PROUD MUSICAL RECORD

Evening Star, Issue 22817, 27 November 1937, Page 13

PROUD MUSICAL RECORD

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY'S JUBILEE DiSTIHGUISHEO SES-/I3E OF MR JAMES COGMBS 1 — Next week the Dunedin Orchestral Society celebrates its fiftieth year of existence. Pram its incejition in the ’eighties the society has had a proud record ot artistic success, and in its earlier clays’ particularly made a vital contribution to the development of the cultural life of the community. About the beginning of 1883, at the instigation of Mr Charles Coombs, who had "just settled in Dunedin, a tew ardent instrumentalists, under the direction of Mr G. K. West, commenced to give little entertainments or “smoke concerts” under the name ot the Apollo Club, These smoke concerts were continued for several months, but eventually fell through and were abandoned for a time, although the idea was never allowed to di<? out altogether. Subsequently, in the early part of 1886, the concerts were revived, and. under tho conductorship of Mr G. A. Martin, members of the Apollo strengthened by an infusion of fresh blood, gave the first of a series of concerts in “ Watson’s large room ” on AVednseday evening, April 21. 1886, playing under the name of the “ Dunedin Orchestral Association ” in conjunction with the Dunedin Liedertnfel Quartet. These concerts, of which. including one “ for Ladies and Gentlemen,” there were nine, were all given during that year, "and, according to the programmes, by the “ Dunedin Orchestra] Association.” But on May 5, 1886, the instrumentalists had met at Dagmar College, Moray Place, to consider “ the foundation of an Orchestral Society,” the chairman (Mr E. Means) explaining that the object of the meeting was “ to establish on a firm basis the orchestra now practising together.” They thereupon formed themselves into a society, adopting the name the organisation has retained ever since. Although, however, the body was now established as the “ Dunedin Orchestral Society,” its name till the end of the year appeared on programmes as the “ Dunedin Orchestral Association,” and hence for several years there was some confusion as to its proper title.

No concerts seem to have been given during 1887, but on February 10, 1888, the “ first concert ” under the new title was given in the Garrison Hall. The accompaniments to the songs were orchestral, and were arranged by Mr Martin, who also arranged a cornet solo for Mr Charles Coombs in a selection from ‘ Ernani.’ Mr Martin conducted, as before. The next concert was given a little over two months afterwards,, on April 20, 1888, in the Choral Hall, under what was termed tho “ new arrangement,” which was suggested by Mr Morris and Mr Coombs. This “ arrangement ” was the system which remained in vogue until this year, , tbs society undertaking to give its subscribers four concerts each season and four tickets for each concert. In the very early days of the orchestra Mr Charles Coombs and Mr A. H. Norman were associated with Mr Martin in the conductor-ship. At this time Mr James Coombs, who had also played an important part in organising and forming the orchestra, was its leader. In July of 1889 he was appointed conductor, a post he held with conspicuous success until his retirement in 1930. Mr Coombs made his first appearance in public at the age of 16 years with tho orchestra of the original Dundein Choral Society when they rehearsed and performed in the lecture hall of the old University buildings (now the Stock Exchange), and in later years was also conductor of that organisation. Mr Coombs achieved a remarkable _ record in conducting the Orchestral Society for over 40 years. Ho was—and is—a man beloved for his kindly nature and good comradeship, and the part he played in developing orchestral nmsio in Dunedin was of inestimable value. As a teacher he guided the destinies of_ many wellknown New Zealand musicians. When he retired at the end'of 1930 the artists and musical societies of the city joined in a spontaneous expression of the esteem in which he was held, tendering him a remarkable complimentary concert in the Town Hall. This, however, could only lie a slight recognition of the value of bis outstanding service in the cause of music.

Mr Coombs was succeeded by Mr Alfred Walmsley, who conducted the orchestra until 1933. Mr Vernon Griffiths then took over for the next two seasons, and in 1936 Mr C. Roy Spack man (the present conductor) was appointed. There have naturally been big changes in the personnel of the orchestra in the 50 years of its existence, but among its members are a few who have established notable records for their constant and loyal support. Mr H. F. Davie, the well-known horn player, has the honour of being the oldest performing member of the society, having joined in 1691. Mr Ernest Kerr, an equally familar figure, has been playing with the orchestra since 1899 Mr Kerr has also been actively associ-at-ed with the administration of the society for many years. Mr D. Boyd was another member with a long association as a performing member.