New Concert Orchestra for 2YA

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 44, 13 May 1932, Page 5

New Concert Orchestra for 2YA

Leon de Mauny Appointed Conductor HE announcement made a few days ago by the Broadcasting Board that arrangements had been concluded with Mr. Leon de Mauny for the provision of a new concert orchestra at 2YA will be welcomed by listeners. This orchestra, comprising at least eighteen players, will make its first appearance on June 6, and will, in normal circumstances, give three studio performances weekly. A one-hour recital of classical music will be given weekly, while for the rest listeners will be entertained with light popular music, such as selections from musical comedies and Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Mr. de Mauny commenced his musical studies at the Liege Conservatorium in Belgium. After several years spent here under the able tutorship of the great Cesare Thompson, he left for London, and for fifteen years played in several big orchestras there, including the London Symphony Orchestra. Then came the war, and the following four years Mr. de Mauny spent in France. After demobilisation he returned to London to continue his musical studies under Albert Sammons, then considered as the greatest violinist in England. In 1923 Mr. de Mauny left for New Zealand, and he has been in Wellington ever since. After his arrival, his greatest ambition was to establish a symphony orchestra, and several years later this was realised with the inauguration of the Wellington Symphony Orchestra. As conductor of this orchestra, Mr. de Mauny has earned a reputation second to none in the Dominion, and one need have no fears regarding the future of the new orchestta while it is in his capable hands.