SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Grey River Argus, 26 June 1946, Page 4

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

ESTABLISHMENT IN N.Z. Mr Tyrer to Assemble Players STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER P.A. WELLINGTON, June 25. The plans of the Government for the establishment of a National Symphony Orchestra, were announced by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, in a statement issued this evening. “It has long been recognised by the Government that the formation of a National Symphony Orchestra was an essential step towards the fulfilment of the Government’s desire to develcp in New Zealand a high standard of musical performance and appreciation, and to offer New Zealand orchestral musicians a fuller opportunity than that hitherto afforded them of developing and exercising their undoubted talent under the best professional conditions”, the statement says. “All over the world there has been a remarkable quickening of interest in good music. Orchestral concerts, featuring the best in music, have been receiving unprecedented public support. Following the success achieved by the Centennial Orchestra established by the Government as a central feature of the centennial music celebrations in 1940, it was resolved that, when conditions were favourable, the permanent establishment of a National Symphony Orchestra should be proceeded with. Owing to the intensity of New Zealand’s war effort, and the urgent call on our men and women for work with the armed services ar in war industries, consideration of the establishment of a National Orchestra had to be held over. Now that war conditions are passing, it is possible to give practical effect to the Government’s intention formed in the centennial year. “New Zealand is to have a National Symphony Orchestra this year. A survey of‘the players available has been made. It is obvious that sufficient players can be obtained to justify the -Government in proceeding with the establishment of an orchestra.

“In order to expedite the development of permanent orchestral work in the Dominion, the Government has decided, after consulting with a leading musical authority in Britain, who highly recommended him for the work, to invite Mr Andersen Tyrer t > undertake the assembling, training and organising of the necessary personnel for a National Symphony Orchestra. Mr Tyrer was musical adviser to the Government and conductor of the Centennial Orchestra during the centennial musical celebrations in 1940. It is' well remembered what a splendid job for music in New Zealand Mr Tyrer did on that occasion, and on subsequent occasions when he has conducted orchestras at concerts and broadcast performances for the National Broadcasting Service. When Mr Tyrer has accomplished the task of assembling, training and organising an orchestra in the course of the next two years, the question of securing a salaried conductor will be considered. UNDER N.B.S. “The National Symphony Orchestra will be a part of the National Broadcasting Service, whose funds will be used for the establishment and maintenance of the orchestra. But in order' to secure the .best integration with the musical life of the Dominion, it is intended shortly to call a conference of representatives of various musical bodies to work out a scheme for the ultimate control and administration of the orchestra. “The constitution of the orchestra and the conditions of employment for its members are at present being considered. When these are finally determined, the necessary players will be engaged and rehearsals will be commenced. The establishment of this orchestra will open a new era in the musical life of New Zealand. For the first time in our history, we shall have available a permanent symphony orchestra. Orchestral public concerts and broadcasts will be given regularly under the baton of a selected conductor oi' of guest-conductors, while the best of our New Zealand artists and outstanding artists from overseas will be engaged from time to time to appear with the orchestra in various centres of population throughout New Zealand. The availability of such an orchestra will ensure that New Zealand can arrange for visits by outstanding overseas guest-conductors and artists whom it would otherwise have been impracticable to invite owing to the lack of an established orchestra. “The establishment of a permanent orchestra will not mean the abolition of the present part-time studio orchestras at the four main centres. These will continue in existence.”