CITY'S ORCHESTRAS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 70, 24 March 1933, Page 7

CITY'S ORCHESTRAS

AMALGAMATION ?

COMMITTEE TO INQUIRE

SCHEME CRITICISED

A comprehensive scheme for the unification of orchestral activity in the city with the object of forming a civic orchestra was outlined by Mr. H. H. Tombs at a meeting held in the Mayor's room, Town Hall, last evening. Mr. Tombs advocated bringing the Broadcasting Board Orchestra, the Symphony Orchestra, and the Philharmonic Orchestra under one control, following a course of action recently adopted in Melbourne. "With two dissentient voices, the principle advocated was supported by the meeting, and a committee was set up to investigate the scheme and report to a further meeting. The Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop) presided. In outlining his scheme, Mr. Tombs said he was a supporter of both the existing orchestral societies (the Symphony and Philharmonic). He had had a long experience among music-makers here and abroad, and his experience had shown that the efforts in New Zealand, sincere though they were, came far short of what he felt was attainable in the Dominion with proper organisation. In Europo music had been encouraged by the State and municipalities for many years, and in Melbourne last month an amalgamation had been brought about between the Broadcasting Commission and the two largest orchestras. The National Broadcasting Commission was reorganising its orchestra in Australia,,and Dr. Malcolm' Sargent was coming from London' to help to initiate the new scheme. "GUEST" CONDUCTORS. He thought a permanent civic orchestra could be established in Wellington as in Melbourne. In Wellington the Broadcasting Board had a regular orchestra; there were two orchestral societies, as well as choral societies that required orchestral help. If the scheme of inviting "guest"'conductors were instituted there would be a friendly rivalry that would be all to the good, and performances of a much higher standard than at present would to bring the three organisations—the Broadcasting Board, the Symphony ■Orchestra, and the Philharmonic Orchestra—together under one control and still leave the artistic side free play. Although it would not be possible to finance a fully-paid professional' orchestra on full time, it would be possible •with the work available to evolve a scheme by which the services of a small orchestra of about thirty-two players could be used. "Make these players the nucleus of our civic orchestra," he said. "Use them for the broadcasting work, and also for a series of concerts, adding .the' necessary number of additional players from the amateur ranks. -These players might be put on a salary basis of so many hours' work for the year for a fixed sum. For this salary they would have to give a definite number of hours' work at times that would suit the exigencies of concert giving." "By these means," he continued, "we.would have:—(a) An efficient orchestra which would at all times be available in regular rehearsal and capable of association with the finest visiting and Dominion artists, either as soloists ■or guest conductors within or outside the studio; (b) the outside broadcasting of symphony and 'light' ' concerts, with an orchestra augmented by additional amateur talent; (c) cheaper concerts could be given; (d) outside free concerts at seaside summer resorts on fine Saturdays or Sundays; (c) stimulated, interest by the appearance of different conductors; (f) lunch hour concerts could be given." SEASON'S WORK. Mr. Tombs said that the season could he divided into two sections: the concert season, from March to November inclusive, to include twelve concerts and any other concerts required, in addition to the broadcasting work; and the holiday season, from December to February inclusive, to include outdoor concerts in addition to broadcasting. The best work would probably be obtained if the conductors took over the entire work of the orchestra, both broadcasting and concert, for a definite period. In the holiday season, he suggested, a different conductor could ttake over the work for each month, and in the concert season of thirty-six weeks, each of three conductors could "he given two periods of six weeks each. Each period of. six weeks would cover all broadcasting work, .and two concerts, "symphony" and "light." If (only two conductors were available, the groups could be alternated. The management of the civic orchestra could be entrusted to a board composed as follows: —City Council representatives, 2; Broadcasting Board representatives, 2; representatives of the existing orchestral societies, 2; additional citizens, 3; total, 9. The season's syllabus of music could le arranged by the conductors of the year in conjunction with the members of the advisory committee, which should consist of a member of the board of directors,1 a member of the executive committee, and the organising secretary Their deliberations would be subject to revision by the board of directors. The work of each period should be under the direct control of tho conductor of that period, in association with his advisory committee. • Programmes for studio broadcasting should fee under the direct control of the Broadcasting Board and the conductor for the period. In addition to the conductors appointed for the season's work, the board of directors could take ad^ vantage of the engagement of any able ..conductor available as a "guest" conductor. . The Mayor aaid they were indebted ito Mr. Tombs for his suggestion. The meeting was of a preliminary nature, and if the members approved, of tho scheme he would suggest that a committee: be set up and that a further meeting be held to decide what steps should be taken about approaching tho other organisations. Mr. Hislop moveS that the meeting approve of the principle of the unification of orchestral activity on the lines suggested by Mr Tombs. The motion was seconded by Mr Walter Blundell. OPPOSITION VIEW. An opposition view was taken by Mr. Ernest Dawson, who moved that in tUe opinion of the meeting there was no need for any change in the existing provision for orchestral music in the city, which was adequately catered for by the Wellington Symphony Orchestra without cost to the city. The motion was ruled out of order on the ground that it was a direct negative. Mr. Dawson said he desired to dissociate himself officially as far as tho Symphony Orchestra was concerned., but his association with it was well known. The meeting should first know whether the Philharmonic drchestra was in existence, in view of the fact that it had not appeared in the city since June. Mr. R. A. Glen assured him that it Was in existence. Mr. Dawson said that the Wellington Symphony Orchestra had been in exist.ence since 1929, and had given concerts

Tegularly—seventeen in all. It was thoroughly well organised; had upwards of 300 subscribing members; and included a full symphony personnel of all the best available talent in. the city and suburbs. It had no vacancies for playing members. The orchestra was adequately supported by the citizens, and had paid over SIOOO in fees to musicians. The only competitiva effort since its establishment was the Philharmonic Orchestra, commenced as an unemployed, musicians' orchestra eighteen months after ■ the establishment of the Symphony Orchestra. The Philharmonic Orchestra had not appeared since June, 1932. It was not incorporated, and had never published a statement of finance. If the members of the Symphony Orchestra were approached they would give the matter consideration. The Mayor explained that he had thought the meeting was unanimous, and for that reason he had moved the motion. Under the circumstances he asked leave to"-withdraw his motion. This was granted. Mrs. Knox Gilmer said she had no idea that they were to be asked to .-join forces with the Philharmonic Orchestra. She did not think a civic orchestra was practicable today. ■ Mr. Tombs said ho was sorry the Mayor had been under any misapprehension. He had invited to the meeting those whom he had considered would be interested in the musical development of the city, and he had not raised any question as to what the two orchestras had done. He moved €he motion formerly moved by the Mayor. It was seconded by Mr. Walter Blundell. IMPEOVING THE MUSIC. Dr. Macdonald Wilson said he was not a member of either orchestra. Ho was sure everybody present realised, as he did, that speaking musically they had not attained to any great height. His main object in attending the meeting was to see whether any scheme could be organised by which the music given by any orchestra could be improved. Mr. J. M. Ilott said he was not associated with any orchestra, but he thought Mr. Tombs had brought forward a scheme at least worthy of investigation. Those who had heard the combined Melbourne orchestra would realise that there were patentialities in the two Wellington orchestras. After further discussion, Mr. Tombs's motion was carried with minor amendments, the dissentients being Mr. Dawson and Mrs. Knox Gilmer. A committee" consisting of Messrs. Dawson, Glen, and Tombs, and Drs. H. E. Gibbs and Macdonald Wilson was set up to investigate the scheme and report to a further meeting.