ASHBURTON CHORAL SOCIETY

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21506, 22 June 1935, Page 9

ASHBURTON CHORAL SOCIETY

I'KOGKESSIVE ORGANISATION j In view of the recent articles arid j correspondence in "Hie Press" on the j subject of the decline in public inter- j est in concerts by musical organlsa- j tions, if is interesting to know that j there is at least one society, outside of the main centres, which is enjoying unprecedented prosperity. The Ashburton Choral Society has for its first concert, to be produced on Wednesday next, increased its subscribing membership by 50 per cent., and the sale o£ tickets by members of the chorus and orchestra has broken all previous records. The chorus is a particularly well-balanced one, with a strong male voice section, a feature generally lacking in mixed choirs. There are several reasons for the success and progressiveness of the Ashburtozi Choral Society, and one reason is that prominent citizens of the town have taken a leading part in the chorus and in the administration of the organisation. The chairman (Dr. J. Russell Wells), the secretary (Mr W. Thomas), and the committee have entered into full co-operation with the orchestra, under the capable leadership of Dr. N. E. Fulton, and the choir. The orchestra, apart from preliminary practice, has six rehearsals with the chorus in preparation for each concert, and the instrumentalists provide separate items. The enthusiasm of the chorus members has also been most marked. The j average attendance at practices has been more than 90 per cent., and besides the ordinary rehearsals sectional; practices have been arranged and well attended at the homes of committee members. This practice has fostered the social side of the society's work and led to better understanding and closer co-operation. The Ashburton Choral Society has made a point of blending bright and serious music in its eoncerts, making them enjoyable for the average listener. The society has considered that it should give pleasure to its audiences and that people should not be expected to attend from any j sense of duty, A special feature it hae | arranged for its coming concert will [ be the appearance of the choir of the local Women's Institute, the holder of the Hodgkin Cup. The whole concert will be under the management and conductorship'of Mr Victor C. Peters, of Christchurch.