MUSIC AT A DISCOUNT.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14344, 2 May 1912, Page 3

MUSIC A T A DISCOUNT.

' FAILURE OF A MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA.

' (SPECIAIa TO '-THE PItESS."), ; WELLLVGTON, May 1Somo timo ago a number of musical enthusiasts got together, and arranged for tho formation of a municipal orchestra, which* was to give a number-of public performances each year. . A small charge is made fpr admission to the concerts, and a number of the performers, who aro professionals, receive payment for their services. Mr Maughan j Barnctt is the conductor, and he has i worked tho orchestra up to a very [ meritorious- standard. Tho concerts are both educative and enjoyable. | They have, however.- not been very well patronised, by. ..-tho.-public, and a number iof citizens, who. have: become guarantors may Kayo to pay up. •- V_ J ''- -• During the interval^at lust night's concert tho conductor indulged in sonic plain .talk about, the lack of interest taken by the general public in tho work of tho orchesl.Ta, described the small attendance at the .concerts as ' 'a perfect disgrace to the city of Wellington.'' So far.as he was personally concerned, tho, work'was a labour of love, and was "undertaken to supply what, at that time, was wholly lacking in AVellington, viz., the opportunity of hearing standard orchestral > compositions, and also music of a lighter'kind. He was prepared to do a great amount of work in this direction", but he must havo the support of the dm-en*-. in the form of larger attenilances at the concerts. He was not prepared to go on! if tho people wero i!---.inclined to sup- j port the concerts. .-The'f«ncerts r must i run to -.tho end of the present season, but unless the attendances improved-it was his intention to giyeiip.the. eqnductorship. '| There were many people .who had interested very much in this matter, and there was a handsome guarantee list, but he did not think tliat should be drawn upon.