CHORAL SOCIETY’S ACTIVITIES

Evening Star, Issue 23511, 27 February 1940, Page 2

CHORAL SOCIETY’S ACTIVITIES

MUSICAL AND FINANCIAL SUCCESSES A NOTABLE SEASON REVIEWED “ The society is to be congratulated sincerely on the success, both from the musical and the financial points of view, it has achieved during the past year, which lias been such a disturbed period that there would be every excuse if the season had been a financial failure, commented the president of the Dunedin Choral Society (Professor T. D. Adams) at the annual meeting last night in the Concert Chamber. Professor Adams added that, this very pleasing position reflected a splendid effort, for only could it have been brought about by maintaining a high pitch of choral craftsmanship. -The Chairman warmly, eulogised the wholehearted enthusiasm of the conductor of the society (Mr Alfred Walmsloy), to whom he attributed a lot of the success of the season. There was a large attendance of choir members and subscribers at the meeting. WORKS PERFORMED. Though the year had been a full one, with three major and two social concerts, besides a concert at Balclutha and a studio broadcast by the Madrigal Choir, a-very ..high standard was maintained throughout (stated the aunuaTreport of the!committee). A feature of the year’s work was the introduction of the social type of concert, which proved very,popular and successful. By these functions the society was able to come into closer contact with its subscribers and friends, and a better understanding of the society’s work generally was obtained. It was Imped to make these social functions a regular part of the programme. The outstanding event of the year was the performance of ‘ Messiah,’ by the choir, combined with the Christchurch Harmonic Society and the Oamaru Choral Society, under the leadership of Mr Victor Peters. This was an inspiring performance, imd would long he remembered by those who took part. Visits such as this by kindred societies from other centres were of great help to the societies themselves, and materially assisted the cause of music in the community generally. The income and expenditure account disclosed a profit for the year of £lB3 15s lOd. which was very satisfactory; and, while- generous donations had again materially assisted the finances, the improved position was also greatly due to the loyal support of the members. The Ladies’ Auxiliary Commit-

lee, under the leadership of Airs . Lough, had worked enthusiastically ift the interests of the society, and had given valuable assistance with the social concerts. Early in the year the Madrigal Club was wound up, after giving very valuable assistance both musically and financially to the society for the past three years. However, it was felt by the committee that the club had served its purpose, and it now desired that all members of the choir should take part in the lighter type of music, in addition to the heavier works. Then, as occasion demanded, a madrigal choir would be chosen from the society ns a whole. - Air Walmsley had again successfully guided the society through a strenuous year, and the committee expressed its warm appreciation of his work. While his duties with the society seemed to increase from year to year, bis enthusiasm and energy more than kept pace. The society’s thanks were due to Miss Mavis Alacdonald for the splendid assistance given tbs choir during the year The work had .been arduous, but again Miss Alacdonald had given most willing and efficient service. Dr V. K. Galway, the honorary organist, had continued to assist the society in every way possible, and to him thanks were also expressed. SUPPORT OF SUBSCRIBERS. , When moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, the Chairman, besides paying a tribute to the work of Mr Walmsley, also, spoke of the brilliant artistry of the accompanist (Miss Mavis Macdonald). Professor Adams said that while the society should continue to present the great standard works, such as ‘ Alessiah,' it should also not neglect the shorter works of noted composers, both past and present, thus introducing freshness and vitality into its performances. The spirit of disinterested and friendly team work which had been apparent in the society’s activities during the past year had been both impressive and significant, he said, and he hoped the society would have many more 7’ears of successful endeavour. Air C. P. Watson seconded the motion, and said that the society’s position was very sound. For the first time for many years the society was able

to hold its annual meeting without th« shadow of debt hanging over it. This was due in a large l measure to the generous donations which' had been made to the society’s fuuds f and ha urged members to give their strong* est support to ensure that this desirable financial position did not detenurate; The Ladies* Auxiliary Committee was deserving .of the society. 4 warmest thanks for its generous ; and valuable assistance, Mr Watson said, and he also paid a tribute to the direless work of the conductor and tha office-bearers. The report was adopted. The following office-bearers wer* elected for the ensuing year Patron, Hon. Downie Stewart; president, Mr Alfred Fels; conductor, .Mr Alfred Walmsley; deputy conductor,, Mr C, F. Watson; hon. organist, Dr V. E Galway; pianist, Miss Mavis Mao. doriaid; librarian. Mr G. Ferguson; assistant librarian, Mr W. A._ Finnicj orchestra! librarian, Mr P, Dick; hon. secretary, Mr G. V, Murdoch; hon. auditor. Mr D. Leslie; hon. treasurer, Mr F. S. Salinger; hon. solicitor. Mr W. R. Brugh; committee—Miss Mavis Macdonald, Mrs G. M. Barnett. Messrs C. F. Watson, G. Ross, and W. A. Finnie; Ladies’ Auxiliary. Committe e—■—■ Mesdames C. M. Barnett. G. T. Edgar, E. Lough, W. Naylor, I Longworth. R. K. Johnstone, J. C. Laing Miss T.vrell and Miss Young, last year’s vice-presidents, were re-clccted.