Schola Musica to end this year

Press, 13 May 1989, Page 4

Schola Musica to end this year

PA Wellington The Schola Musica programme will be 1 axed from the end of this year. The Schola Musica is the training scheme of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and was formed in 1961.

In the years since its formation the circumstances which prompted the scheme had altered to the extent that its continued existence could no longer be seen as essential, said the chairman of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, . Ltd, board, Mr Athol Mann, said.

“At the same time the scheme was launched, professional training in New Zealand was limited,” he said. The scheme provided an opportunity for talented young players who had few courses open to them. Since 1961 oppor-

tunities for musical training had increased greatly and now exist right throughout the country. “In the changed circumstances of New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Ltd, where economic considerations are of increased importance, the benefits of such a scheme can no longer justify the costs.”

The Schola Musica provided the prototype for similar schemes in Australia and Britain which have already been discontinued. But the N.Z.S.O will continue to support young musicians through its work with the country’s Youth Orchestra. This group, recently re-named the New Zealand Post National Youth Orchestra, will continue to be funded by New Zealand Post and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Ltd.