“MUSIC WEEK”

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 141, 11 March 1930, Page 6

“MUSIC WEEK”

PROPOSAL ENTHUSIASTICALLY APPROVED ORGANISATION SET UPAt a recent conference of the New Zealand Society of Musicians in Palmerston North, the idea was put forward to hare a music week in ihe various cities and towns. To forward the proposal a meeting was held at the Dominion Farmers’ Institute last night. Ihe cm] 11 was occupied by the dcputy-Mayor (Mr. M. F. Duckie). . air Robert Parker said the idea was brought down by Dr. Philips at a recent conference of the Musicians Society in Palmerston North, the basic idea being that there should be a week of music choral, orchestral, and chamber music. This was no new thing as far as M ellington was concerned, but on this occasion the desire was to make it universal in New Zealand, that the week -was to be actively illustrative of all kinds of music choral‘music, educative music (such as was being taught the children in the schools), choral works, and orchestral music, with lectures on music of one kind or another. It was proposed to commence the week on a with special church music and ad dresses concerning the refining and ennobling influence of good music. Hel a already approached his . own Xe .Tames, a most eloquent speaker, to „i e an address in keeping with the occasion, and he had cordially acceded to the proposal Similar addresses would, he was sure, be forthcoming from other members of the clergy in Wellington. (Ap plause). “Canned Music.” Mr. Laurence Watkins said the. idea of a music week was to stimulate interest in music, and in order to do so enlist the sympathy and support ot an organisations. Roughly the programme would commence with special mmsic ni the churches. On Monday, the Sara=e and kindred clubs would perform , on Tuesday there would be school music; on M ednesday soloists; on Thursday, choral and orchestral works;-on Friday, chamber music, and on Saturday, operatic music and massed bands. All this was . • counteract in some measure the influence of what had been called canned music.” which was having such an effect chiefly on young people. This was music of a character that called tor no thought; which the public never have to digest, nor did it call for any critical faculty.

Events in August. If was proposed/ said Mr. Watkins, that the dates of the festival should be from August 17 to 23, dates that were not likely to Interfere with the schools or the 1 competitions. The speaker also mentioned that there was a similar movement in Australia being organised for five months hence, and that in America the idea had proved an enormous suecess Mr. A. Temple White said it was a significant fact that- music week had inspired sb many suggestions nt the same time Every possible activity should be exerted to make every man, woman and child in the community interested. All musical organisations should be commandeered. as well nfi all others interested in music to make a great week, winch might culminate in a popular brass band marching competition. Mr. E. Douglas Tnyler wished the movement nil success. He had written a letter to the Mayor expressing his views, and suggesting an amendment, which lie did not expect to see carried, that it should be a festival of all the fine arts for the provincial district of Wellington. Mr. John Bishop said that the scheme outlined by Mr. Taylor would be a week of paradise, but he thought it was a dream of the future. The idea of the music festival brought them all together —every force in the musical world —and would give them n concerted movement. For all to be working together was a thrill, ami would give a tremendous impetus to musical life. Mr. J.' Ball' (editor-announcer of the Broadcasting Company) also expressed sympathy with the movement nnd the willingness of his company to cooperate in every possible way. Consummation. Mr. Watkins moved: “That this meeting approve of. the proposal to hold a Dominion Musical Festival, and that a committee of twenty-five be set up to organise tlie project, for Wellington.” This was seconded by Mr. Robert Parker, and carried. Election of Officers. On the proposal of the chairman, the Governor-General was appointed patron of the movement, fl'he Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup) was elected president, and vice-presidents were appointed as follows :—’The Prime Minister, the Chief Justice (Sir Michael Myers) and Lady Myers, the Bishop of Wellington and Mrs. Sprott, Archbishop Redwood, Sir John and Lady Luke, Sir Clarendon and Lady Roberts, Sir Henry and Mrs. Buckleton, Sir Harold Beauchamp, Sir Robert and Lady Stout, Hon. fl'. S. Weston and Mrs. Weston, Messrs. J. 11, Howell, W. A. Armour. A. 11. Miles, and M. F. Luckie. The position of secretary (pro. tern) was accepted by Mr. E. C. Cachemaille. The election of the committee resulted as follows:— Messrs. It. Parker, L. Watkins, 15. Douglas fl'nylor, IL Temple White.- J. Bishop, 11. Coop. L. de Mauny, E. C. Alderson. Cartwright, E. Dawson, C. E. Webb, Bennell, IV. J. Chartres, R. J. IV. 15. Caldow, J. J. Drew. E. I’alliscr, Edwin Dennis, W. McLoughlin, M. Franklin, A. Williams, Nimmo, Benbow and Wilson.