Orchestra’s future concerns conductor

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33917, 9 August 1975, Page 16

Orchestra’s future concerns conductor

lhe New Zealand Symphony Orchestra should make more visits overseas, and more recordings for international distribution, the chief conductor of the orchestra (Mr Brian Priestman) said in Christchurch vesterdav.

Mr Priestman’s threeyear term as chief conductor is ending, and he is in Christchurch to conduct the orchestra in farewell concerts last night and tonight. He said the orchestra had made a significant impact during its tour of Australia earlier this year, hut its success was no more unexpected to him than was the praise which the National Youth Orchestra was now earning in Aberdeen. “If the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is an inter- 5 national orchestra, as I believe it is, then it capitalise on its considerable achievements so far bv being sent on overseas tours. “This is not unusual be-; cause governments often use

the performing arts as a form jof diplomacy. “Not only do such visits make others aware of our cultural standards, but they also gain friends,’’ he said. Because of the high cost of .such tours one every five ; years would be a good start. Failing this the orchestra should move into the field of recording. Mr Priestman said To his knowledge the I orchestra had made only one recordmg recentlv, and perhaps three in the last 26 i years. “None of these have been distributed overseas, and I think the time has come !when this field should be tapped,” he said. Mr Priestman said that he was concerned that provision idid not appear to have been i made to appoint another ! chief conductor. “There will be the usual visits by eminent guest conductors but they do not have the responsibility for the future well-being of the orchestra that a chief conductor would have,” he said. Mr Priestman said that if he were reappointed chief conductor he would try to encourage the administration to be more imaginative in

the use of the orchestra, and for it to create a demand for music in New Zealand.

Mr Priestman said that Radio New Zealand, which runs the orchestra on a day to day basis, did not appear to be actively creating a feeling of pride for the orchestra.

He said that he would like ito see the orchestra give ■more concerts o- television, | play at more large schools, ; encourage the performances (of home-grown music, undertake recording work, and try to make overseas tours from itime to time.

The principal plavers in the orchestra should be professors at a national conservatory of music — something which was very necessary for the development of music in New Zealand, he said. Mr Priestman said that he was aware that all these things cost money. The Government spent large sums on I the physical welfare of the [people specially in relation to 'sport. "I wonder about its attitude towards the spiritual welfare of the nation in the form of cultural endeavour," he said.