MUSIC IN AUSTRALIA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 25, 9 November 1936, Page 4

MUSIC IN AUSTRALIA.

REMARKABLE ACTIVITY. (Per Pi ess Association.) / WELLINGTON, Novemebr 8. Remarkable musical activity in Australia was noted bv <Mr L. E. Strachan (secretary of the Wellington Symphony Orchestra),, who has returned after investigating broadcasting conditions in the Commonwealth. According to the best-informed musical authorities in Australia, .said Mr Strachan, there had never been such young people, or such audiences for the best type of music. There was no doubt that the amateur music-maker was coming into his own again through liis own desire. The day appeared to be over, however, for the amateur-professional —the amateur who sought to augment his income with music. Mr Strachan spent some time with Mr Alfred Hill, who hopes to visit the Dominion early in the coming year. A big change was taking place in the type of broadcast entertainment favoured by listeners, Mr Strachan said. Whereas until comparatively recently, 75 per cent, of the programmes consisted of recorded matter, it appeared almost certain that before long the position w T ould be reversed, and “flesh-and-blood” talent would provide /5 per cent, of the programmes. . Tliere was a definite and growing demand for more musical entertainment. Radio plays bad been overdone, and the public was tiring of them.