CIVIC MUSIC COUNCIL

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25555, 24 July 1948, Page 2

CIVIC MUSIC COUNCIL

PLANS FOR “THE BEGGARS’ OPERA”

The casting committee for . Gay s opera. “The Beggars’ Opera,” will begin its duties next week. The appointments of Mr G. H. Grimsdale as producer of the opera and Mr V. C. Peters as musical director and conductor were announced at a meeting last eyfenlnff of, the executive« committed of the. . Christchurch Civic Music Council. New scenery and costumes were being prepared,; and it was expected that the opera would run for at least one week, starting early in November, it was stated. ,J' Preliminary arrangements were made for the production of Handel’s oratorio. “Israel in Egypt,” Which Will be presented early next year, possibly during the Royal, visit. The King Edward Barracks will be used, and all Christchurch’s choral societies—about 400 vpices— The various choirs had agreed on the sharing of the eight divisions of the oratorio, it was reported. . A sub-committee is making preliminary arrangements for a . series of concerts by Christchurch singing students/ These, concerts.- it.is hoped,.; will entourage and “discover” new talent among young Christchurch singers: After receiving a deputatioh from the Christchurch Technical College to discuss secondary schools’ music, the council suggested that, a special sub? committee of the council, consisting orsecondary schools’ music teachers, should be set up'. Thg ■ council gave support to a suggestion that a secondary schools’ music festival be held at-the King Edward Barracks during the ROyal visit next year. . . Arrangements for the country choirs’ festival, on September 30 and October 1 were discussed. Seven country choirs—Temuka, Ashburton (2), Methven, Rangiora, Oxford, and Addington—will take part.