NEW ORCHESTRA PROPOSED

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30369, 19 February 1964, Page 6

NEW ORCHESTRA PROPOSED

Move In Auckland

"The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND, February 19. The first steps have been taken toward forming a fully professional orchestra in Auckland-

The Auckland String Players will now be known as the Sytnphonia of Auckland and w-in'd and brass instruments will be added to convert the group into a small symphony orchestra.

Membership of - the orchestra will be increased from 24 to 30 players. . ' f At first only 15 players will be engaged on a part-time basis. But it is hoped to build' up the professional complement gradually during the next few years. The conductor (Mr P. Godfrey), organist and choirmaster '■ at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Parnell, who has conducted the Players for the last two years, said that a professional orchestra was long overdue in Auckland. Mr Godfrey said it was hoped to widen the activities of the orchestra in its changed form to include concerts for schools and visits to centres not included tn the itinerary of the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra.

Mr F. Hofmann, a vicepresident of the String Players’ Foundation, said the symphonia was expected to cost about £7500 a year. The foundation will administer the new orchestra.