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strength. A plan was therefore put into operation whereby a group of players from the Orchestra was stationed in each of the main centres for such time as the Orchestra would not be required to function as a whole. The groups dispersed to their centres early in November, 1946, and, in addition to undertaking broadcast programmes during the ensuing three months, they spent much time in preparation of the National Orchestra's repertoire. The greater part of the Orchestra remained in Wellington, training under Mr. Tyrer in preparation for the 1947 concert season. The full Orchestra reassembled in February, 1947, and commenced intensive rehearsal of the programmes selected for its first two public performances in the Wellington Town Hall. The Wellington inaugural concert was presented on 6th March, 1947, in the presence of the Prime Minister, members of the Cabinet, the Diplomatic Corps, and other national and civic dignitaries, together with a large audience of the public. The whole concert was broadcast by 2YA, and portions were rebroadcast by stations in other centres. The second concert was given in Wellington on 12th March, 1947, under the conductorship of Mr. Andersen Tyrer, and the Orchestra made its third appearance on 29th March, appearing under Dr. Edgar Bainton, of Sydney, as guest conductor, and with Lili Kraus, overseas pianist, as guest artist. On 14th and 21st March, the Orchestra gave its first two concerts for post-primary schools. Specially selected programmes, including an explanation of the functions of the various instruments of the orchestra, given in entertaining manner by Mr. Tyrer, provided for some 4,500 secondary-school pupils their first opportunity of seeing and hearing the work of a symphony orchestra of high standard. These concerts were given free of charge, and annotated programmes were provided for each member of the audience. The co-operation of the Education Department was secured to arrange for the allocation of seating in the hall and the organization necessary to assemble and seat the audience. Great importance is attached to the presentation of these concerts for younger people. Among them will be found not only audiences of future years, but also, it is hoped, the orchestral musicians of the future. By the end of March plans were well advanced for presentation of concerts by the Orchestra in Christchurch and Dunedin. Three evening concerts were arranged for Christchurch, the first and third under the conductorship of Mr. Tyrer, the second to be under the guest conductorship of Dr. Edgar Bainton. Arrangements were also made for two schools' concerts to be presented in Christchurch. Two evening concerts were planned for the Dunedin season, and again two concerts for post-primary schools. Plans were also in preparation for the orchestra to visit Auckland for a somewhat longer season in June and July, 1947. In its initial concerts the orchestra established itself with the public as an outstanding addition to the country's musical life, and great credit was reflected on the members of the Orchestra and Mr. Tyrer for the standard of work achieved at the beginning of the undertaking. It is too early at this stage to estimate the final effect the formation of this Orchestra will have on the musical life of the Dominion, but it is certain that it will be far reaching and entirely beneficial. PUBLIC CONCERTS INTRODUCING CELEBRITY ARTISTS The year 1946 marked the vigorous resumption by the New Zealand Broadcasting Service of another important activity, pursuing the policy of presenting at public concerts and recitals artists of world standing. Among the artists thus presented in public concerts was Lili Kraus, a concert pianist who came to New Zealand with a high reputation from the Continent and Australia for artistic and brilliant performances. Her first tour, in June and July, 1946, was a conspicuous success from both concert and broadcast viewpoints, and the press combined with the public in expressing approval of the policy which made such concerts and broadcasts possible.

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