DUNEDIN PHILHARMONIC.

Otago Witness, Issue 3869, 8 May 1928, Page 75

DUNEDIN PHILHARMONIC.

ANNUAL MEETING OF SOCIETY. The annual general meeting of the Dunedin Philharmonic Society was held in the society’s practice room on Tuesday evening, Mr W. J. Morrell presiding. The committee’s report for the year was as follows:— In submitting the twenty-fourth annual report your committee is pleased to state that the past year has been a very successful one in many ways. The rehearsals during the year have been well attended, while the interest by the members has been well maintained, with the result that the society was able to give four very successful concerts, which were favourably commented on by the press and subscribers. Your committee has again to urge on all members the necessity of regular attendance at rehearsals, and thus help the conductor to keep the orchestra up to its present state of efficiency. As usual, four concerts were held during the year. The principal works performed were :—Symphonic poem, “ A Journey Through Hades,” by Dehann ; overture, “ Tannhauser ” ; Symphony No. 3, “ Eroica,” in E flat, by Beethoven; Children's Overture by Quilter; March Slav,” by Tschaikowsky; overture, “ Fancesca da Rimini,” by Morlacchi; symphonic poem, “ Findlandia ” by Sibelius; overtur to the opera, “ 11l Gurany,” by Gomez. The best thanks of the society are again dhe to those ladies and gentlemen who sang for us during the past year, also to th' bon. librarian (Mr N. Shepherd), hon. treasurer (Mr N. Mathieson), and hon. auditor (Mr A. Williamson). Special thanks are again due to the press for the valuable space given to reporting the society’s concerts. To our conductor, Signor Squarise, the society is -deeply indebted for his continued interest in the welfare of the society. Few realise the difficulties that face the conductor of an amateur society, as he is put to a vast amount of trouble at times in filling vacancies in the orchestra, and members can best show their appreciation of his services by their regular attendance at rehearsals. Signor Squarise, our conductor, is shortly leaving for a trip Home, and the society desires to wish Signor and Madam Squarise a pleasant trip and a safe return. The council has appointed Mr T. J. Kirk Burnnand as conductor of the orchestra during Signor Squarise’s absence, and the council trusts that the members will give Mr Burnnand every assistance by attending the practices regularly.

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, referred to the successful season the society had had musically, and spoke of the excellent work of the society’s conductoi during the year. He also stated that Signor and Madam Squarise were shortly proceeding on a trip to the Old Country, and, on behalf of the the society, he wished them a most enjoyable trip and trusted thej' would return with renewed vigour. He had also much pleasure m introducing Mr T. J. Kirk Burnnand, who had been appointed by the committee to conduct the society during the absence of Signor Sauarise, and he trusted the mem. bers would accord him the same support as they had given to Signor Squarise in the past. The chairman also referred to the necessity of members making an effort to obtain new subscribers to make up for those who dropped out from time to time from various causes. In conclusion he wished the society a prosperous and successful year. Mr J. Himburg seconded the motion, which was carried. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year : —President, Sir W. A. Sim ; vice-presidents—Dra A. J. Hall, W. Evans, W. Garland, his Worship the Mayor (Mr W. B. Taverner), Miss M. D. Stewart, Messrs P. R. Sargood, W. J. Morrell, J. Renfrew White. P. L. Ritchie, J. H. Walker, W. J. Begg, W. J. Croft; hon. treasurer Mr J. P. Mathieson ; secretary, Mr E. S. Wilson; hou. solicitor, Mr E. J. Smith ; hon. auditor, Mr A. Williamson; council—Dr J. R. Elder, Messrs J. Himburg, W. P. Miles, H. Parker N. Shepherd, W. Marks, W. Fielden, G. A. Bunz; librarian, Mr N; Shepherd ; assistant librarian, Mr W. P. Miles. A vote of thanks to Mr W. J. Morrell for presiding terminated the meeting.