ROYAL CHORAL SOCIETY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8364, 26 February 1913, Page 8

ROYAL CHORAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING. VERY SUCCESSFUL YEAR. The annual meeting of the Royal Wellington Giiorai society was field at at. Jean's schoolroom last evening, -ur J. G. M. Aitnen presided over a satisiaotory attendance. ’the committee’s report for tho year congratulated the society on llio completion of the most successful yeai of its existence. From a musical point of view tho society had well maintained its already high reputation, aud now desired to tnank tne public generally for the enthusiastic support accorded it, thus enabling the committee to present a very satisfactory balance-sheet. This splendid support encouraged tho committee to obtain the services of Mr Walter Whyte, of Sydney, and Air Andrew Black, England’s famous baritone, for tho "Messiah” concert; also those of the world-famed contralto, Madame Kirkby Lunn. For the “Messiah” concert the booking at the Dresden box office for the opening day established a record for Wellington, and probably for the Dominion, seats to the value of £340 being the booking for the day, thus relieving the committee of further concern as to the financial success. During the year tho committee purchased for the library the following complete works : “ Cavalleria Rusticana,” “ A Tale of Old Japan,” aud “Carmen,” at a total costs of £lll. Thanks were expressed to ■ Mr Horace Hunt (hon. accompanist), members of the orchestra, and others who had assisted the society. Special mention was made of the Dresden Piano Company for use of the booking office. The balance-sheet showed that the total receipts were £I3OO, and the payments £1193, leaving a credit balance of £lO7. VALUE OF TRAINING. The chairman, in moving the adoption of the balance-sheet and report, congratulated the conductor, committee, and members on the very successful year’s work done. He would like those who took part in the chorus to realise that it was to their efforts that the success of the year’s work lay. One knew that a great deal depended Upon the conductor, but it was also realised that unless they were well trained the work would not be satisfactory. Unless each individual member of* the chorus put his heart into the work and performed his part just as well as he could, the year’s transactions would not have been so successful. Ho therefore congratulated the chorus on their very fine work last year. (Applause.) Of all the performances given last year he personally enjoyed “ The Messiah ” most of all. and Lord and Lady Liverpool were quite taken aback, realising that they were very much at homo on that occasion. They expressed themselves as particularly well satisfied with the performance, especially that of the chorus. He (the chairman) congratulated the society on having such an excellent credit balance, which was even better than shown in the balancesheet. THE LEADING SOCIETY. Air J. R. Burley seconded the motion, and congratulated the society on its splendid position at the present time. Throughout New Zealand they were recognised as the leading society —a fact aue primarily to their conductor, Mr Barnett. They also had a splendid secretary, whom, he hoped, they would have for a long time. (Applause.) Mr R. T. Caldow pointed out that while orchestral scores were held by tho society, deposits on music to the extent of £7O were retained, and thus their financial position was even stronger than shown. While the scores were held, no other societies could obtain them, though the scores oould not be purchased. BONUSES. Mr J. Wilson, after some discussion, moved that it be a recommendation to the committee that bonuses granted to th© secretary or any member of the society be paid out only by a general meeting. The chairman said that such a motion involved an alteration of the rules, and was accordingly not in order. Air Mowbray said that he thought tho work done by tho secretary was well worth £SO a year. (Applause.) The motion was carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following office-bearers were elected for the ©nsumg year; Patrons, ids Excellency Lord Liverpool, - the non. W. I l '. Massey, and Snr Robert about; president. Air J. G. W. Aitken; vice-presidents. Archbishop Redwood, Rev. Dr Gibb, Hons. W. Fraser and A. L. Herdman, Messrs W. E. Bethune, A. S. Biss, A. H. Allies, and D. J. Nathan; conductor, Air Christian Hellemann; hon. accompanist, Air Horace Runt, Mus. Bac.j non. solicitor, Air R. H. Webb; hon. auditor, Air C. D. Morpeth; committee, Aiessrs K. T. Caldow, F. B. Young, W. J. Hueston, F. S. Pope, and S. G. Hamerton; hon. ■ secretary, Air W. E. Caldow; hon. assistant secretary, Mr N. D. MacLeod; hon. librarian, Mr J. E. Perry; hon. treasurer, Air W. H. Chitty. NEW PERFORMANCES. Mr R. T. Caldow said that there was an impression that because Mr Barnett was going to Auckland Wellington would be left in the cold in regard to the proposed WellingtonAuckland visit. The position was, however, that the Auckland Society had asked that the visit from Wellington be held over owing to th© exhibition, and they hoped the visit would take place next year. “ Carmen ” would be an expensive production, and they would have to engage ten principals. “We are endeavouring to get the best talent we possibly can in and outside the Dominion.” The prices for this concert would have to go up, but if they could get another 500 or 600 hon. members matters would be made much easier, and he hoped the public would value tho society in this way. For the principal part of Carmen, though not absolutely fixed, they had practically come to terms with the lady who took this same part in the German Opera Company which toured Australia some time ago. He could not divulge her name at present, however; she had been engaged to sing the part of Carmen. They had also commenced negotiations for the appearance in “ Elijah ” of one of England’s greatest sopranos. (Applause.)