Trafalgar Castle School - Yearbook (Whitby, Ontario Canada)

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Dr. Boyd Neel Mrs. D. Holliday, president of the Whitby Concert Association, very chdrm- ingly welcomed the members of the Association to their first concert of the season. The thirteen members of this exceptionally fine group, the Hart House Or- chestra, took their places on the platform and were shortly followed by their able director. Dr. Boyd Neel, Dean of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Dr. Neel immediately set up an informal atmosphere by commenting on the coziness of the room and its appropriateness for a concert of chamber music. The concert commenced with a short symphony of three movements, a delightful allegro, andante and presto by the 18th century composer, Carl Frederich Abel. Particularly worthy of note was the brilliant execution of the intricate ornamentation of all three movements. This symphony was followed by Edward Elgar ' s Serenade for Strings in E Minor, Opus 20. The true m eaning of the serenade (evening music) is perfectly conveyed in this beautiful little work of three parts. The first move- ment, the allegro piacevole, opens with a solo part that sets the mood. This is followed by the larghetto and allegretto movements. The whole was artistically phrased and full of tender feeling. The difference in sound between this and the preceding work was easily understood when one realised that this was a contemporary piece of art, and the latter can best be described simply as ' modern ' . Next came the Overture and Ballet Suite from Handel ' s Icina, This was in four parts and particularly effective were the abrupt changes in mood. This selection was followed by Arensky ' s Variations on a theme by Tchaikov- sky . The contrast between the pizzicato passage and smooth lines of the violins was almost humorous. Page 20

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OCTOBER WAS A BUSY MONTH Page 19

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After intermission the orchestra returned to play two Chorale Preludes and the Giant Fugue by J. S. Bach. The preludes had been beautifully adapted to stringed instruments and the fugue was brilliantly performed. The theme in the latter, in a customary fugal manner, was bandied about from one set of instruments to another with amazing agility. The concluding number on the programme was a Serenade of four movements by Wolf-Ferrari. This hardly belongs to any period or style but can best be described as music in the 18th century idiom with a contemporary outlook. The neat little allegro is followed by the andante with its surpris- ing tempc changes, and the scherzo-presto with its charming syncopations aBjiiil strong rhythms. The final section was a very energetic fmale-presto. The orchestra was given several curtain calls and played one encore. The encore was a tune by Dr. Arne (18th century) in a very majestic style. At the conclusion of the concert, the artists were not only surrounded by lovely maple leaves and berry branches that enhanced the stage, but by autograph seekers and I think that is indicative of the appreciation of the audience. The concert was a tremendous success. Department of Music Hi-Fi Hop O.LC. ' s highly successful Hi-Fi Hop was held on Saturday, October 26th. As early as eight, guests began arriving and kept the reception line busy until almost 9:00. After introducing themselves, the couples proceeded into the recreation room where the dance was held. The room was beautifully decorated with numerous stars and streamers which were highlighted by soft- coloured globes which created a romantic atmosphere: in keeping with the mood. After an hour of fine music (appropriately supplied by the A.A. ' s hi-fi), a light lunch, arranged by Mrs. Osborne and her helpers, was served. This seemed to inspire the dancers to renewed vigour and kept the dance lively. The highlight of the evening took place when the King and Queen were chosen: Terry Russell and Irene Pennacchiotti. They made a striking picture as they sat on the silver-bedecked thrones, and after the Queen was duly crowned, the young couple began the concluding part of the dance. Promptly at midnight the dance ended and fare wells were said, with everyone ' s agreeing that it had been a most succssful evening. I should like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the student body, to thank the girls who supplied the decorations and music, the Faculty, staff and helpers for their assistance in making the evening a success. Elaine Lowery, Grade XI.