A NOTABLE MUSICAL ANNIVERSARY

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21416, 7 March 1935, Page 10

A NOTABLE MUSICAL ANNIVERSARY

' The Royal Christchurch Musical Society MANY ACTIVITIES IN 75 YEARS The seventy-fifth anniversary of the formation of the Royal Christchurch Musical Society is to be celebrated this year. The vjciety began its work in 18fc0, 10 years after the arrival of the Canterbury Pilgrims in the historic First Four Ships. At that lime the city had a population of between 3000 and 4000 per- '* sons. The formation of a musical society so early in the history of the province is an indication of the cultural interests of the early settlers. It is claimed that the Eoyal Christchurch Musical Society is the second oldest of existing musical organisations in Australia and New Zealand, first place going to the Philharmonic Society „ of Melbourne, which first produced "The Messiah" in 1853. If this is correct the Christchurch society can claim to be the oldest f-xistins musical organisation in New Zealand.

a »»•%., jrh ii has had a continuous . exist'-nee .-,f 75 ycais, the Koyal C - f irch Socuty at different f it; life has borne di'l'erent r !t v.'us established in ICCJ as . t j.-uury Musical Society, under x ;t continued until 1371, i hrl.-tehurch'' icplaced "v-'an-:v." In that year Mr Robert Pari;-.-.- vss the conductor and Mr C. * F. liur.2 the leader of the orchestra, the same year the Chnsichuich Orchestral Society was formed. Two iater, in 187 K. the name of the Christchurch Musical Society \va>> a'.iered to the Christchurch Harmonic Ejcj.-v with Mi' A. Landergan as onduc'jr. Mr K. Parker as organist, End Mr C. Bonniivito.i as leader of the c schcs'.ra. In the sec •i v iewried to its former title, The Christchurch Musical Society, with Mr H. Y/eiis conductor. On Dcceniber_ 4, 1833. the society umr.li'oim'ted with the Christchurch Ai.vjtour Orchestral Socjtrty and its name was changed to the Christchurch Mu.vcrl Union. In 1913 it became aga n the Christchurch Society, and in 1921 its title v.'aS ch: r cod to the Royal Christchurch Musical Soc.ety. The Early i)a;.s An interesting msir.ht into the state Of musical taste in the early days of Christchurch i> given in a leading article which appeared in "The Press Of February 19, 1364. under the ccme-

vhat cryptic hcad;n;j cf "Thoughts otter the Cricket Matcli," an English Eleven having played a Canterbury twenty-two some days previously. The opportunity was taken to make a survey of the cultural state of the province. "For cur music,"' remarked the Writer of the leading article, "to judge from what we hear in public (for there has ever bee:; a Musical Society, now dying, now reviving), we must sorrowfully come to the conclusion either that the art languishes, or that the present concert-givers do not represent Canterbury." The writer went on to suggest that the Musical Society ihouid "arrange an orchestra v/ith something of the proper proportion of stringed instruments, and manluiJy attempt the performance of a ffreater master (they car.not do better than Handel; first Performance cf "The Messiah" Or: the evening of May 23, 1864, the first perJormnnce of "The Messiah" by the i-oe:ay was c.ivt-n. Of this performance "The Press" critic wrote that it was the greatest musical treat fro frir enjoyed in Canterbury. He had feome hard words to say, however, ebout tir- use cf a harmonium to supplement the voices: "The introduction cf the viSe and vulgar tones of an . harnonifm !"-!ped to spoil almost every s'i.g dunn'.; the evening. The hanr.onis-.'jj ha.-: acquired a character lor ivvte'.ne&i m Church muric from fce.is? c..ntr; st< d with the rude and unfair. :u .strains of country village cn . . I'.t duced amongst stringed .• Jn.f ard contrasted wi'h cult i-Vau-d vo.cts, i's tones assume the character <>i a iolunn and ecelcsiasti- ! c:-l bagpipe." Particular praise was given to the singing of "Comfort Yc Ky Peopi'. 1 ," by the R.-v. J. Wilson. The Works Performed Th.- progress of the society year by yea- is revealed by ihe list of works ycifr .r"Cd at its concert". A partial J, 1 >. Ui includes; wm ui by New - .? and Australian composers, as .•well as well-known oratorios and cti.t j el- ;ical comuositicnr, is as folv.- - y.'o> ' C ' cert giv-n by the En;,dish ' r Company, assisted by the ; oeiety; also grand promenade concert given in Barnard's Repository. .Mr F. J. McCardell was the conductor. j 3864 --"The Me-jiah" "'first perform>nce by the society). The con- »;! ductor was Mr W. J. B. Stansell. ' jaOO—-The Creation" 'Haydn) and "Judas Maccabeus" (first performance by the society). Mr F. J. McCardell was the conductor. jllSfiit—"Samson" "Handel). The con|l Guctor was Mr H. W. Packer. ;f 4 IB7l—-"St. Paul" (Mendelssohn). The ' conductor was Mr Robert Parker, a 167* "Lay of the Bell" (Romberg), ,|1 "St Paul," "oamson," Mass in D |Si 'Haydn), and "Athalie." The conwas Mr j Knox. 4 aydn * "Seasons." The conducII Mr Robert Parker. ■£'* ' Mariner" (first BL by the society). Mr wiser was the conductor.

1881—"The Ei'l King's Daughter" (first performance by the society). The conductor was Mr H. Wells. 1834—"Lauda Sion," "The Crusaders," "The Bride of Dunkerron," "Theodora." and "Walpurgis Night." Mr H. Wells was the conductor. 1835 —"Last Judgment" (Spohr). Mr H. Wells was the conductor. 1836 —"The Loreley" (Mendelssohn). (First performance by the society.) The conductor was Mr I Arthur Towsey. 1887 —"Eli" (Sir Michael Costa). (First 1 performance by the society.) The ! conductor was Mr Arthur Towsey. 1888 —"Psyche" (Gade), "Alexander's Feast," and "Comala." Messrs Arthur Towsey and F. M. Wallace were the conductors this year. 1889—"Stabat Mater" (first performance by the society). This year and until 1904 Mr F. M. Wallace was the conductor. 1890—"Trio in D Minor" (Mendelssohn), "Joan of Arc" (Gaul). 1893—Concert, first part solos, and part-songs by Mr Alfred Hill, Wellington. Same year, "Naaman" 'Sir Michael Costa). 1894 —"Song of Miriam" (Schubert), "Plymn of Praise." 1895—"St. John's Eve." 1896—"Faust" (Gounod). (First performance by the society.) 1897—"Cavalleria Rusticana" (Mascagni). (First performance by the society.) 1899—"Samson" (Handel) (in association with the Christchurch Motet Society). 1302—"The Golden Legend" (Sullivan), "Hiawatha's Wedding Feast." 1903—"The Spectre's Bride." 1904—"Faust" (Gounod), "Cavalleria Rusticana," "Pagliacci" (Leoncavallo). IGo6—"Exhibition Ode" (at the Canterbury Hall). From 1905 to 1912 (inclusive) Dr. J. C. Bradshaw was the conductor. 1907—"Hinemoa" (Alfred Hill), "The Revenge" (C. Villiers Stanford), "Festival Te Deum" (Sullivan), "Choral Fantasia" (Beethoven). 1908—"Hiawatha's Wedding Feast," "Hiawatha's Departure," Dead March in "Saul" (played as a tribute to Mr F. M. Wallace, conductor of the society for 16 years, who died at Wharenui, Wanga- ' nui, on August 17, 1908.) 1909—"King Olaf." 1910—Jubilee of the society. Concert in Theatre Royal November 17. 1911—"Golden Legend" (Sullivan). Sheffield Choir (England) visited Christchurch. Concert in King Edward Barracks —"Dream of Gerontius." 1913—"Lorelei" (Mendelssohn), "Cavalleria Rusticana" (Mascagni), "Stabat Mater" (Rossini). The conductors this year were Messrs W. S. King and Alfred Worsley. 1914 —"Elijah" (Mendelssohn). Mr W. Handel Thorley was the conductor. 1915—"Faust," "The Messiah." This year and up to and including 1921, Dr. J. C. Bradshaw was the conductor. 1916—"Sleeping Beauty" (Cowen) "Lorelei" (Mendelssohn), "Choral Fantasia" (Beethoven), "The Messiah." 1917—"Festival Te Deum" (Sullivan), "The Revenge" (.Stanford), "Elijah."

1918—"A Tale of Old Japan," "The Daisy Chain" (song cycle), "Elijah." 1924—"The Ancient Mariner," Hear My Prayer," "The Erl King's Daughter," "King Olaf" (Elgar). This year and up to and including 1926 Mr Sidney Williamson was the conductor. 1925—"Merrie England," "Elijah," and "Cnractacus" (Elgar). The concert on September 15 was a memorial to Mr Albert Kaye, who was president cf the society lor 1905 to 1912, and again in 1920, and who bequeathed £SO to the society. 1920—"Maritana." "Judas Maccabeus," "The Messiah." 1927—"Faust." "Beggar's Opera," "The Revenge," "King Estmere" (G. Hoist), instrumental selection, songs for male voices, and groups of English and Russian songs. The conducted was Mr T. Vernon Griffiths. In this year the society organised a permanent amateur orchestra. 1928—"Hiawatha," "The First Walpurgis Night," "The Erl King's Daughter." Mr A. G. Thompson was the conductor. 1929 —"Caractacus," "The Golden Legend," "A Tale of Old Japan," "The Messiah." From this year up to and including part of 1934 Mr W. H. Dixon was conductor; for the remainder of 1934 the conductor was Mr A. G. .Thompson,

On November 19, 1930, the society produced "Life," the work of a New Zealand born composer, Mr Arthur Lilly, of Christchurch. This was a musical setting, for a baritone soloist, chorus, and orchestra, of Wordsworth's great ode "Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood," and was composed by Mr Lilly 15 years before it was given by the society. Dr. Bradshaw and Mr Wallace The list of the conductors of the orchestra and cfrorus of the society at different periods includes the names of many notable musicians. In the 75 years of the society's history the conductors who have served it for the longest periods have been Dr. J. C. Bradshaw and Mr F. M. Wallace. Dr. Bradshaw had two terms, the first from 1905 to 1912, and the second from 1915 to 1921, a total of 15 years. Under his baton the society was brought to a high state of efficiency both from a musical point of view and from the standpoint of numerical strength. In the later period of Dr. Bradshaw's conductorship the number of subscribers reached 545, and the number of active members of the chorus participating in the concerts, as recorded in the attendance register, was 161 in 1915, and 180 six years later - j .. Mr F. M. Wallace possessed the record for the longest continuous occupancy of the conductorship, from part of 1888 to 1904, more than 15 years. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1852, and was 36 years of age when he became conductor of the society. His musical training in the violin was undertaken by his father, who was a good musician. Afterwards he studied under his cousin, Sir Alexander Mackenzie, principal of the Royal Academy of Music, London, and when 24 years of age he continued his studies at the Leipzig Conservatorium of Music. In 1887 he took up his residence in Christchurch. ' Other notable conductors of the society have been Mr Robert Parker, CM G Mr H. Wells, Mr Arthur Towsey Mr W. Handel Thorley, Mr Sidney Williamson, and Mr W. H. Dixon. The Society's Conductors The following is a full list of the conductors of the society since its inception:— 1860 —Mr H. V/. Packer. 1861—Mr C. Merton. 1862—63—Mr F. J. McCardell. 1864—Mr W. J. B. Stansell. 1865-68 —Mr F. J. McCardell. 1869—Mr H. W. Packer. 1870-01 —Mr Robert Parker. 1872—Mr A. Landergan. 1873—Mr R. Parker. 1874—75—Mr J. Knox. 1876-77 —Mr Robert Parker. 1878—Mr A. Landergan. 1879—Mr J. T. Macleodsmith. 1880—Mr A. Landergan. 1881—85—Mr H. Wells. 1886-87—Mr Arthur Towsey. 1888—Mr Arthur Towsey and Mr F. M. Wallace. 1889-1904—Mr F. M. Wallace. 1905-12—Dr. J. C. Bradshaw. 1913—Mr W. S. King, Mr Alfred Worsley. 1914—Mr W. Handel Thorley. 1915—21—Dr. J. C. Bradshaw. 1922-23—Mr Sydney Butler. 1924-26—Mr Sidn.ey Williamson. 1927—Mr T. Vernon Griffiths. 1928—Mr A. G. Thompson. 1929—33 —Mr W. H. Dixon. 1934 —Mr W. H. Dixon and Mr A. G. Thompson. 1935—Mr A. G. Thompson. Presidents and Secretaries Many men prominent in business and other circles in the city have held the position of president of the society and have assisted directly in the guidance of its affai'-s. As far as the records now available show the young society in the two first years of its existence managed without a president. The first president of whom there is any record was Sir John Cracroft Wilson, a retired Indian civil servant who settled on the Cashmere Hills (which he named), and who was a constant patron of the opera and the drama. The list of presidents is as follows: 1862-64- : -Sir John Cracroft Wilson, C.B. 1865—Rev. J. Wilson. 1869—Mr W. J. W. Hamilton. 1873—Sir J. Cracroft Wilson, C.B. 1874-75—Mr G. Bowron. 1879—Rev. H. C. M. Watson. 1880-84—Hon. E. C. J. Stevens. 1885—Dr. Julius von Haast. 1886 —Mr Alex Carrick. 1837—Mr W. H. Wynn-Williams. 1888—Ven. Archdeacon Lingard. 1883-90—Hon. W. Reeves. 1891—Bishop (afterwards Archbishop) Julius. 1892-1904 —Mr Justice Denniston. 1905-1912 —Mr Albert Kaye. 1913-14 —Mr J. A. Frostick. 1915-17—Mr J. A. Flesher. 1918-19—Sir John Denniston.

1930—"The Dream of Gerontius," "Lucia di Lammermoor," "Life," "Cavalleria Rusticana," "The Messiah." 1931 —"Tannhauser," "Elijah," "Faust," "The Messiah." The necessary copies of the score of "Tannhauser" were the gift to the society of its president, Sir R. Heaton Rhodes. 1932—-"Carmen" and "The Revenge," "Caractacus," "Tannhauser," "The Creation." Mr Dixon conducted all these productions with the exception of "Caractacus," for which he did the preparatory work, but owing to Mr Dixon's illness, Mr T. Andrews, as deputy, conducted "Caractacus" when it was presented. 1933—"A Tale of Old Japan," "The Erl King's Daughter," "Israel in Egypt" (Handel), "Carmen," and Mendelssohn's unfinished opera, "Lorelei"; "The Messiah." 1934 —"Elijah," "Cavalleria Rusticana," "Belshazzar" (Handel). This was the first production in New Zealand of "Belshazzar," and the conductor was Mr A. G. Thompson. Works of New Zealand Composers The Importance of encouraging New Zealand and Australian composers by producing their works has been recognised by the society, and among such works have been the ode sung at the opening of the International Exhibition in Christchurch on November 1, 1906. The music for this ode was composed by Mr Alfred Hill, who conducted it at the opening ceremony. The words were written by Mr Johannes C. Andersen. The ode was given at the opening ceremony by the society in conjunction with the Exhibition Orchestra and the Woolston Band. The society also gave the ode in commemoration of the jubilee of the municipality of Christchurch in 1928, the music for which was composed by Mr R. A. Home, the words for this also being written by Mr Andersen. In 1893 there were included in one of the society's programmes several part-songs by Mr Alfred Hill, and in 1907 the society produced the same composer's work, "Hinemoa."

WEST COAST NEWS 1 GREYMOUTH SUPREME COURT (SPECIAL TO THE PRJGS3.) GREYMOUTH, March 6. The sittings of the Supreme Court at Greymouth, presided over by his Honour Mr Justice Johnston, concluded yesterday. In an application by Mrs Julia Robina Francis Ward, of Hokitika, for ; some provision to be made for her maintenance out of the estate of her father, Gabriel Heinz, as she had been left without provision in the will, a draft agreement was agreed to by the parties, and will be submitted to his Honour in Christchurch. An application by Annie O'Connor . to have a decree nisi against her husband made absolute was granted, petitioner being given custody of the two children of the marriage. Mrs Nora Brigid Boyle, of Waipukurau, made application for provision towards her maintenance from the estate of her father, Thomas O'Donnell, late of Cobden, the Public Trustee being executor. It was ordered that the plaintiff receive one-fifth of the capital of the estate, on the death of Mary O'Donnell, the widow, subject to certain conditions covering the interim period. Decision was reserved on a notice of motion by Bourke Brothers, of Barrytown, to strike out an appeal against the warden's decision by the Golden Sands Goldmining Company, Ltd. Essay Competition The judge, Mr W. Meldrum, has made the following awards in the essay competition conducted by the Opera House Company on the film "Romantic New Zealand":—Under 12 years: Ngaire Dodd 1. Twelve years and over: Doreen Guy 1. Otira Tunnel Freight Last week 10,431 tons of freight were hauled through the Otira tunnel from Westland to Canterbury, as compared with 9103 tons during the corresponding week last year, and 9902 tens in 1933. Personal Mrs E. W. Andrews and Miss E. Andrews left yesterday for Christchurch, where they will live in future. Mrs H. D. James and Miss M. James left yesterday on a visit to Wellington. Mrs W. P. Rathbun 1 -ft yesterday on a visit to Christchurch. Mr D. A. Smith, inspector to the Unemployment Board, is visiting Greymouth. Miss M. Kyle left yesterday to visit Christchurch.

REEFTON MINISTER TRANSFERRED (SPECIAL TO THE: rRKSS.I REEFTON, March 6. The Rev. A. P. Dorrian, who has been in charge of the Reef ton Wesleyan circuit for the last 12 months, has received notice of his appointment to Tuakau. in the Auckland district. The Rev. C. E. Dickens, who is at present stationed at Ngaio, Wellington, will replace Mr Dorrian next month. League Football The annual meeting of the Reefton Rugby League Club was held in the band room. Mr C. Chandler presided over a good attendance. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows: —Patroness, Mrs Stallard; chairman, Mr C. H. Chandler; vice-presidents, Dr. W. A. Conlon, Messrs P. Slattery, A. Callaghan, J. Boyle. T. L. Bennett, F. McCaffrey, and G. N. Orsbourn; secretary and treasurer. Mr T. F. McKenzie (re-elected); auditor, Mr J. McElwee; coach, Mr C. McElwee; committee, Messrs C. Chandler, J. McElwee, T. McKenzie. C. McElwee, N. Orsbourn, and the captains of the teams; selectors, Mr C. McElwee, captains, and vicecaptains of the teams. It was decided to ask the Canterbury centre to arrange an excursion to Reefton at Easter. Mr J. Langley was elected an honorary member of the club.

1920—Mr Albert Kaye. 1921-24—Mr S. E. McCarthy, S.M. 1925 —Mr W. J. Hunter. 1926-35—Sir R. Heaton Rhodes. Secretaries of the Society Following is a list of the successive honorary secretaries of the society:— 1860—Mr G. Inwood. 1862 —Mr C. W. Bishop. 1863 —Mr J. Painter. 1864—65—Mr R. Davis. 1866 —Mr A. J. Cotterill. 1869 —Mr A. J. Cotterill. 1870 —Mr J. Thomson. 1871—72 —Mr R. Davis. 1873—Mr J. S. Jameson. 1874 —Messrs H. H. Loughnan and A. R. Iwood. 1875—Mr H. H. Loughnan. 1876 —Mr R. Davis. 1877—Mr A. W. Bennett. 1880-83—Mr H. H. Loughnan. 1884-87 —Mr A. Appleby. 1888 —Messrs W. Izard and W. Devenish Meares. 1889 —Messrs J. J. Kinsey and S. H. Seager. 1890 —Messrs S. H. Seager and A. Black. 1891—Mr Wm. Black.

1892-93—Mr Thos. Garrard. 1894 —Messrs Thos. Garrard and F. C. Raphael. 1895-97—Mr Thos. Garrard. 1898—Mr H. R. Homan. 1900-1908—Mr Thos. Garrard. 1907-1911—Mr H. Antill Adley. 1912-14—Mr C. M. Parker. 1915 —Mr H. Briggs. 1916—Messrs C. H. Schwartz and G. W. Jenner. 1917—Mr H. E. Lawrence. 1918—Mrs W. Wilson. 1919—Mrs W. Wilson and Miss Shirtcliffe. 1920—Mr R. B. Owen. 1921—23—Mr H. T. Whittingham. 1924-25—Mr £. E. Marsh. 1926-35—Mr H. Antill Adley.