NEW ZEALAND’S ORCHESTRA
OVERSEAS PLAYERS AS “STOP GAP” SUGGESTION BY MR MICHAEL BOWLES (New Zealand Fran Auocuutoru UMARU, August «. Saying that there had been 14 resignations from the National Orchestra last year and at present nine more players were required to maintain the orchestra at a satisfactory level, the conductor (Mr. Michael Bowles), at a function to-day, sponsored by the South Canterbury branch of the Oversea* league, maintained that as a stop-gap players should- be brought from overseas. An effort had been made, Mr Bowls* said, to find suitable replacements through the Broadcasting Service, but without success. It was essential to have the orchestra well-balanced or to reduce its size to gain the desired effect It would be a great pity if it were whittled down to a chamber orchestra.
Since there was no reserve ot players for replacements, they would nave to import them, Mr Bowles continued, He did not suggest this as a permanent arrangement, but only as a stop-gap, he said. New Zealand was large enough to support ap orchestra the size of the present one. lit was desirable that during the forthcoming Royal Tour the orchestra should be able to give a concert, including a complicated score of a modern British composer. It would be good to show that there was more in New Zealand than earthquakes, Maori guides, and wharf strikes. The orchestra had great publicity value, and was one of the best means of breaking down the impression of overseas visitors who criticised the lack of culture in the Dominion.
Tlie present orchestra in the short time of its existence was now within reasonable distance of becoming a firstclass combination which would pe accepted in the larger cities overseas, in the same way as a museum or art gallery displayed works of art or of archaeological interest, an orchestra made good music available to the People, The New Zealand orchestra could not be expected to pay its way, and in any ease it was entitled to support from the Broadcasting Service, Mr Bowles said,
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26493, 7 August 1951, Page 6
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340NEW ZEALAND’S ORCHESTRA Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26493, 7 August 1951, Page 6
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