MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10450, 2 May 1912, Page 1

MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA.

APATHETIC WELLINGTON. [FKOM Our Qjhrespon-dznt.] WELLINGTON, May 1. Wellington citizens have enjoyed the services of a municipal orchestra for two seasons, thanks to the enthusiasm of Mr Maughan Barnett, the municipal organist, and a number of sympathisers, who substantially guaranteed the City Council against loss. The programmes have been excellent, due regard has been given to the popular taste and the orchestra is admittedly capable, the performances being thoroughly enjoyable, yet the public has not shown much interest in the concerts, though popular prices have been charged. Speaking to the sparse audience at the usual concert, Mr Barnett declared that his work as conductor was a labour of lovo and had been -undertaken entirely with a view to supporting the effort to supply what at the time the concerts wore started was felt to be a great want in Wellington, the opportunity for hearing orchestral compositions, including such standard works as were within the capacity of the orchestra and also mueic of a lighter kind, so that other people might be "swindled into coming to like classics." He was quite prepared to do a great amount of work, but not if he found the people disinclined to support him. He had no hesitation in characterising the support given to these concerts as a perfect disgrace to Wellington. (Hear, hear.) The concerts must run to the end of the present season; but his own intention, unless the attendance improved greatly,, was to give up the conductorship. For the way in whioh members of the. orchestra had tackled thoir work ho had nothing but praise; they had attended well and worked like Trojans.