MUSICIANS MAY GIVE SERIES OF CONCERTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19014, 8 March 1930, Page 7

MUSICIANS MAY GIVE SERIES OF CONCERTS.

DOMINION-WIDE MUSIC WEEK IS PROPOSED.

A movement is now on foot among the professional musicians to counter the effects of the “ talkies ” on the orchestras and to arrange the performance of musical works in public. It is believed that, with the introduction of the “ talkies ” and the abolition of music from the cinema houses, a number of instrumentalists will be keen to meet periodically for mutual orchestral practice and public performance, while a Music Week is proposed.

A meeting of those interested will be held to-morrow at 10.30 a.m. in Messrs Charles Begg and Co.’s recital room, when the course to be adopted will be discussed. It is proposed that the proceeds of concerts should either be divided amongst the performers or go to a fund for the assistance of those musicians placed in necessitous circumstances through lack of engagements due to the introduction of the “ talkies.”

A movement is also being formed by the New Zealand Society of Professional Teachers of Music for the stimulation and encouragement of the performance of music in the Dominion. The Canterbury Division of the Society will hold an inaugural meeting in the City Council Chambers on Tuesday, March 18, at 5.15 p.m., when the Mayor, the Rev J. K. Archer, will preside. The New Zealand Society proposes that a Music Week will be held in all the larger centres some time in August. The society realises that the Dominion lags somewhat behind in the number of those taking an active part in musical performances, and it is hoped that such a movement would tend to stimulate interest in the art of music by inducing as many as possible of the population to take an active part as performers rather than as mere listeners. It is proposed to organise a week devoted to music on lines similar to the following:— Sunday—Organs, bands, church choirs. Monday—Savages, Orphans, male choirs. Tuesday—Children’s choirs. Wednesday—Modern music (solo). Thursday—Orchestral and choral performances. Friday—Lieder and chamber music. Saturday—Bands and operatic excerpts. In the afternoons illustrated lectures would be given, while the exchange of performers between one centre and another is recommended. In connection with the Music Week proposal, it is interesting to note the views expressed to a “ Star ” reporter on Thursday in this respect by Mr E. Douglas Tayler, supervisor of school music in the Dominion. “ I should like,” said Mr Tayler, “ the people of New Zealand to envisage a scheme for the mobilising of the entire artistic forces of the country. This .would consist first of the development of instruction in all arts through the educatioii system, then the formation of a federation of amateur arts associations, wherein the children could have the field for the exercise of their powers, after leaving school, in a social environment. The work of these associations could have for its focus periodical festivals of fine arts in all the principal centres. This is a scheme which seems to be wholly practical and capable of rapid development. In the country district the school would seem to be the focal centre for this development.”