DUNEDIN CHORAL SOCIETY.

Evening Star, Issue 6481, 24 December 1883, Page 2

DUNEDIN CHORAL SOCIETY.

TO THB EDITOB. Sir, —Your kindly and opportune remarks in Saturday's issue demand an acknowledg ment from those who take more than an ephemeral interest in musical matters generally, and the welfare of the Choral Society in particular. We'boast of our commercial and intellectual si;premaoy in the Colony, and are anxious to show the 3sorth that we are not altogether a money-grubbing community, without taste or fjesire for the higher enjoyments and alms of life. Respite the assumption, however, it is unfortunately patent that there exists a want of. oohesiou and harmony in all artistic matters, and more particularly in connection with everything appertaining to music. Surely there should be some desire to foster and maintain one good musioal society capable of rendering the works of tho great with a completeness worthy of the composition and our reputation as a music loving people. The Choral Scoiety possesses tho nucleus of such an organisation, having an excellent library and numerous advantages for the study and performance of all the great musical classics. Yet the Society does not receive, the encouragement and support of scores of capable vocalists in our mjdst, and is constantly weakened by thefdefection of disappointed amateurs, whose only love of art exists in a love of notoriety.' Qthers, again/ haying gained a little popularity fhrough the medium of the Society, lose their heads through the injudicious praise of well-meaning friends, assume the professional air, and demand remuneration, which the Committee has

neither the will nor the power to graut. Bat the wont enemies of the Society are such lukewarm members as you specially refer to; receiving all the advantages and enjoyments of rehearsals, and without any notice or apology whatever, desert the platform, take their seats amongst the audience, and do their level best to endanger the success of what has previously promised to be a really, excellent performance. Did space and your patience Eermit, I could highly amuse your readers y recounting the whims, vagaries, and ridiculous pretensions of others ; but I forbear at present. There is one portion of your remarks, however, I desire to particularly emphasise. It is the encouragement of so many puerile and wretchedly indifferent concerts in this City. Dunedin is, I think, the most concert-ridden city in the universe, a notoriety that would certainly not be unenviable were there any distinct gain to -art; but, unfortunately, musio is a secondary consideration, the main object of these ventures being to raise the wind, consequently, assistance given on such occasions is not readily criticised, and the veriest canaille of musical amateurs can always obtain a hearing from a too indulgent audience. The public, however, should recognise that in music, as in everything else, there is constant progression, and that, thanks to good education, we expect a higher standard of excellence than formerly prevailed. In conclusion, will you kindly allow me to acknowledge the genuine services rendered by the several choir masters, music teachers,, and others, who from time to time identify themselves with the work of the Society* and lend the conductor and members their; invali able and efficient aid.—l am, etc., D.C.S, Dunedin, December 24.

Mr Howard Spensley and Mr Dixon, of Victoria, and Sir Julius Vogel have been appointed Commissioners of the Health Conference.