MUSIC SUPPLEMENT Jr SirF !1a114t] MUSIC SUPPLEMENT ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1953 Co CERT SERIES TO BEGI JUBILEE SEASO Violin Soloist Erica Morim To Perform Extra Concert Series To Feature Noted Woman Artist Oct. 12 Veteran of many international tours, Erica Morini, noted violinist will perform in the Extra Concert Series on Oct. 12. The famed musician is replac- ing Guiomar Novaes who was or- iginally scheduled to perform here on that date. * * * MISS MORINI, who made her professional debut when she was eight years old has many times toured the nation appearing with nearly every major symphony or- chestra on the continent.,. Playing her first orchestral engagement under the nearly legendary figure among conduc- tors, Nikisch, the violinist came to the United States when she was in her early teens. She made her debut in Carnegie Hall and was an immediate success. The young musician was term- ed "peer of the greatest of her male colleagues." Returning to Europe, Miss Mo- rini spent seven years giving per- formances in Australia, in the Orient and in Europe. Since her return to the United States she has toured the coun- try more than 15 times. She is currently thearegular soloist each season with the New York Phil- harmonic Symphony both in its ' winter series in Carnegie Hall and in its summer series at the Lew- isohn Stadium. UNIVERSALLY recognzed as the world's greatest living woman violinist, Miss Mrini's career has included more than 1,000 solo per- formances with the world's fore- most symphony orchestras.1 At present she divides he- time betweep annual tours both of North America and of Europe. Included on the program of Oc- tober 12 will be "Larghetto" by Handel, "Praeludium and Alleg- ro" by Pugnani-Kreisler, and Bruch's "Concerto in G minor, Op. 26." Also on the program will be Brahms' "Sonata in D minor, Op. 108," Godard's "Canzonetta," Wie- niawski's "Valse Caprice," and "Faust Waltz" by Sarasate. Sde Paur Unit To Present FaR Concert One of the first important mu- sical attractions to develop from World War II, the dePaur Infan- try Chorus will make its second appearance on campus at 8:30 p.m. Nov. 24. Originating in 1942, a group of men from the 372nd Infantry banded together to become one of the major Army entertainment groups during the war. * * Anderson To Perform In Extra Concert Series Termed "the high priestess of song" by the New York Times, singer Marian Anderson will be heard at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10 in Hill Auditorium. * Born in Philadelphia, the fourth performer in the Choral Union extra Concert Series early showed signs of extraordinary gifts, sing- ing in the church choir and frequently filling in for an absent soprano or bass. * * r * WITH THE AID of her teachers, Miss Anderson received schol- arships for study until her debut with the New York Philharmonic Symphony. Several years later, she toured Europe on a Rosenwald Fellow- ship. The contralto's trip through the Scandinavian coun- tries proved to be the wind which whirled her into the mu- sical spotlight. Finnish composer Sibelius not- ed that "the roof of my house is too low for your voice. Carrying an armload of white lilacs in mid-winter, Moscow Art Theater director Standislavsky begged her to sing in his produc- tion of "Carmen." IN PARIS that summer, Impre- serio S. Hurok heard Miss Ander- son sing for the first time and the contract for her return to Amer- ica was signed the next day. In December, 1935, the con- tralto sang a concert at Town Hall in New York. Critic Olin Downes prophesied "The public will look to her for a great deal." Probably the world's most hon- ored artist, Miss Anderson added four awards to her many trophies during 1952. King Gustav Adolph of Sweden presented her with the coveted "Litteris et Artibus" med- al, the Federation of Jewish Wom- en's Organizations named her "Woman of Achievement," Phila- delphia's Newspaper Guild made the contralto therecipient of its "Page One Award," and Mo- ravia College conferred on the singer her fifth honorary degree. The noted contralto has been honored by governments, organi- zations, universities and cities, in- cluding Philadelphia, her home city, whose $10,000 Bok Award was used to establish a foundation that has , already given assistance to 47 young artists. * * * RECENTLY she returned from an extensive good-will tour of Ko- rea and the Orient where she sang for troops of the United Nations. Frank Rupp, who will accom- pany Miss Anderson at her re- cital has played more than 575 concerts with the famous contral- to. 14 Soloists To Appear With Fasano The Virtuosi di Roma, termed by Arturo Toscanini "the greatest instrumental ensemble of this age" will perform as part of the Choral Union series Nov. 2. Composed of 14 Italian musi- cians, each of whom is a virtuoso in his own right, the group is under the direction of Renato Fasano. * * * INCLUDED in the chamber or- chestra are six violins, two violas, two cellos, a contrabass, a flute and a piano brought together by conductor-pianist-composer ,Fasi- no into a group whose purpose it is to play a repertoire notable for its variety of approach and scope. Featuring the music of the little-known composer Vivaldi, the group has as its core a col- lection of Italian music which embraces many generations and extends up to the present one. Brought together several years ago in Italy, the group made its first appearance on the New York concert scene in the fall of 1950. Following this -appearance, the company made a transcontinental tour in 1952. Its present Ann Ar- bor engagement is a part 'Ofits third tour of the United States. * * * MEMBERS of the group have been integrated to form a unit of exceptional smoothness and scope. At the same time care has been taken to insure that each of the virtuosi, although his tal- ent is for the most part subdued, can step 'out to play a solo with complete ease. Fasino has performed in con- certs all over Europe, and between 1944 and 1947 he was the director of the National Academy of St. Ce- celia in Rome and of the Aggusteo Concerts. Fasino, who organized the group, was born in Naples and at present is the youngest director of one of the 12 national con- servatories in Italy. He has per- Sink Issues Annual Note To Audience Greetings: Seventy-five years ago a small group of music enthusiasts from the faculty and student bodies of the University and others from several of the local church choirs joined in the organization of the Choral Union and the incorpora- tion of the University Musical Society. This year the Society is cele- brating its diamond jubilee sea- son. TWENTY-SIX major concerts are included 'in the several series. The most outstanding ensemble groups as well as soloists, both vocal and instrumental, are en- gaged; and are heard in programs which will involve a wide reper- toire of music compositions. This general program is a far cry from the meager offerings of those early years. Without a break, through wars, depressions and recession, the Board of Directors has car- ried on. The Board now takes modest pride in its past accom- plishments; and in doing so, de- sires to express sincere appre- ciation to patrons far and wide, to music lovers generally, and to the press, for their sympa- thetic and understanding co- operation through the years. It is hoped that programs of this jubilee season will not only measure up to, buts will surpass in importance those preceding it. For only thus can substantial progress be made. The Board of Directors is ever mindful of the legend adopted by the founders-"Ars Longa Vita Brevis. Charles S. Sink, President Hay Festival To Celebrate 61st Birthday The University's sixty-first an- nual May Festival to be presented on April 29, 30, May 1, 2 will con- sist of a series of six concerts. The Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Eugene Ormandy, the University Choral Union with Thor Johnson as guest conduc- tor and Lester McCoy, associate conductor and the Festival Youth Chorus under the direction of Marguerite Hood are scheduled for performances. Concert soloists will be an- nounced at a later date. Peters To Open Season October 7 Boston Symphony Scheduled Next With Concert Two Weeks Later During the diamond jubilee season of the Choral Union Series 10 regular concerts and five extra programs will be presented. Coloratura soprano of the Metropolitan Opera Roberta Peters will make her Ann Arbor debut at the first concert of the season Oct. 7. The Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Munch conducting, will make its annual pilgrimage to the campus Oct. 22, and the Virtuosi Di Roma, a group of 14 outstanding Italian instrumental performers will give a chamber music program Nov. 2. ON NOV. 24, Leonard de Paur will bring his Infantry Chorus to Ann Arbor: After the holiday vacation period, Sir Ernest MacMillan will conduct the Toronto Symphony Orchestra on Feb. 10. Viennese pianist Paul Badura-Skoda will give a recital Feb. 17 and on Feb. 28, Metropolitan Opera Association bass Geore London will be heard. Distinguished Greek soprano of the Metropolitan Opera Elena I .- PETITE COLORATURA TO OPEN SERIES * * Soprano Roberta Peters To Make Campus Debut A Cinderella prima donna of three years ago, Roberta Peters, coloratura soprano of the Metro- politan Opera, will make her Ann Arbor debut in the opening Choral Union Series Concert Oct. 7. Miss Peters, a diminutive, blue- eyed soprano, first stepped into the international limelight in Novem- ber, 1950 when at the age of 20 she scored a triumph in her Met debut, pinch-hitting for an ailing prima' donna on a few hours' notice. SUBSEQUENT triumphs at the opera in major roles, on television and on the air, have securely estab- lished her as one of the brightest figures on the American musical scene. On her program will be Scar- latti's "Qual Farfalletta aman- te," Caccini's "Amarilli, mia bella," Mozart's "Der Holle Rache" from "The Magic Flute," Handel's "Sweet Bird" from "II Pensieroso," and Rossini's "The Alpine Shepherdess." Miss Peters will also sing Viar- dot's "Dites, Que Faute-il Faire?" Bishop's "Lo! Here the Gentle Lark," and Bravura Variations by A. Adams. After intermission the program will continue with Schubert's "Der Hirt auf dem Felsen," Debussy's "Romance," Moret's "Nelumbo," Poulenc's "Air Vif," and Rachman- inoff's "Songs of Grusia." The soprano will also sing Scott's Daily Reviews Concert in 1900 "Blackbird's Song," Watts' "Little Shepherd's Song," and Stravin- sky's "Quietly, Night," from "The Rakes Progress. The program will conclude with Strauss' "Grossmachtige Prinzes- sin from "Ariadne auf Naxos." S* * * IN HER three Metropolitan sea- sons -she has won a place among the company's front-rank singers and has also scored in London's Covent Garden, where Sir Thomas Beecham starred her in the Fes- tival of Britain performances of "The Bohemian Girl." Currently in her fourth sea- son at the Metropolitan, the 23- year-old coloratura, will be starred as Rosina in the new production of "The Barber of Seville." It was in such roles as Gilda in "Rigoletto," Laurette in "Gianni Schicchi," the Queen of the Night in "The Magic Flute" and Sophie in "Der Ros- enkavalier" that Miss Peters soon established herself as one of the nation's foremost so- pranos. As a coloratura soprano Miss Peters follows the singing tradi- tion of such great coloraturas as Jenny Lind, Patti, Tetrazzini, Mel- ba, Galli-Curci, Lily Pons and most recently Patrice Munsel. * * * BORN IN the Bronx the fairy- tale soprano spent most of her life preparing for a musical ca- reer in opera. Prior to her spectacular debut in November 1950 the Peter's name was still practically unknown to the musical world for the very good reason that she had sung only in her teacher's studio. Called in at the last minute to replace the soprano scheduled to sing Zerlina in "Don Giovanni" Miss Peters was immediately hail- ed as a great musical discovery. Her concert in Hill Auditorium on October 7 will inaugurate the 75th annual series of Choral Union concerts and will be the first of ten in the series. Szell To Lead Extra Series Hill Concert Slated for a Hill Auditorium performance on Nov. 8 as a fea- ture of the Extra Concert Series, the Cleveland Symphony Orches- tra is preparing now to launch its 36th season. Czech-born George Szell, be- ginning his seventh year on the Cleveland podium, is a major drawing card to the symphony's concerts. Termed by a New York magazine review as "exciting, thorough and unorthodox" Szell is agreed to have fulfilled his promise, upon assuming the con- ductorship, that " a new leaf will Nikolaidi will perform March 12.^ Rounding out the Choral Union Series schedule, Dame Myra Hess, eminent British pianist will give a recital, March 17, *. * * IN THE eighth annual Extra Concert Series, five programs will be presented. The series will be- gin, Oct. 12 with Erica Morini, violinist. Following Miss- Morini on Nov. 8, George Szell will con- duct a concert by the Cleveland; Orchestra on Nov. 30, the Guard Republican Band of Paris under the direction of Francois-Julien Brun, will be heard in one of its few American concerts this year. After the Christmas yacation, Marian Anderson will perform Jan. 10 and on March 4, the Boston Pops Tour Orchestra conducted by Arthur Fiedler will bring the Extra Concert Series to a close. Two Christmas concerts will be provided in accordance with long- standing tradition. Handel's "Mes- siah" will be given Dec. 5 and 6. The University Musical Society Choral Union and the Musical So- ciety Orchestra with four disting- uished soloists will be heard. Maud Nosler of Chicago will sing the soprano role; Carol Smith of New York will be contralto; Walter Fredericks of New York will sing tenor; and Norman Scott of the Metropolitan Opera will appear -as bass. Mary McCall Stubbins will play the organ and both perform- ances will be conducted by Lester McCoy. THE FOURTEENTH annual Chamber Music Festival this year includes two chamber music groups; England's Griller Quartet on Feb. 19 and 21 and the Regi- nald Kell Players Feb. 20. The 61st May Festival will be presented April 29 and 30 and May 1 and 2. Participating in the annual concert series will be the University Choral Union, Thor Johnson conducting and Lester McCoy, associate conductor; the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Eugene Ormandy; and the Fes- tival Youth Chorus directed by Marguerite Hood. Negotiations are under way with distinguished artists, both vocal and instrumental. lioston lroup Will Be Led By Munch Charles Munch, director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is the personification of the double culture of the province of Alsace, lying between France and Ger- many. His father was a staunch Alsa- tian; with a name derived from the German, Monch, meaning "Monk." His mother, was of pure French blood-the daughter of a protestant minister of Paris. VIUNCH, who will direct the Boston Symphony in the second concert of the Choral Union Se- ries, Thursday, Oct. 22, gives prominent place in his programs to the music of Berlioz, Debussy or Ravel but has revealed his ver- satility by showing almost equal favor to works of the German masters and including ' a repre- sentation of music by American composers. His musical training began in the classical tradition of Stras- bourg and at Leipzig. Yet he has studied violin with Kucien Ca- pet in Paris and has presided over the Lamoureux, Conser- vatory and French National Broadcasting Orchestras. In 1949 he succeeded Serge Koussevitzky as regular conduc- tor of the Boston Symphony Or- chestra and in May, 1952 he took the Boston group on its first Eu- ropean tour, opening in Paris and including his native Strasbourg in the concert schedule. The program for their Octo- ber concert will include' Handel's Concerto in F Major, Symphony No. 2 by Brahms, Ravel's "Le Tombeau de Couperin," Concer- to Grosso No. 2 by Bloch and ex- erpts from Wagner's "Die Meister- singer." The orchestra visited Ann Ar- bor last spring as part of the slate of their first coast to coast tour. } . r j: !": A By DON HARRIS Though the Michigan Daily was not yet born when Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata and the Chor- al Union's rendition of Handel's Lift U T H] d. .rOc r) Y Gt " M 11 variety, and was so short that all wished for more of it." Interestingly enough Kreisler's program fifty-three years ago would be right at home today in Hill Auditorium. He played the Bruch concerto, and selections by -* * * Bach, Tartini, Paganini, Tchaikovsky. *i. * * and BUT THE SEASON'S highlight then as now was the May Festival. On May 18, 1900 the Iaily report- ed that "University Hall was * * * IN-HI omn n rbr" p ze neaus, vxe La es, IN- THEIR coming Ann Arbor inaugurated the first concert of appearance, the male chorus' per- December 16, 1879, the Daily was formance will include songs of giving the concerts regular cov- World War II, Latin American erage as far back as 1900. numbers, Negro spirituals, secular and religious songs. During this period the Society Before the war Leonard de- was guided by Prof. Henry S. Paur was musical director of Frieze, President, and Calvin B. the Negro Theatre in New York Cady, conductor. Frequent visitors City. In this capacity, Capt. de- then were such forgotten perform- Paur directed and arranged the ers as cellist Elsa Ruegger, and so- entire musical scores for Orson prano, Sara Anderson, and such Welles' production of "Macbeth," prominent orchestras as the Pitts- "Haiti," and the Eugene O'Neill burgh Symphony, then conducted cycle "Four Plays of the Sea." by composer Victor Herbert, and Later he became musical direc- of course the Boston Symphony for for the broadway production. Orchestra. of "John Henry." * * * During later war years the chor- ON DECEMBER 12, 1900, the us was detached from the 372nd 'Daily's pages. recorded the first Infantry so that it could act as a performance here of an unknown morale unit to entertain other violinist, who had just created a troops. Notable appearances of the sensation in musical circles. Infantry group were designed to "The second number in the stimulate the sale of war bonds Choral Union series was a con- throughout the country. cert last night by Fritz Kreisler, The present season will mark the Austrian violinist. This art- the fifth civilian concert tour ist, though not generally well made by the male chorus, which known, came with high praise s t 9 i 1 t ablaze with glory, last evening when Beethoven's overture, "Leo- nore" ushered in the opening con- cert of the May Festival. A large audience filled the hall and many tardy- concert goers were left standing in the corridors as the doors closed for the overture." "Miss Sara Anderson, who has already made many friends in Ann Arbor, sang the only solos of the evening. When we consider that Miss Anderson is one of the youngest singers in America, be- ing only about twenty-two years of age, we are made to realize the future which is before her. Her first song, "Il est Doux, Il est Bon," from Heriodiade, brought a great storm of applause from the audi- ence." "Miss Anderson bowed, the ap- plause increased. When at last the charming singer was made to feel that her gracious acknowl- edgement of their favor was in- sufficient to appease the desires of the music loving audience, she sang one of her German songs which have won her such great praise." PROCEEDING to the present day, newspaper clippings and con- cert programmes, now turned yel- RED, GOLD, AND BLACK: Republican Band of Paris To Present Martial Music Traditional uniforms of red, gold and black will contribute color appropriate to the stirring martial music scheduled for the Guard Republican Band of Paris' per- formance at 8:30 p.m. in Hill Auditorium on Monday, Nov. 30, under the auspices of the Extra Concert Series. Today seventy-two bandsmen comprise the historical group, which was proclaimed "Music de la Garde Republicaine" by Napo- leon III shortly after its 1848 or- ganization. Since that time the band has served as a regular at- tachment to the French Army. TERMED frequently .as one of the world's most colorful and ex- citing musical organizations, the the Ministry of National Defense of the French government. Having already performed in Canada and eastern United States, the Guard Band will be heard in a total of 100 American cities. This autumn's tour is an extended rain- check of the group's scheduled American trip in 1940, when the war prevented the band's appear- ance at the New York World Fair. Twice previously the Guard Band has made American tours: first in 1872 and second for the St. Louis Exposition of 1902. Although its selections cover every variety of classical and semi-classical music, the band is most widely acclaimed for its brass section and its moving renditions of patriotic martial music. Climax- ing the Ann Arbor program will be P HOM