TALKIE MUSIC.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19941, 30 May 1930, Page 10

TALKIE MUSIC.

ORCHESTRAS- COMING BACK IN AUSTRALIA. (raoK on* ow» cobbibpokmnt.) SYDNEY, May 23. Orchestral music which has been displaced in so many Australian theatres by talkies is regaining some of its lost ground. In Melbourne la3t week the State Theatre increased the size of its orchestra to 40 instrumentalists, a departure which has brightened the outlook of tho unemployed musicians; and some of the Sydney picture enterpriser are following suit. The management of tho State Theatre in Mnlbouine has admitted that the nublic does not find "canned music" wholly t-atisfying that it demands real music from live instrumentalists. In other words, 100 per cent, talkies with "canned music" are not of themselves a sufficient attraction There must be the added lure of good music. •

The workless musicians are hoping thnt other theatres will adopt a sinrlar policy and thus give more men a rhance of permanent employment. Meanwhile, the weekly Sundav nijzht concerts are being given in Melbourne by the Professional Orchestra, which is composed entirelv of unemployed men The leading figure at these has been the conductor, Mr Gustave Slapoffski, the former operatic leader, who has been out of work for many months. Despite failing health he has attended all the rehearsals and public performances of the orchestra, and has refused *° * cce JPt n larger share of the proceeds than any other member. It is a tribute to his popularity that seven of the leading conductors in Melbourne co-operated at the complimentary concert tendered to Mr Slapoffski on Sunday week.