MUSICAL MATTEES.

Press, Volume III, Issue 129, 30 March 1863, Page 2

MUSICAL MATTEES.

I What has become of tho Musical Society P ' was a query—till last week—frequently, asked by th supporters of our amateur performances. The notice of a meeting of the vocal section wliich took place a few days since will relieve the minds of those interested in the matter, showing them that, though seeming to lack vitality, the Cliristchurch Musical Society is not actually defunct. It will be remembered that some months since the muchvexed question of " amalgamation" was settled in a very summary but satisfactory manner by a combination of, at that time, the rival societies, the Vocal Union, and Cecilian Society. It is needless to say that this was not brought about without some opposition —an opposition, it must be admitted, proceeding from members whose opinions on such a point were entitled to some respect. A more sanguine majority, however overruled tho objectors, and amalgamation became a fact Tho combined society commenced operations under the most favourable conditions. A president, and numerous vice-presi-dents, and a secretary, were chosen, all of whom are of most honorable standing in our community, and more than one of them distinguished by a more than ordinary share of musical attainments and practical ability; in addition, a leader, whose ability is undoubted, and of whoso professional skill there cannot be a question, with a conductor and committee to carry on the business—yet, with all these advantages—and, let it not be forgotten, with the good wishes of a public on whom tho members could always rely for support —can it bo said that the amalgamatory process has been productive of those results wliich were anticipated from it ? Has tho Society, in either department, advanced, or raised the character and stylo of its entertainments ? The answer will be found by consulting the programmes —in wliich, 6mco tho union, little that is new lias been provided for its patrons, nor have tho stock pieces been better performed—the answer, therefore, must be a negative one. We have no intention—indeed, it would be stepping far beyond our proper sphere to do so—to criticise the internal management of the Society; that, of course, is in the hands of the officers appointed by tho members themselves ; but wo cannot, we think, be accused of exceeding bounds in calling the attention of the members to these matters of simple fact. The old Musical Societies of this Province havo deserved well of the public, and tho public have not failed to accord them their deserts; for even at this comparatively advanced day, we verily believe our amateurs will secure an overflowing audience when professional celebrities will perform to illattended houses. It remains with the members whether these satisfactory relations are to continue. Wo are aware that there has always been a difficulty iv securing the co-operation of lady members. Why this difficulty should exist, it is not easy to say; for it is a fact patent to those who bare visited other Provinces, especially Auckland and Nelson, that the difficulty thero lies in tho opposite direction, namely, in a preponderance of lady vocalists. The entire secession, therefore, of the few lady members of our Society has been a matter of much comment. As we perceive from a report in the 'Standard' of Friday week that a new conductor Ims been chosen, we hope, both for ! the good of tho Society and the public, tliat he will employ all tho eloquence and seductive powers with which he may be endowed, to bring back the erratic fair ones to their allegiance. There is one point on which we may fairly offer advice: wo allude to the necessity of having one responsible conductor only. It is a matter of experience tliat a deviation from tins plan has always had a disorganising and fatal tendency in musical societies ; it is too much to expect of human nature tliat they shall not speedily be brought to the position j of a " house divided in itself." It is dangerous, it is true, in nil political and social movements, to introduce any state of things which throws the weight of power into particular hands, especially untried hands, which may prove incompetent; but we cannot help thinking that in the case of the Musical Society the error lias been in not giving sufficient independence of action to a gentleman who beyond doubt, in addition to being an educated musician, possesses those qualities which pre-eminently qualify him for the post of leader. To such a man may safely be entrusted that amount of despotism which is necessary for his own credit as a professional musician, and for the success of any body of musicians who may place

tl-mselvesunder his laudation of Mr. Bonningt.n'. f or i,!? 0 deficient in the qualities of urbanity firmness, his office must havp irksome, We hope, therefore, that th e will at once relieve him from the altogether false position which h 0 occupied in relation to them, and placet one more becoming one who .hould ha Te ,T ' direction of all musical matters nnd don!. ** we do not hesitate to say-one of thobestTf" societies in this colony. We tender this all sincerity, dictated by an the art, and sure we arc tliat the fortW concert, promised early in May, will prove ft? that a proper amount of power in proper' W is a good thing; and, secondly, that the discussed amalgamation will not have been ■' vain thing." '