DUNEDIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

Evening Star, Issue 21129, 15 June 1932, Page 9

DUNEDIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

TO THE EDITOK. Sir, —Having read with interest the news that a Symphony Orchestra has been formed in Dunedin, it is rather surprising to find a well-intentioned remark attributed to M. De Hose taken up and pulled to pieces by “ Curious.” This writer should have exercised his curiosity earlier and formed the orchestra himself. No doubt with such a well-developed bump ho would have been able to unearth much better talent than M. De Hose has. 11 Curious ” is evidently attempting to influence readers against M. De Hose and his orchestra, but is there not plenty of time for that when it has been proved a failure? A jealously spiteful letter will probably be beneath the notice of one with “'higher ambitions.” but it certainly would bo interesting if one of bis many friends would inform us whether ho has had much experience with orchestras, etc., just to counteract the intended slur cast by “ Curious ” as to M. De Rose’s ability. It is to be hoped that everyone who reads these letters will also be curious and visit the concerts. M. De Rose will not fail to mako them popular.—l am, etc., Waiting. June 15.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Being an interested party in the formation of this orchestra, I feel compelled to reply to “ Curious.” It is obvious that lie belongs to one of the following categories:—(lt Either “ Curious ” or a friend is disappointed at not having been invited to join this orchestra ; (It) either “ Curious ” or a friend inis never bad the privilege of playing under the capable ennduetorship of AI. Do Rose or has been dismissed for mcoinjK-'teucy ; and (it)

cither “ Curious ” or a friend is an amateur or self-styled conductor of one of tiie local amateur organisations. However, for the information of “ Curious ” I will state that almost all musicians were selected prior to the actual official formation; that they consist of the best talent of this city; and that almost all the selected players were present at the meeting last week. The final judgment of selection was left in the hands of the appointed conductor, M. De Rose, whoso past and known performances in Dunedin and elsewhere prove that there is no more efficient man for such an important venture. Adverse criticism is to be expected, but 1 wish to impress on “ Curious ” that, in spite of all opposition, the sincere music-loving people will help to make this much-wanted orchestra the success that has been attained by kindred organisations in both Wellington and Auckland.—l am, etc., June 14. Harmony.