FIRST CONCERT OF MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7269, 27 October 1910, Page 1

FIRST CONCERT OF MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA

PROMISING INITIAL EPEORT SPEECHES BY THE MAYOR AND MR MAUGHAN BARNETT. "DESERVING OF SUPPORT.” Full justification of tho formation of the AVellingtou Municipal Orchestra, w as given in the Town Hall ■ last evening, when a largo section of the music-loving public assembled to bear the first concert of tbe orchestra. Numbering upwards of forty instruments, the orchestra made a decided y favourable impression. Mr Maughan Barnett required to use a somewhat strenuous baton to keep all sections in unison. The raggedness apparent at times will doubtless disappear when the orchestra gets into full swing’. As > the players are now to oaok other, ana, mostly/ to the music bet thorn, considering which facts Mr Barnett is to be congratulated on bringing them, together wit*, such good effect last evening, iho playing of the orchestra va? not up to test standard, but the most fastidious wore far from being disappointed, and this early concert was valuable in showing that members of tho new orchestra have attacked their work vigorously None of the pieces elected for f the first concert were very difficult. iho first orchestral item was Mendelssohn s "Cornelius March,” which was followed by the allegretto and raenuetto from Haydn’s Symphony No. 2, this being encored. Later, tho orchestra played the Prelude to Act 111 of Wagner s famous opera, "Lohengrin,” working up to a fine climax. In tlie second part, the orchestra was hoard in four numbers from "Lo Cid” (Massenet)-"Castilian©, “Andalouse,” "Arogonaise, and Navarraise.” An outburst of warm appreciation followed those bracketed items. For his playing of Beethoven s Romance in G” (with organ accompaniment), Mr Herbert Bloy, an accomplished violinist, and the deputy-conductor ot the orchestra, was required to respond to an emphatic encore. Mr Maugham Barnett played on. the organ tho following soli Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (Bach), "Am Meer” (Schubert), Onertoir’o” and "Grand Choeuri (SaLmio), and tiro Andante Cantabilo from Wider s fourth symphony. THE MAYOR’S ADDRESS. At the conclusion of the first portion of tbo programme, the Mayor said he had. some difficulty dn knowing exactly how to welcome adequately the inauguration of municipal music in Australasia. Great credit was due to Mr Maughan Barnett, who had championed the cause of tho orchestra‘most ably. (Applause). Mr Barnett possessed a personal magnetism which was felt directly he came into contact with the people around him, and this contributed to success. Ho inspired enthusiasm. When has proposal came before the City Council and the speaker in his capacity as Mayor, it did not 'take long to convince them that Mr' Barnett was propounding a sate proposition and one that would go far to educate the people in one of the greatest and most graceful of arts. Those present must bo astonished at the quality of tho music, especially as only two or three rehearsals had been held. The de-puty-conductor, Mr Bloy, would bo a valuable officer, and there were among the other members some of tho finest instrumentalists New Zealand could produce. Before long the orchestra would convince the public of the advantage to the city of good music, and the orchestra might also go to other parts to help in the establishment of municipal music right through the Dominion. (Applause). Without the support of tire people, success could not be expected, but this was a worthy movement, well worth supporting. Everyone must appreciate the kindness, thought, and generosity of the guarantors, who were enabling the orehes.tra to pass through the first twelve months free from the possibility of incurring expenditure to a somewhat hesitating City Council. If citizens realised their duty, they would fed as proud of their orchestra as the orchestra members themselves would be proud to have the generous support of the public. CONDUCTOR PLEASED. Mr Maughan Barnett, called upon by tho Mayor to say a few words, was very warmly applauded. He said he. had already protested against being called upon to speak in connection with the orchestra, but the success attending its formation had been such that he now felt able to make a dozen speeches upon it. (Laughter). He considered it a great honour to be tho conductor of the first municipal orchestra in Australasia. (Applause). Ho desired to refier_ to the encouragement he had received in connection with the details of the scheme. Citizens had willingly helped him. As a matter of fact, in the street, he bad felt that oil his friends thought he was going to "stick them up” for a guarantee. (Laughter). The first year of orchestral concerts was an experiment, and it depended on the citizens whether the orchestra should become a permanent one. Tine newly-organised players had had very few rehearsals, and the fact that he had arranged this concert so Boon showed the confidence ho had in tho players and the orchestra. (Applause). Remembering that the orchestra, bad bad only four rehearsals, tho audience would have some idea of what the oi'chestra could do after .forty rehearsals. "I hope.” concluded Mr Barnett, "that, at the lend of tho year, wo shall find that the support given by tho general public has been such as will justify the council in making the orchestra here permanent.” (Applause). The second, orchestral concert will be given In about four' weeks’ time.