TOWN HALL LIGHTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19397, 4 August 1926, Page 8

TOWN HALL LIGHTING.

Sir, —May I, as the individual—or should I say criminal ?—to blame for ths lowering of tho lights at the Auckland Choral Society's concerts, explain to your correspondent "Lux'.' and others the reason for the lights being put out. It was first done so that, the audience would to able to concentrate on the music without having its eyes distracted and strained by the glare from the white walls of the auditorium", but, that is now only a secondary consideration, for it was found that "the choral singing improved immensely, so much so, that at present, according to visiting musicians who have had tho opportunity of hearing other societies in the Dominion, the work of our local society is second to none in New Zealand. The reason for the improved singing is that the singers not being able to see beyond the conductor, concentrate on him and ho is able to get the best results from his choir in tho wav of attack and release, light and shade. The lighting arrangements were not installed with the view of being spectacular but, at the same time, appropriate decoration and lighting do help to create an "atmosphere" which adds to the general effect. Of course there are those who are genuinely musical and who prefer to drink in the music and to listen to what tho soloists are singing without the distraction of glaring chandeliers, etc.; then, on the other hand, there are others who prefer to read. It is hard to please everybody, but I think that tho majority of concert- goers in this city come under the first category. In conclusion, t would like to mention that the attempt, to put on our concerts iri en artistic manner is not made without a great deal of (evidently) unappreciated hard work by a few enthusiasts. AitTHtra Pa mm/ax. New Lynn,.Aug. 3.