P.M. objects to being ‘inevitable’ N.Z.S.O. funder

Press, 4 November 1986, Page 6

P.M. objects to being ‘inevitable’ N.Z.S.O. funder

PA Wellington The Prime Minister, Mr David Lange, a Dire Straits fan yesterday objected to being “the inevitable funder” for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He said he had nothing against what he was sure was an “-extraordinarily competent” orchestra. But, he told reporters questioning him about broadcasting funding, toe example of the orchestra as a socially worthy purpose did not inspire him to reach for his cheque book. Asked if the Government would help foot the orchestra’s costs, he said the pop group Peking Man played to a wider audience. But, reporters said, the orchestra was regarded as a national cultural treasure. That was because it lost money, Mr Lange replied. “Things are regarded as having socialist or national cultural treasures

if they lose a packet” he said. "I’ve got nothing against the Symphony Orchestra — It is just that I .object to being the inevitable funder of it “I ijust happen to like Dire Straits more than I like Debussy;” said Mr Lange, who Took the British rock group Io lunch during its tour in New Zealand this year. He also questioned why people who listened to pop music on the radio should have to hear endless commercials when Concert Programme listeners did not. “I fail to see why we should have that peculiar sort of elitist structure,” he said. It was put to Mr Lange, who last heard the orchestra while sitting on a cushion at a promenade concert some years ago, that the N.Z.S.O. should play Dire Straits music. “I'd pay to go along. It would be worth .seeing,” he said.