4YA ORCHESTRA.

Evening Star, Issue 22688, 30 June 1937, Page 4

4YA ORCHESTRA.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In these days of ardent controversy anent the broadcasting fare provided by the Government stations, and when a large number of watchdogs of the air are ever ready to voice their disapproval in forceful and often crude prose, it may not be inopportune to raise a matter which I believe merits the attention of every license holder* I refer to the 4YA Orchestra. I have no.- criticism ( to make of the musicianship of 'its members or of the conductor, who, with the small complement of players, succeeds in making a brave showing. However, there is no disguising the fact that it is numerically weak, and that, in fact, it is not a concert orchestra, but merely a light orchestra with a limited scope. Now let us look at the financial side of the matter. The orchestra is comprised of about 20 players, and altogether receives £SO a week, which is £2,600 a year. A rough calculation will show that this represents about Ss of the licensee’s fee, and the question is whether such a small orchestra merits this. It is obvious, of course, that to increase the orchestra would he impossible at the present rate of remuneration, and in a musically second-rate country such as our own it would be unwise, even if the funds were available. I would suggest then very tentatively that the broadcasting authorities approach a leading - English or American orchestra, which incidentally should consist of at least 100 players, and endeavour to secure its services in the making of suitable records covering a wide field which would supplant the present orchestra. Though local talent should be encouraged whenever possible, it is apparent that the high cost of keeping this orchestra is not compensated for by the services rendered.— I am, etc., J.H.M. Juno 30.