N.S. WALES ORCHESTRA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18747, 28 December 1922, Page 9

N.S. WALES ORCHESTRA

HEAD OF CONSERVATORIUM. MR VERBRUGGHEN RESIGNS. Mr Verbrugghen has cabled to his wife in Sydney definitely announcing his resignation from the Directorship of the ConBcrvatorium of Music of New South Wales. A fortnight ago' - (says a Sydney paper) Mr Bruntnell, Minister of Education, received a cable from Mr \erbrugghen, stating his intention to retire, but it was hoped that ho would be prevailed upon to change his mind. Since then, however, Mrs Verbrugghen has received the following cables: “1 have cabled my resignation. I am unwilling to risk the repetition of my past •experience. I am prepared for any sacrifice except political interference. The wrench is acutely painful to me. I am very de“l am sorry. Conscience-searching has caused delay. I am unable to alter my decision. lam unwilling to have a repetition of my past experience. My self-re-spect imposes upon me a disregard of personal inclinations. I am sorry. Both messages were from Minneapolis, It is anticipated that Mr Verbrugghen will pay a visit to Syoney about the middle of next year, both for family and business reasons, and also on account of many friendships lie made during his sojourn here. The cable from Mr Verbrugghen justifies me forecast in December last, regarding the unlikelihood of his return to the Conservatorium. The publication of the forecast occasioned considerable stir, but on the one hand it was known that Mr Verbrugghen had serious grievances arising out of the political control of the Conservatormm. end on the other hand ho was going to e country where undoubtedly his great talents as a conductor and his fine musicianship would quickly bd discovered and appreciated and lead to lucrative offers that, under the circumstances, it would be folly to reject, particularly as the musical atmosphere would be emi”ontly stimulating. The immediate concern hero, of course, the filling of the vacant po?t of director. It is all the more urgent, as the Conservatorium has been far too Long without a head.