DUNEDIN CHORAL SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18822, 27 March 1923, Page 2

DUNEDIN CHORAL SOCIETY

The annual report of the committee of the Dunodin Choral Society for the period ended February 28 states: —The year has been in some ways a trying period. It is with much regret that they have to record the death on July 15 of the society’s conductor, Air Sidney Wolf. To his great ability as a musician, his talent as a leader, and His force of character, Dunedin owes more than oan be expressed. He resuscitated. the society in 1914, contended successfully with the adverse conditions of the war period, and raised the society to be one of the leading musical organisations of New Zealand. His last appearance with us was on August 5, when the “Golden Legend” was repented on behalf of the Returned Soldiers’ Alemorial Fund, about £BO resulting ' Towards the end of his illness your society arranged for two complimentary concerts. In this they wore joined by the Dunedin Orchestral Society, Dunedin Philharmonic Society, Dunedin Male Choir, and Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Choir. Your committee is grateful for tho hearty cooperation in this expression of appreciation of the society’s conductor. Mr V. E. Galway accepted the position of acting conductor, commencing his duties on March 21, and on August 29 was unanimously appointed conductor. He has prepared the chorus and orchestra for, and has conducted tin; concerts of tho year. It was not possible to curry out the fiftieth year celebrations, as had been intended. Authentic information now shows that the Dunedin Choral Society gave concerts in 1870, and was probably formed, in 1864 or 1865. Inquiries are still being made, but at this date it is not easy to secure the desired data. We shall be grateful for the loan of old programmes, etc, required for our sixtieth year celebrations. The number on tho chorus roll is 160. On the whole the attendance at rehearsals has been good. The importance of regular and punctual attendances at practices cannot be over-estimated. We still welcome tenors and basses. Business migration is largely the cause of the shortage. The esprit de corps is very good. Again wo express our high opinion of the work done by our orchestra. Visitors to Dunedin who have attended our concerts, and our soloists from other centres, accord them high praise. We look forward shortly to the time when they will b‘e holding rehearsals with more satisfaction to the conductor and -them Selves. Although we close the year with unpaid accounts amounting to about £IOO, including balance due on the tympani purchased, yet we have considerably improved our position. Last year we closed with an indebtedness of about £l5O. All expenditure .has been closely