N.S. WALES ORCHESTRA.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 5, 6 January 1920, Page 6

N.S. WALES ORCHESTRA.

» THE CIVIC EEOEPTIOX'. In the Council Chambers this forenoon a civic reception was accorded the New South Wales States Orchestra by the Mayor (Mr. J. H. Gunson) and councillors. There was a large attendance of citizens. On the platform were Sir William Herries and Mr. Henry Brett, chairman of the Orchestral Committee, who presented Mr. Henry Verbrugghcn, the conductor, and his deputy (Mr. Alfred Hill) to the Mayor. The Mayor said he thought the community as a' whole were glad after the strain of the past five years to have their interests directed to a. musical treat as was expected from the orchestra's visit. He thought people could' be divided into two sections. There was the music-loving party, followers of the art who 'loved music for its own sake. From that section there would be a most hearty and sympathetic reception. The other side was not directly connected with music, nor were they of a musical way of thinking; nevertheless, as patriotic citizens, they felt an interest in all matters leading for the refinement, betterment, advancement, and education of the people. Therefore, at the present period, these two classes could be joined together, and he felt he could say that the whole city and surrounding suburbs offered to Mr. Verbrugghen and the members of the orchestra a very hearty welcome. They were treading new ground, and had come in one sense in a capacity of public importance. This was an era when there was a. desire, for. .nationalisation,, j>f many interests and industries, out until now little had been heard regarding nationalisation of musical conditions, except in New South Wales, where they had taken that bold step, the result of which had been the establishing of one of the finest bands of instrumentalists away from (Europe and America. Auckland welcomed Mr. Verbrugghen, not only because of his gifts as a musician, but because he was a native of gallant little B'jjsrium. (Applause.) In the deputy-conductor, Mt. Alfred Hill, they had an old New Zealander, and it reflected'much for this country that the establishment of the band had been so ably helped by one whom they felt to be a New Zealander of first rank, who had composed much music and was as much appreciated in Australia ■as he was in this Dominion. The visit of the band would do much towards educating the people, even those associated with Auckland musical societies, of which they were all proud, and towards creating' a wider interest in music. From a national point of view, therefore, the services of the orchestra would 'be Teadily acceptable throughout the whole Dominion. Sir "William Herries, on behalf of the Government, extended a very hearty welcome to the musicians and its distinguished conductor, Mr. Verbrugghen. He said the New Zealand Government was watching with much interest the doings of the New South Wales Conser- | vatorium of Music, and the effect the visit of the orchestra would have upon. the public. It was a great education to listen to good music, and every effort should be put forward for its advancement. Mr. Verbrugghen, acknowledging the hearty welcome accorded to himself and, his orchestra, said they felt, by the enthusiasm with which their projected visit had been received, that it was almost a duty to come to the Dominion. There were one or two other New Zea- l landers among their number, in addition to Mr. Hill. In passing, he referred to.! the splendid arrangements made for their comfort by Mr. Gladstone Hill and the others working with him. He felt the visit was possibly of very great importance from a. musical standpoint. The value of music as a factor in general education ,\vas being recognised the world over. Music was the youngest of the arts, and had not yet gained the position and influence it would yet do. I In New Zealand there was Maori music which was full of character and which had been used successfully by Mr.'Hill. He felt that in Maori music there eouldj be built up a national school of-music. There was, however, a wider human aspect. Language was sometimes a bar to understanding, but through music people could express their individuality and national ideals, so that they could be understood throughout the world. The New South Wales Orchestra was a heterogeneous assembly of people yet they could express what they wh to display so that their audiences could understand. He believed that by a deeper and keener appreciation of music and a more general cultivation «pf it they would develop closer relations between countries in the South Seas (Applause.) After three hearty cheers had been called for by the Mayor for the musicians the gathering dispersed.