight into the R.A.M., Londen, and without any preliminary course such as is usually imposed. His success there was meteoric; he won every scholarship for which he competed and returned to New Zealand with many honours. He toured Australia and New Zealand as pianist to Toscha Scidel, the great Russian violinist, with whom he scored many notable successes. As a teacher he is proving equally successful, one of his pupils, Linley: Evans, having been selected by Melba as her accompanist on her last grand concert tour of Australia. ‘Three of Frank MHutchen’s compositions are on this evening’s programme, i.e., "Instrumental Trio, F Sharp Minor." "Pianoforte Work." "Andante and Hlegie" (violin solo).