CESSNOCK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (1926)
The newly formed Cessnook Symphony Orchestra is making great progress, and is already considered to be one of the best in the north. The conductor, Mr. J. Gopinko, is pleased with the ability and enthusiasm displayed by the members, and expects the orchestra to become one of the best in the State. The orchestra will render sacred music at St. John's Church of England from 7 to 7.80 p.m. next Sunday evening.
"CESSNOCK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA." The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1961) 14 May 1926: 5. Web. 25 Feb 2013 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article99361895>.
COMING CONCERT (1927)
Since the formation of the Cessnock Symphony Orchestra, the interest apparent in its members — which comprise prominent Cessnock amd Kurri musicians — has placed it on the highway to phenomenal success. This fine combination will be pleasantly remembered by ardent lovers of high class music, in the fne, successful performance of "The Messiah", which was recently rendered at Cessnock and Kurri. It was obvious, to the most casual observer, that such a stupendous production could only have been accomplished by the most concentrated efforts on the parts of both conductor and orchestra. The same enthusiasm marks the the progress of the arrangements for the high class concert on June 13th. If it is possible the noted tenor, Alfred O'shea, will be in attendance — for all arrangements are being made to secure the best possible. The full programme will be announced in our advertisement columns at an early date. The conductor, Mr. Gopinko, who is one of the most prominent musicians on the South Maitland Coalfield, has selected for the orchestral part of the programme extremely difficult, yet beautiful, compositions such as: "Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C. sharp minor", Hadyn's "Surprise Symphony" (this composition has never before been rendered in Cessnock), "Ballet Egyptien" and others of similar quality.
"COMING CONCERT." The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1961) 13 May 1927: 4. Web. 25 Feb 2013 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article99379741>.
Symphony Orchestra Concert (1934)
TUESDAY NIGHT.
A musical treat is in store for the Cessnock music-lovers when the Cess nock Symphony Orchestra, of more than forty players present its programme at the Lyceum Hall on Tues day night next. The Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. J. Gopinko, will present a programme of music rarely heard outside the metropolis. The Orchestra will be assisted by Miss Gladys Verona, Coloratura Soprano(late of the Carl Rosa Opera Company, London), Miss Jean Hamilton, contralto, and other talented artists.
Miss Verona has gained many sincere and appreciative Press notices, notably regarding her interpretetative powers, which experience overseas has made one of her main attributes. She is also the possessor of a beautiful well controlled voice of rare charm, and she lives in character every note she sings.
Miss Jean Hamilton is too well known in the district to require an introduction. A singer who can carry off the contralto championship at Brisbane, and at Newcastle will find a welcome on every concert stage, in addition to which, she has charmed many with her singing over the air.
Other supporting artists are Mr. Don Baird, violinist (pupil of Mr. Gopinko), who is a performer of great promise, with a masterly tone for a young player. The Convent School children can always be relied upon to render their selections in a perfect manner. The orchestra, under Mr. Gopinko's baton will render the march from"Tannhauser" (Wagner), the overture to "Massaniello" (Auber), Beethoven's Symphony in D, Jarnefelt's "Praeludium" and "Erceuse" Overture, "Egmont" (Beethoven).
The programme is of a standard not heard very often in Cessnock, yet pleasing to every taste, and in no way above the heads of the audience. The string players have all been trained by Mr. Gopinko, who has gone to considerable personal expense to present this recital. Seats may be reserved at Mr. Nicholas, Jeweller, Vincent Street.
"Symphony Orchestra Concert." The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1961) 29 Jun 1934: 6. Web. 25 Feb 2013 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article99498079>.
