Czech Philharmonic Orchestra

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28893, 13 May 1959, Page 9

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra

Sir, —The N.Z.B.S. explanation for permitting the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra to give only one concert in Christchurch is that the tour will be expensive and “business prudence counselled the placing of second concerts in halls that would accommodate large audiences.” This parsimoniousness is not in the spirit of the contention that losses incurred by the National Orchestra are of little moment as compared with the contribution to the cultural enrichment of the nation. The visit of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra is an event of unprecedented cultural importance. Since great numbers tried in vain to obtain seats in the Civic Theatre for recent concerts given by the National Orchestra, it is clear that, if the Czech Philharmonic gives only one concert in this theatre, hundreds of people will be refused seats. Let it be hoped that the Christchurch Civic Music Council may press for the giving, by the Czech Philharmonic, of at least two concerts in the Civic Theatre or, if practicable, the King Edward Barracks.— Yours, etc., CONCERT-GOER.

May 9, 1959. [‘‘The remarks of your correspondent again highlight the urgent need of a town hall for Christchurch,” said the chairman of the Civic Music Council (Mr J. L. Hay). “It is quite true that thousands and not hundreds of Christchurch people would like to but will not be able to hear this famous orchestra. While appreciating the difficulties confronting the New Zealand Broadcasting Service, the Civic Music Council will certainly press for more than one performance. The present arrangements mean that in Dunedin, which has a town hall, 5000 people will be able to hear the orchestra on two nights. In Christchurch with twice the population, only 1000 will hear it.” Mr Hay said that the Broadcasting Service had probably given Christchurch only token recognition because the Civic Theatre was not large enough to accommodate the large orchestra and to give it the conditions necessary for efficient performance. The expense involved in using the King Edward Barracks, apart from its lack of heating, made its use impracticable.)