Interview with Frederick Turnovsky

Frederick Turnovsky describes city life in Czechoslovakia where his family were `normal middle-European' people and attending concerts was one of their activities. Describes the music scene in Prague from 1930-1938 and the community of Jewish artists. Notes that because of his political involvement he was targeted by the Gestapo and knew that he had to leave. Recalls going to London and deciding to come to New Zealand. Recalls his devastation on arriving in New Zealand and discovering there was no professional orchestra or opera company. Describes getting to know Spencer Digby, Greta Ostova, a Czech cellist, John Beaglehole, Dorothy Davies, Marie Vandewart and Erika Schorss in sessions playing chamber music. Recalls the decision to establish a chamber music society and perform concerts. Comments on how this was a huge success.

Describes the visit of Lili Kraus to New Zealand. Briefly describes establishing his own business in leather manufacturing. Discusses setting up the Chamber Music Federation which was a national body. Mentions Vincent Aspey and Don Irwin. Discusses the Federations revival of the Australian based group Musica Viva and its performance throughout the Pacific. Recalls bringing out the Smetana Quartet and the Griller Quartet. Describes ending his involvement with the Chamber Music Federation in 1960 because of involvement with the Arts Council and the New Zealand Opera Company.

Traces the growth of the Opera Company founded by Donald Munro. Describes New Zealand Breweries sponsorship. Recalls works performed and taking them to small towns. Comments on the popularity of this but it was uneconomic. Recalls the tour of Peggy & Bess with Inia te Wiata and how this led to a lot of Maori becoming involved on the stage. Comments on losing good singers to Australia. Discusses the decision to discontinue the concert orchestra when Broadcasting became a Corporation. Recalls the founding of New Zealand Players, New Zealand Ballet and the Opera Company; the formation of The Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council and the beginnings of a more systemised method of funding arts. Discusses inadequate funding and how arts should be properly subsidised or not subsidised at all. Comments on his resignation from the Arts Council and how opera has been `cast to the wolves'. Suggests that opera should be performed and televisied nationally rather than taken on tour. Comments on the overall growth in the arts since the 1940s.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Venue - Wellington

Interviewer(s) - John M Thomson

Venue - Wadestown, Wellington

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000944, OHC-000945, OHC-000946, OHC-000947

Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 5.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - Brief abstract and information sheet available.