PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20827, 20 March 1931, Page 14

PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS.

Sir,—The advent of the talkies saw the passing of the theatre orchestras and dozens of professional musicians were deprived of their, living and are to-day in sore straits. Few of these players have liad commercial training and those who have or are tradesmen cannot find work and help to swell the ranks of the' unfortunate unemployed. A few musicians found, an occasional engagement with the Auckland Choral Society and Bohemian' Orchestra, but now tho latter- has been compelled to dispense with paid players, and confine their orchestra to amateurs. This is to be regretted, but probably under the circumstances unavoidable. * Under tlig, conditions which at present prevail it is unfair that the Savage and Orphans' Chjbs should permit their orchestras to t accept engagement with the Broadcasting Company. The Savage and Orphans' Clubs' orchestras are composed of amateurs, in comfortable jobs or running their own businesses, playing for the love of music, but with the professional musician it is play to live, and therefore the clubs mentioned would do well io restrict their orchestras to their private social functions'and lending voluntary assistance at charity or benefit concerts, and stand down in favour of those who need the money, and need it badly. Musician.