Outlines Plans For State Orchestra

Northern Advocate, 26 June 1946, Page 2

Outlines Plans For State Orchestra

< P.A.) WELLINGTON This Day. Tile Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) last night issued a statement outlining the plans of the Government for a national symphony orchestra. "It has long been recognised by the Government that the formation of a national symphony orchestra was an essential step toward the fulfilment ot the Government's desire to develop in New Zealand a high standard of musical performance and appreciation and to offer New Zealand orchestral

musicians a fuller opportunity than that hitherto adorded them of developing and exercising their undoubted talent under the best professional conditions." lire statement says. “All over the world there has been a remarkable quickening ol 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 or 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 players available has been made. c It is obvious 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 a leading musical authority in Britain who has highly recommended him for the work, to invite Mr Andersen Tyrer to undertake the assembling, training and organising of the necessary personnel for a national symphony orchestra. "Mr Tyrer was music adviser to the Government and conductor of the centennial orchestra during the centennial music 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 lie lias conducted orchestras at concerts and broadcast performances for the National Broadcasting Service. "When Mr Tyrer has accomplished the task of assembling, training and organising the orchestra in the course of the next two years, the question of securing a salaried conductor will be considered.

"The national symphony orchestra will be 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 members are at present being considered. "The establishment of liiis 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 anci broadcasts will be given regularly under the baton of the selected con-

ductor or 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 ” LEAGUE Tour indefinite BRISBANE. This Day. The manager of the English League team (Mr W. Gabbatt) is still unable to clarify the position about the visit to New Zealand. He said that a definite decision was impossible until advice was received about the team's departure from New Zealand.

If going to New Zealand meant an arrival back in England in October, the trip would have to be cancelled. They were prepared to play 12 games in a fortnight in New Zealand if necessary to get away early enough to arrive home by the end of September. Some members of the English Rugby League team may not even see the third test in Sydney on July 20 if the present transport arrangements to New Zealand hold, says the Sydney Sun.

Members of the touring party have been booked to fly to New Zealand in three divisions, the first leaving on the day of the test and the next on the Sunday, and the remainder on the Monday.

Nothing definite has been decided yet on the New Zealand tour, which was in doubt until recently, but N now expected to eventuate.

When the matter was referred last night to Mr W. C. Carlaw. secretary to the New Zealand Rugby League, he said that nothing definite had yet been received from the managers of the English team regarding the New Zealand tour. The New Zealand League, however, was confident that direct transport from New Zealand to England would be available to enable the tourists to reach home by the end of September.