CHAMBER MESIC SOCIETY

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30368, 18 February 1964, Page 15

CHAMBER MESIC SOCIETY

“High Standard Of

Concerts**

The Christchurch Chamber Music Society had a most successful and encouraging year in 1963, with a growing membership. The chairman 'Mr F. R. Cullen) said at the annual meeting last evening that the 1963 concerts had maintained tne society’s high standards.

Mr Cullen said that the society had a membership of more than 1100 and its finances showed a credit balance of £49 after the loss shown in 1962. Such an amount did not allow the society to accumulate a sufficient reserve, and suggestions for obtaining funds had been brought forward by the committee. Present vacancies would allow new members to be admitted. A publicity campaign had been begun to bring membership to its maximum.

Mr Cullen said an aim of the society had been to foster chamber music among local and young players. In the case of the younger players the junior string quartet contest provided the only opportunity for this aim. It was very gratifying to have had two entries from Christchurch. The Ch: '.stchurch junior string quartet had won the regional contest and later competed in the New Zealand final in Wellington, gaining second place. The disappointing feature was the small number of 40 members who attended the regional contest, said Mr Cullen. It was some time since such an opportunity to help younger musicians had been available and the effort and enthusiasm displayed by bath quartets deserved far more enthusiastic support than the membership gave.

Officers elected were: Chairman, Mr F. R, Cullen: committee. Mrs F. Myers. Miss B. Pollard, Professor J. A. Ritchie, Messrs R. H. T. Hamilton, and G. R. Lascelles.