Ava Symons—Violinist

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 26, 8 January 1932, Page 6

Ava Symons—Violinist

Artist of Outstanding Ability

ACCOMPANYING is an artistic portrait by Spencer ‘Digby of the unusually gifted violinist, Ava Symons, of whose playing a recent critic stated : "Tt would be difficult to find in this country an equal to Ava Symons as a violinist. Possessing superb tone and the most facile technique, she plays with a refinement and authority that command admiration." She is a New Zealander and showed exceptional talent during her early studies with Max Hoppe, when she was successful at competitions in Napier and Auckland in 1911-in this year she also gained orchestral experience, being the youngest member of the orchestra of the Sheffield Choir, which toured New Zealand under Drs. Coward and Harris. To pursue her studies, she journeyed to England and entered the Royal Academy, studying there under the well-known violinist and exponent of the Auer School, Spencer Dyke. Owing to the war and unforseen circumstances, in 1914 Miss Symons returned to New Zealand, and since has made several successful tours throughout the Dominion. In 1919 Miss Symons went to Eng: land again, and in London was fortunate enough to receive tuition from the famous French violiniste, Mdlle. Rene Chemet. It was this great artist who was responsible for Miss Symons securing the beautiful "Grand Nicola OTT TOTTTSHeHiieniiiiiiiiieliiiiiiiiie

Amati" violin which she possesses. Since her return to the Dominion, Miss Symons has been heard at many concerts and has given recitals throughout New Zealand with Joseph Hislop, rank Hutchens, and the Symons-Ellwood-Short Trio. Her instruction has been gleaned from such notable musicians as ‘Toscha Seidel, Daniel Melsa, William Reed, Renee Chemet, and Alberto Poltronieri, of the Milan Conservatorium. Listeners of 2YA must feel intimate with her work, as she has been heard from this station since its inception. Miss Symons’s playing is character ised by sound methods, and her simple, unaffected style, fine technical capacity, natural artistry and charming personality make her appearance a pleasure and an education. Performing from 2YA on Sunday, January 10, Miss Symons will be heard in the following :- (a) Schon Rosmarin-an original, dainty composition of Kreisler’s. (b) The Foggy Dew-an appealing Irish melody. (c) Sicilienne and Rigaudon-a graceful Sicilienne and _- spirited rigaudon. Her second group will include:(a) "Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen"-a negro spiritual. (b) Obeitass-a brilliant mazurka. (c) Seranade Wspagole-a rhythmical Spanish serenade. Pe niiiieniniiiite iene iinet h