CHORAL SEASON

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20145, 17 March 1937, Page 9

CHORAL SEASON

PROMISING PROSPECTS. YEAR’S PERFORMANCE REVIEWED. PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY MEETING ,___. That the prospects for another very : successful choral season in Hamilton. were distinctly promising was indi—, cated at the annual meeting of that Hamilton Philharmonic Society in that George Kingston Studio last night.‘ when the conductor of the SOGieW. t .\ir 11. S. James, presided over a good attendance of members. The highly successful progress made by the society during the year.. and its present sound position, Were‘ revealed by the annual report. During the past. twelve months the' society had consolidated its position, not only musically but also with respect to its finances, slated the report. At the} commencement of the past season the ‘ society was fortunate in securing a lease or its present premises, and the weekly practices were now held in ideal surroundings. It was worthy of note that in accordance with a resolution passed at a special general meeting held on April 28, 1936, the society had become incorporated under the Act,.the certificate of incorporation being duly issued on August 11, 1936. Thus the Hamilton Philharmonic Society took rank wit‘h kindred choirs throughout the Dominion. It was pleasing to record that the substantial increase in membership during the year 1935 had been main-‘ tained throughout the season just‘ concluded. The committee, however, was desirous of increasing membership still further, particularly in re~ gard to male members. Performances During Year. In August the “Light of Asia" (Buck) had been presented, while in October a celebrity concert was held. This programme was unusually varied and proved a great success. In December Handel‘s “The Messiah“ concluded a successful choral season. The attendances at the concerts had ‘been very. satisfactory. This was particularly noticeable in regard to the first two programmes. Flnanolal Position. The balance sheet disclosed a very isatisfactory financial position. This was very gratifying, as it was felt by some members at the commencement of the year that the overhead expenses might prove too great. However, all subscriptions at the increased rate as set down by the last annual meeting had been paid, and the season ended with a satisfactory credit balance. The society‘s social side had' not been lost sight of amongst its choral activities. The annual dance was ‘held on August 18, when a large num»ber of members and friends were pre—sent: Throughout the year the com,_m_itie‘e 'had held nine Imeetings, all of Iwhich had been regularly attended by members, whose every aim had been the welfare of the society. The thanks of the society were due to the following: Miss M. Salter. hon. accomponist. for her willing assistance ‘atthe weekly practices: Mr Owen ‘Jones, as relieving conductor; Mr G. \Vheeler and Mrs M. Garner, hon. treasurer and auditor respectively. Thanks Were also due to Mr George Kingston for making the studio available for extra practices, to all assisting artists, and likewise the Press. through whose columns the society had obtained a share of its publicity. The society, along with the com—mittee, was again desirous of placing ‘cn record their wholehearted appreciation of the efiicient work rendered ‘by the conductor, Mr 11. Stanley iJames. who has proved himself to be a musician or taste. The endeavours ‘of Mr James to give to the public the very best of choral music deserved the fullest co—operaiion or all. Along with the conducior‘s leadership and the support of its members the society ,was assured of a very successful future. The incoming year should prove doubly interesting, as. in view of the Coronation, it was hoped soon to present a grand national pro—gramme. In conclusion, it could be safely stated that the self—supporting position of the society was now in augured well for its future activities. In commenting:- on the annual report the chairman stated that the choir‘s presentation of the “Light of Asia" had probably been one of the best works performed in Hamilton. The, celebrity concert had represented a particularly high standard, while the rendering of Handel's “The Messiah" by the choir had been an excellent performance. Altogether the year had been an extremely successful one. Eleotlon of Officers. The election of officers resulted as follows: President. Mr .1. ii. Fow; vice-presidents, Messrs E. R. Smith. F., (i. Amnorr. i“. Findlay: solicitor. Mr il. .l. FPi‘Kllfimi; conductor. Mr 11. R. James: pianist. Miss M. Salter: secretary. Miss .l. \V. Gardner: trea—surer. Mr George “‘hcclrr: auditor. Mrs M. Garner: librarian. Mrs \V. Starry: committee. Messrs ti. Ellis, :\. Itnlllin. tl, “Harri. .\. i'lami. Mosrlamns M. Mike". M. (inrncr, E, ii. Smith and ii. .I. lint-land, it was tloriiicd to leave the sub—srriptinn rate on the some love] as lost year. After discussion it was rm sulvml in opr‘n ihr season willi a social ncvi 'l‘licsday: Hli‘ iirst practice in he held the i'nlluwini: Tuesday.