GREAT CULTURAL ASSET

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 196, 16 May 1936, Page 13

GREAT CULTURAL ASSET

Wellington Symphony Orchestra KiJBLIC AID REQUIRED TO SAVE ORGANISATION On the threshold of another season, the Wellington Symphony Orchestra would,. with the confident assurance of past achievement, and of its ability to surpass that achievement, make a strong appeal to the musical public of Wellington and district for a. greatly increased measure cf support:. In these days of mechanised music there is urgent need for lovers of the art to accord their wholehearted encouragement to all forms of musical endeavour failing which a time must inevitably arrive when there will be no opportunity of hearing actual performances of the world’s best music. The Wellington Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1929. During its seven years of existence it has afforded niugic lovers the privilege of hearing many of the world’s greatest master works, and performers an opportunity of gaining experience of orchestral playing which could not otherwise be obtained in Wellington. Remembering how far removed New Zealand is from what is called the “centre of civilisation’’ the society's record of works produced during its short career and its endeavour, while not neglecting the classics, to keep abreast of modern musical development, are indeed remarkable. No greater compliment could have been 'paid the orchestra than that of recently having been entrusted with the premiere of Mr. Anderson Tyrer’s beautiful pianoforte concerto, subsequently heard at the Queen’s Hall, London, with the 8.8. C. Orchestra. Doing a Very Great Work. Local patriotism is at most times a praiseworthy tiling, and we note with pardonable pride the place taken in the greater .world by our New Zea-land-born scientists,’.statesmen, doctors, lawyers, artists, authors, athletes and All Blacks. But is it sufficiently realised that the Wellington Symphony Orchestra in its particular sphere of activity is also doing a very great work such as cannot fail, if properly nurtured, to bring honour and glory to this young country? From time to time some of tho world’s greatest musicians pass through New Zealand and nany of them have been associated with the orchestra a? singers or instrumentalists. Without exception rill of them have expressed their delighted astonishment at the high standard of playing and general resourcefulness of Hie orchestra, and surprise to find such efficiency in New Zealand. Mr. Percy Grainger was exceedingly lavish in his praise. He particularly referred to a “genial warmth of tone” which was too often lacking in more celebrated bodies, and said that except for one or two solo instruments, the Wellington Symphony Orchestra “compared favourably with any of the orchestras in Australia.” Brilliant Performances. "H.P.,” writing in one of the local papers recently, commented on the extraordinary interest of orchestral music in Wellington of late years, lie spoke of the brilliant playing of Anderson Tyrer of the Arensky concerto; "nor must it be forgotten that the symphony orchestra was the first in New Zealand to play the mighty fifth symphony of Tschaikowsky, and the beautiful D minor symphony of Cesar Franck. These are milestones marking our cultural progress.” Regarding the Tschaikowsky piano concerto: "It was inspiring to bear Grainger and the orchestra lending a new vitality to this coloursome music.” Mr. M, O. Mendelssohn, a. recent visitor from Melbourne, said “I cannot recall ever having heard an orchestra so good in a city with the population of Wellington.” All great orchestras develop a personality which gives each a distinctive feature. The Halle has a ruggedness native to the northern soil, but none the less impressive when compared with the more sophisticated smoothness of , the London orchestras. Then we have Hie stolidity of Amsterdam, the solidity of Berlin, the brilliant polish of Vienna, and the intense nationalism of Helsingfors. With all modesty let it be said that the Wellington Symphony Orchestra has an individuality too. The whole world is combed to find players (and conductors) for the great American orchestras, but our orchestra ( is practically a local production—a New Zealand creation, and that “genial warmth” to which Mr. Grainger made just reference was no perfunctory compliment. Its special character is something derived from the glorious climate which (normally) 'Wellington enjoys—, the brilliant sunshine, Hie pure air, and the bracing wind, and also from Hie exuberance of a young and virile people. Problems of Finance. The path of the pioneer in music is * seldom free from financial worry. Re- 1 cognising this, Hie Carnegie United 1 Kingdom Trdst, after making a remit to four eminent musicians, has embarked on a five-years scheme for subsidis- 1 ing musical societies at Home, and the • munificent sum of £30,000 is to be set 1 aside for Ibis purpose. New Zealand does not at present share in these bene- 1 fits, but its time may come. Meantime 1 this enlightened step on the part of the ! trust is important as showing the in- j terest it is taking in the welfare of societies similarly circumstanced to J ours, and its recognition in a practical ’ way of Hie good work which Is being done under unparalleled difficulties. In tho meantime the 'Wellington S.vm- 1 phony Orchestra must continue to rely on such interest and help as can be afforded locally. To allow the great work of the past seven years to cease and Hie orchestra to disappear from the musical life of Hie oily would not <mly be a tragedy, but also a reflection on the public's valuation of the influence of art in the culture of the community. 'Hitherto the orchestra has ■ made no special appeal to Hie public, , recognisin'; that times were admittedly difficult. The time seems now opportune, however, for making a great effort to secure some measure of financial stability and freedom from anxiety which is due to such a body, and it is i hoped that the public will enthusiastic- , ally rally to the aid of a most efficient, enterprising and thoroughly deserving : society.

Donations may bo mailed Io the honor,arv I I'oasni'or of the orrliesf rn. Dr. A. f. Hickey. P.O. Box 11S2, Wellington, or may be paid lo I lie honorary secretary. Air. ],. E. Strachan, care of Messrs. " Charles Begg ami Co., Ltd., .Manners Street, Wellington. All do-

nations will, be acknowledged in “The Dominion.” (Signed) D. A. EWEN. ITesidmil. .Mrs KNOX GIL.MEU, ITesideul, Women's Auxiliary Commitlee. W. M. PAGE, Vice-President (President British Music Society). G. A. BUC KLI X, V ico-presiden t.