BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21924, 8 April 1933, Page 9

BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY

DUNEDIN BRANCH FORMED A meeting was held in the City Council Chambers last night for the purpose of discussing the formation of a Duuedm branch of the British Music Society (New Zealand section). The Mayor (Mr R. S. Black) presided, and there was a very large attendance. The Mayor said that Dunedin was well known, particularly in the Dominion, for the great love of music the citizens had and for the high standard of musical ability displayed. Anything that assisted in promoting harmony was always welcomed by the Mayor of a city, especially in these troublous times.

Miss Ida White, the local hon. organiser, then read a statement by Miss Valerie Corliss, A.R.A.M., L.R.A.M., the hon. organiser of the British Music Society (New Zealand section). This stated, inter alia: —“All who are interested in the progress of music in this country realise that although we have achieved much, we still lack that vital factor in all national artistic life —cohesion. A working together, not a striving apart, should be our aim now and always. There should be, I think, more co-ordination between the people who make music and those who listen to music, between the professional and amateur musicians, and the lay music lovers of the country. And as one step towards this we do need more of those intimate gatherings where people meet to make music and to listen to music and to discuss music in an atmosphere of friendliness and appreciation. “As a race, we New Zealanders have inherited artistic faculties and desires; and yet, we must remember (1) our youth, (2) the insular aspect of our geographical position, (3) our distance from the art centres of the world, (4) and our recent combat as pioneers with material obstacles. Although so much has already been achieved, we want to take still further steps towards founding an art tradition and creating throughout the country that indefinable but vital spiritual quality—atmosphere. We desire to form links not only throughout our own country, but in an Imperial and international chain in order that we may become a component part of the musical whole. “The chief aim pf the British. Music Society is to maintain an organisation entirely free from personal interests or partisanship which shall work solely for the good of music. It is the link between professional performers and their audiences; its 30 odd centres throughout Great Britain and the Empire are in constant touch with the central organisation in London, thus co-ordinating musical effort within the society. . “ The society is not intended to supplant or compete with any existing organisation; it desires rather to co-ordinate scattered musical activities for the prevention ox waste and overlapping, and seeks to work in co-operation with other societies, believing that the musical life of the country can best be sustained by the united effort of all music-lovers. . “ The British Music Society exists to promote the organisation and development of music in the British Isles and the British Empire, to build up a body ox musical opinion capable of making itseit felt whenever and wherever the interests of music and music-lovers are at stake, and also to spread the knowledge of British music, of all periods, at home and abroad. It encourages its members, whereever they may be situated, to_ work towards these ends by cultivating every kind of musical activity, and —not lease, by making music among themselves believing that in these ways the love and knowledge of music are chiefly stimulated and strengthened. « The British Music Society was founded in 1918 by the late Dr Eaglefield Hull--the distinguished English organist and writer on musical subjects. _ “ The society aims at raising the status of music in education and it devotes a portion of its funds to this end. ihe British Music Society is particularly keen that schools should form branches, and offers its services in various ways—such as obtaining artists, lectures, music books on musical subjects, gramophone records, and so on. . “ One of the valuable privileges extended to British Music Society members is that provided by the Information Bureau, a boon to the individual member, who is invited by headquarters to apply for information on any and all musica, subjects. Headquarters possesses a small library of selected music. Music is provided, or else procured, for members, or recommended for both professional and amateur performances given by choral societies, orchestras, ensemble players, soloists, and so on, both at home and abroad.” The statement went on to refer to the international aspect of the movement. ' , , “The New Zealand section ■was formed in Wellington in April last, 1932, and its Headquarters Council officiates for the New Zealand section of the British Music Society. Dunedin will be the fourth branch established by the New Zealand section, the other three progressive branches being Marton, which now possesses over 120 members; Feilding and Masterton, with a membership of nearly 90. Other branches in various parts of New Zealand are in the process of working up to inaugural meetings such as this one. We have now over 200 members in Wellington." Miss White then moved: That a branch of the British Music Society (New Zealand section) be formed in Dunedin. Mr W; J. Morrell seconded the motion. He eulogised the object of the movement, and said that while the society would have as an object the study and fostering ot British music the main aim would be to interest British people in music. He was pleased to know that attention would be paid to modern and contemporary music, in which there was something that appealed to nil of them. The speaker also referred to the practical and artistic benefits that would result from the organisation. r Dr Galway said that the society was, first and foremost, a gathering of music lovers, irrespective of whether they were professionals or amateurs. Such an organisation could certainly cover a wider ground than any other containing only one section of the community. The speaker referred to the proposed activities of the local branch and to what had been done by those branches which were already in existence. . Mr T. Yernon Griffiths, editor of Music in New Zealand, said that as a recent arrival in Dunedin he had been impressed by the wonderful traditions of music in the city. He felt sure that a branch founded in such a happy atmosphere could not fail to achieve a very high purpose. The society stood primarily for the encouragement of British music, and in a secondary sense for a greater understanding ’of contemporary music. . , . The motion was carried unanimously’. COMMITTEE APPOINTED. The following committee was appointed: —Mesdames 11. C. Campbell, F. H. Carr, Miss Beatrice Barth, Miss Ida G. White, Dr Galway, Mr Max Scherek, Mr W. J. Morrell. Professor R. J. T. Bell, Professor T. D. Adams, Messrs Alfred Pels, W. F. Alexander. I. Vernon Griffiths, Thomas Ritchie, and Renfrew White. _ The committee will elect its chairman.