MUSICAL SOCIETY

Press, Volume L, Issue 14898, 11 February 1914, Page 4

MUSICAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT.

The annual report of tho Christchurcb Musical Society, to bo presented at the general meeting of members tomorrow night, states that during tho year eight concerts were given, five for subscribers and three open to the public, the latter being "Cavalleria Rusticana," the Ellwoods' concert, and "Carmen." Tho committee felt that at any cost special efforts muet be made to raise the etandard of the work of the eqciety, and that has involved additional expenditure, to meet which special contributions would be sought. Great progress was made during the season, more especially in the vocui pentormances. The conductor, Ai) Alfred Worsiey, was entitled to tiio warmest praise for the excellent results obtained. During the yetJi til© society lost a, true iriend throu&u the death of Mr Thomas Garrard, who for many jears was its capable and enthusiastic secretary, and under whoso guidance some of the best work was <lono. For several years past the income had not been sufliciont to meet current expenses. The year started with a deficiency of over £50. and the less on the past year's working was about £180. That deficiency had to be met. The committee wished to removo the impression which existed in the minds of some members that tliu public concerts were a tax upon the society's income; such was not the case Tho programme of tho coming season would comprise the oratorio "Elijah," followed by a first-class-miscellaneous concert, and concluding with a conceit opera. It was proposed that the soicty should discharge its present liabilities by the issue of not exceeding fifty life memberships at five guineas each, and the consent hi the society to that proposal was requested. The committee regretted to report the resignations of Miss Rima Young, honorary pianist, and Mr J. Young, assistant librarian, owing to their removal from Cunstchurch. The conductor, Mr Alfred,WoreJoy, was also unable to continue the sen-ices so ably rendered during tho past season, and his resignation had been accepted with extreme repet. The secretary, owing to ill-health, felt unable to undertake the arduous duties for another year, but had kindly consented to act until his successor was appointed. Had it not been for the generosity of Mr Alfred Bunz, it would have been almost impossible to avoid going into recess for at leastoneyear. MrA.Biinzmet tho committee most generously by offering his cervices in an honorary capacity, which necessitated his cancelling his arrangements for an extended tour to Europe. The committee earnestly hope that every branch of the society would recognise the sacrifice Mr Bunz was making in the interest of music, and that he would receive the wholehearted eunport of not only the performing members who were already enrolled, but by a large addition of members who, being lovers of music, were willing to do what they could to promote its best interests.