Civic Orchestra

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33062, 1 November 1972, Page 16

Civic Orchestra

Sir,—Now that the Christchurch Civic Orchestra Foundation has appointed Mr Vanco Cavdarski for a twoyear term as conductor and musical director, and there is a likelihood of the orchestra becoming professional within that period, I would like to know, first, if the existing players who have been faithful in its semi-professional status will be assured of a position, and second, how the

orchestra is to be financed. —Yours, etc., INTERESTED. October 25, 1972. [Professor J. A. Ritchie, president of the Christchurch Civic Orchestra Federation, replies: “Since, as ‘lnterested’ indicates, there is only the ‘likelihood’ of a full-time professional orchestra, it is rather early yet for policies of recruitment to have been determined by the board of management. When the board considers the matter it will be in the form of recommendations from its musical director. My impression of Mr Cavdarski’s auspicious debut in concert and rehearsal confirms a personal belief that ‘lnterested’ need have no fears for the category of players to which he refers. The financial question cannot be answered yet. Idealists believe an orchestra can earn its keep and pay its way. Optimists cite lotteries and grant-giving bodies as sources of life-blood. Pragmatists rely on an expansion and consolidation of all these and other sources, including commerce. I am a pragmatist and I know that the leap of faith between part-time professional work and full-time livelihood is a great and challenging one. That it will be taken successfully I am certain. Mr Cavdarski’s appointment contributes to its inevitability.”]