MASTERTON ORCHESTRA.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 30 June 1928, Page 4

MASTERTON ORCHESTRA.

ITS HISTORY AND AIMS. The foundation of the Masterton Orchestra was brought about in 1926 by a number of musical enthusiasts on the Lansdownc school staff, aided by one or two outside instrumentalists, and was first designated the Lansdowne School Orchestra. As- the membership grew the name “School” was omitted, until at the beginning of the 1927 season the interest and enthusiasm of the members and its growing membership merited the formation of a properly organised society, and the name Masterton Orchestra was adopted. This year the playing membership of the Society is stronger than ever —now numbering some thirty performers —and with the inclusion of non-playing members the committee has great hopes in arousing public interest in the aims of the Society.

Briefly set forth, these are for the promulgation of better class music, for the education of the 'individual performers and the pleasure which it is hopcd the audience expicriences while listening to the performances. That the orchestra will in time supply a long-felt want in the musical life of the people of Masterton is undoubted, and its efforts in that direction will be as successful as the moral and financial support of music lovers in the town gives it. The work is a labour of love on the part of the conductor ami performers, and as such deserves well from the people, who realise the necessity of encouraging—particularly in the transient and trying period through which society 'is passing—the best in any part. The first of this season’s concerts is to be given in the Opera House on Wednesday. On this occasion the .orchestra are to be assisted by Mrs Woodward, Wellington’s leading -so*prano, and Mr F. G. Bourkc, a baritone already popular in the Wairarapa. Popular prices are being charged," and the plan is at Arts and Crafts.