SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 69, 22 March 1928, Page 12

SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS.

There was a large gathering in the lounge of the Lyceum Club last evening when the Auckland Society of Musicians met for the purpose of welcoming the new president, l>r. fcs. K. Phillips. The lounge looked very cosy and artistic with the large bowls of flowers that were interspersed among masses of greenery, while on the tables in the supper room tall vases holding pink dahlias and Michaelmas daisies made attractive decoration. In extending a hearty welcome to Dr. Phillips, Mr. Barry Coney spoke of his returning from the Old Country aftr attaining the summit of his ambitions. Dr. Phillips had been associated with the society for many years and in the old days was a vicepresident. He felt sure that with Dr. Phillips as president the society would make tremendous progress. In replying to Mr. Coney, Dr. Phillips referred to things: the society might aspire to. He had always wished, he said, that the soetety might be a living thing in the city and that its aim might be to help music in every branch. lie suggested that it might help young students and establish scholarships and competitions. Also, that more lectures should be given and a greater interest taken in music generally. He even hoped ihat the time would come when the society would have its own premises and perhaps a conservatorium. A report was read by Mrs. M. Boult, secretary, on the conference which was held in Christchurch a little time ago, after which Dr. Phillips gave a most interesting address on "Music of To-day." "Music seems to be passing through a transition stage," he said. "Of all branches, * perhaps vocal music has altered least, and that for the better." There was little new, in opera bat .the English school of opera was undoubtedly speeding up. There were not many tunes in modern opera. It was generally the effect that was aimed at. The new opera "Nerone,"- was produced at the Scala in Milan with wonderful spectacle. Toxanini seemed to be the Outstanding operatic conductor of to-day; Bruno Walter among the Germans, Beecham being the most magnetic of the English conductors. Speaking of choral music, Dr. Phillips said that it was more in vogue in England than on the Continent. As regards Colonials . going Home to study, the speaker referred, to the success of many performers, but it was a great mistake, he said, to study abroad unlets tIM student was qualified in" all'other branches. "One flnds at Home plenty of good voices," said Ur. Phillips, in conclusion, "but very bad singing." i During the evening songs were sung by "Mrs. E. L. Gavey, and a pianoforte solo was given by Mr. Gallagher. Among those present were:/ Miss Alice Law, L.R.A.M., wearing a frock of black and floral taffeta; Mrs. Boult, smoke grey georgette; Mrs. Archdale Tayler, blade ring velvet, embroidered in gold thread'; Miss Amy Stevenson, black lace and georgette: Miss Searell, blue georgette; Miss Judson, grey chenille; Miss M. Hooker, Miss M. Law, Mrs. Osborne. Mrs.. C. Prime, Miss Hammond. Miss A. Hansard. Miss A. Thompon, Miss Cox. Mrs. Tafford and Miss Berta Carr.