CITY ORGAN RECITALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15398, 5 September 1913, Page 8

CITY ORGAN RECITALS.

STIMULATING POPULARITY.

INTRODUCTION OF SOLOS.

A report concerning the system of holding municipal organ recitals was made to the City Council last night by the city organist (Mr. J. Maughan Barnett).

Mr. Barnett said the question as to the most suitable night for the recitals was raised when he commenced his duties as city organist, but he considered it advisable to have some knowledge of local conditions before making any recommendation. In many cities Saturday night was chosen, and this was apparently the most suitable night in Auckland- Seventeen recitals had been given, and the receipts totalled 4 £256 4s. The sum of £230 15s was taken at the Saturday recitals, and only £25 9s at the three given on other days. The average attendance at these three recitals was half that of Saturday night performances.

"I would point out," said Mr. Barnett, "that regular attendance at the recitals depends largely on the regularity with which they are given, and as the objects of the recitals will hardly be attained unless what I may term permanent audiences can be gathered together and retained, I consider it advisable that a night should be fixed and adhered to as strictly as possible." He also recommended that the hall should be reserved for organ recitals on Christmas and Good Friday night*,. He had always found that large audiences attended on those evenings. Miss- E. Melville suggested that a solo should be given at each recital. It would tend to act as a " break" in the programme and provide some variety. The question of making a charge of 6d for admission, instead of Is, might also be considered. She had attended recitals, and had not seen a councillor present. (Laughter.) The Mayor (Mr. C. J. Parr): Ah! the councillors should support the recitals. Mr. Barnett said a concession ticket for the recitals would be a good idea. The suggestion that solos should be given was also a good one. In Wellington, the introduction of a soloist had had the effect of increasing the audiences. • The report was referred to the Finance Committee.