Orchestra or Band | The New Symphony Orchestra |
Set List | 'Coronation March' (Le Prophete), Meyerbeer, 'Symphony No.1 in C, Op.21', Beethoven, INTERVAL 'Overture', Die Meistersinger, Wagner, Anitra's Dance: 'Peer Gynt', Grieg, 'Valse Triste', Sibelius, Farandole: 'L'Arlesienne', Bizet |
Performance Notes | The child conductor, Will Ferrero (aged seven and a half) conducting the New Symphony Orchestra.
"THE BOY CONDUCTOR. WILLY FERRERO'S CONCERT. If any there were at the Albert Hall last night who were in the least degree sceptical as to the genuineness of Willy Ferrero's powers as a conductor, they must surely have been entirely convinced, even though it were againt their will, by the skill with which he directed the New Symphony Orchestra. The boy may, indeed must, have learned a great deal of the art of conducting by rote, but that he heas learnt it by understanding as well is clear beyond all possible doubt. He is, indeed an extraordinarily interesting study in psychology... ...there were considerable intervals between the numbers. This was certainly as well, for the boy obviously surrenders the whole of his little body and soul to the music, and might very easily become exhausted...He is a child of such rare promise that it would be a sad pity of his unusual powers were overtaxed merely for the sake of causing a sensation." (The Daily Telegraph, 7 May 1914) |
Related Archival Material | Programme (RAHE/1/1914/25) |