The 1976 Overture

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34119, 3 April 1976, Page 14

The 1976 Overture

A path is being opened towards the ending of the long dispute over symphony orchestra management in Christchurch. People who are important to the resolution of differences between the Canterbury Orchestra Trust and the Christchurch SymphonyOrchestra are showing a willingness to get together. This is good news: it is the best news since the split of opinions became public. Given a continuing spirit of good will, the negotiators for a settlement should be able to work out at least a treaty that will preclude destructive warfare. This may mean peaceful coexistence of the two orchestras for a while: though it must be assumed that only one will continue to receive grants from public funds, while the other will depend wholly on what it earns from performances and private subscriptions.

Eventually, a marriage may 7 be possible. The constitution of the trust allows for such a reconciliation. for its members will progressively come up for re-election or replacement by public vote. The constitution excludes an election this year: but the rule could be amended at the forthcoming annual general meeting so that the election process begins earlier than was originally planned. The early election of some supporters of the Christchurch Synnphony Orchestra to the trust board would be highly desirable if, at heart, both groups desire a marriage and the maintenance of one orchestra. Certainly in the past no-one has seen any merit in having two orchestras—unless, of course, they 7 serve quite different purposes. A constructive and tolerant spirit, as shown in recent weeks, has long been needed. All thought of discrediting the motives of others should be put aside now. and any evidence that the negotiators are prepared to do so is most welcome evidence to put before the people of Christchurch.