Orchestra Debut

We have just witnessed the inaugural concert of an orchestra which may well be described as the finest heard in this country since the visit of Verbrugghen and the NSW State Orchestra in 1029. The new National Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Anderson Tyrer, demonstrated beyond doubt that the capabilities of its selected players are very high.

The most ardent objector to the appointment of Mr. Tyrer as organiser must concede that in the short space of time he has had to coordinate and polish the work of the members of the team, a very fine job of work has been done. He has spared no-one, and the fruit of his determination and enthusiasm is borne in the 130-odd works, including 30 symphonies and major works, which comprise the repertoire after only five months of individual and group practice.

Solo work was admirably performed. It was sheer pleasure to hear the intricacies of wood-wind, brass and string passages in the Rhapsody of Enesco, and in the technically difficult tone poem, Till Eulenspiegel (R. Strauss).

As an overall criticism, however, one point must be raised. Although enthusiasm may explain the intense and vigorous treatment of almost every item, it is to be hoped that, as practice continues, a more subtle and reasoned approach will be made to passages marked piano, and to the orchestral accompaniment of solos.

Now that we have the nucleus of a permanent musical institution in New Zealand, let us hope that further steps towards a National [unclear: Conserva Jwrium] are not far distant.