APPEAL TO MUSICAL PUBLIC

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 115, 16 May 1936, Page 11

APPEAL TO MUSICAL PUBLIC

ST3IPHOXY ORCHESTRA

RECOGNITION OF GOOD SERVICE

The following appeal has been received by "The Post":— 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 greatlyincreased .measure of support. In these days of mechanised music there is urgent need >for lovers of the art to accord their whole-hearted 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 music 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 theB.B.C. Orchestra. Local patriotism is at most times a praiseworthy thing, and we note with pardonable pride the place taken in the greater world by our New Zealandborn 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 • the world's greatest ; musicians pass through New Zealand and many of them .hav.e been associated with ,the orchestra as singers or instrumentalists. Without exception all of them have expressed theinr delighted astonishment at the high standard of playing and general resourcefulness of the 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."' "H:P.," writing in one of the local papers recently commented on the extraordinary, interest of orchestral music in Wellington of late years. He spoke of. the brilliant playing- of Anderson Tyrer of the Arenski concerto, "nor must it be forgotten that the Symphony Orchestra was; .the first in -New Zealand to play the mighty fifth Symphony of- Tschaikowsy,- 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 hear 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 HaUe 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, the-, 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 the pure air, and'the bracing.wind, and also from the exuberance of a young and virile people The path of the pioneer-in music is seldom- free- from financial worry Recognising this the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust, after making a remit to four eminent musicians, has embarked on a five years' scheme for subsidising musical societies at Home, and the munificent, sum. of. £30,000 is to-be set aside for this purpose. New Zealand does not at present share in these benefits but its time may come. Meanflu ± enliShtened step on the part oi the trust is important as showing the interest it is. taking in the welfare of societies similarly circumstanced to ours, and its recognition in a 'practical way of the good work which is'being done under unparalleled difficult/is. ■• In the meantime the Wellington Symphony 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 the orchestra to disappear from the musical life of the city would not only 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 Jo the public recogAising that times were admittedly difficult. me 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 tody, and it is hoped that ...the public will enthusiastically rally to the aid of a most efficient, enterprising, and thoroughly deserving society. ... i Donations may be mailed to the hon. treasurer, of the orchestra, Dr A P Hickey, P.0..80x 1182, Wellington! or may he paid to the hon. secretary, Mr. L. E. Strachan, care of Messrs. Chas. Begg and Co., Ltd., Manners Street Wellington. All donations' will •be acknowledged in the ."Evening Post." D. A..EWEN.(president), MRS.. KNOX GILMER (President), ■ , ■ Women's Auxiliary Committee. W.: -M-. PAGE (vice-president), ■ :.President, British Music Society .. G.A. BUCKLIN (Vice-president).