Festival in Centennial Year

Town mid Gown—the University and the outside world—if academic isolation—these are thorny but perennial topics. We must admit on the one hand that we are often misjudged, but on the other that warranty get the opportunity of exhibiting ourselves to the public in a favourable capacity.

And so—take a breath—why not a musical festival in Centennial Year sponsored by the University students of New Zealand?

Yes, you're right. It does seem funny. But "Saritza." our correspondent, has gone into it pretty carefully, and has obtained the opinions of Kipnis, Tibbett, Schramm and others on the subject.

Seems rather an ambitious idea, but "Salient," in pursuing Its policy of giving generous encouragement to anyone with revolutionary, thoughts—(but supported with sane judgment!)—presents an original scheme worthy of your consideration. Inspiration came to "Saritza" during his interview with that outstanding artist Alexander Kipnis, who was so enthusiastic about university students In America. He stated that the foundation of the marvelous musical development of certain cities in the United States may be said to rest largely upon the students' enthusiasm. Scarifies and labours. The singing and playing of hundreds of students has been of such high stand and that an ever-increasing number of citizens now look to the Universities for musical guidance and inspiration.

Why couldn't that happen right here in Wellington?

A Call to Action.

The festival to be divided into various suitable sections such as choral, symphonic. [unclear: onatic] sacred and works of modern composers. A separate committee to be responsible for organizing and arranging the programme for each particular section.

Vacational Music Tour.

In order to arouse interest overseas. University students throughout the world to be invited to visit Wellington on the New Zealand University Musical Tour. It would be welcomed by students everywhere as a stimulating and educational overture for the festival season and a unique opportunity for exchanging ideas and good-will with fellow scholars.

The scheme has been submitted to various people qualified to judge its value. "Salient" to pleased to review he various Judgments passed on it and also the many helpful suggestions and constructive criticisms offered.

Lawrence Tibbett.

Mr. Tibbett showed sincere interest in the proposal. He believes that several Universities of U.S.A. are giving a lead in developing a musical taste or the very best that music has to offer by sponsoring very attractive concerts. The University or Louisiana, or example, has a festival first week in May, and engages the best artists in the country. He did not think the scheme too ambitious and hoped the students would themselves take an active part in festivities. Lawrence Tibbett stated that he hoped to return to New Zealand in 1940 provided an agreement can be signed with his manager. "Guest artist" Tibbett would seem to be the logical choice.

A Dream Come True!

Mr. T. J. Kirk-Burnand of the National Broadcasting Service is a keen music-lover and one who has had valuable experience in organising tours for visiting singers under contract to N.B.C. He has kindly offered his opinion to "Salient."

He says: "In vain have I waited for our own University College to realise its particularly privileged position for aiding in any cultural development along musical lines. I welcome this scheme of sponsoring a music festival or [unclear: pilgirimage], as I feel that the separation of music from the other arts is to be deplored. It seems to me that a 'chair' in music at the University is inadequate to meet the demands. Why [unclear: not something less theoretical and] scheme of this nature would give students an excellent opportunity for directing their enthusiasm towards a worth-while objective by guided activity. By that I mean." continued Mr. Kirk-Burnand. "actual organising and planning would be carried out by students: but I suggest that you receive your musical guidance from men who are experts In their particular field of music. A branch of the festival might be devoted to acoustics—to be interesting rather than involved and scientific. In conclusion, I would like to stress the fact that the field of modern music is tremendous. Endeavour to get away from stock music. Such a revolutionary presentation. If carefully planned, would greatly aid in developing the cultural side of our social life."

Wooing the Expert!

The arrival of Mr. Paul Schramm in New Zealand should be of tremendous Interest to all music lovers. Those who have been fortunate In hearing his pianoforte recitals have been both thrilled and astounded with the brilliant technique of this musician from Europe. He has had valuable experience with the finest orchestras overseas, particularly in Berlin and Holland while in Batavia he was conductor of his own [unclear: orchestra.] "Salient" found him eager to learn of musical activities in University life in New Zealand. He suggested a special endeavour could be made to Increase the College orchestra to at least thirty, while the best conductor available should be engaged. Financial difficulties would be overcome If each student made a reasonable subscription or donation, subsidised by a College grant. He considered one recital could be given each term, while a special recital during Centennial celebrations would give the College an excellent opportunity of taking an active and valuable part in festivities.

And we hear that Malcolm Sargeant will be in New Zealand in Centennial year.

Well, what about it?

—Saritza.

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Rally Round !

Did you enjoy the last Dramatic Club production? If you did. It is your job to turn up to the annual general meeting of this club, to be held within the next few weeks. Several of the committee members who have been associated with the club for the past four or five, years are passing into the great unknown. If you do not want this club to close down, come along to the meeting and volunteer your services.