N.Z. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24911, 26 June 1946, Page 6

N.Z. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

FORMATION THIS YEAR

. ORGANISER APPOINTED (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, June 25. The appointment of Mr Andersen Tyrer “to undertake the assembling, training and organising of the necessary personnel for a national symphony orchestra” was announced by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P, Fraser) 1 this evening. Mr Fraser said that when Mr Tyrer had finished this task; in the course of the next two years the question of securing a salaried conductor would be considered. He said the Government, to expedite the development of permanent orchestral work in the Dominion, had decided after consulting a leading musical authority in Britain, to invite Mr Tyrer, who had been highly recommended, to undertake the work. “Mr. Tyrer was musical adviser to the Government and conductor of the centennial orchestra during the centennial music celebrations in 1940,” said Mr Fraser. “It is well remembered what a splendid job for music in New Zealand Mr Tyrer did on that occasion, and on subsequent occasions when he has conducted the orchestra at concerts and broadcast performances for the National Broadcasting Service ” Mr Fraser said it had long been recognised the Government that the formation of a. national symphony orchestra was an essential step towards the fulfilment of its desire to develop in New Zealand a high standard of musical performance and appreciation, and to offer New Zealand musicians greater opportunity for developing and exercising their talent under the best professional conditions. After |he success achieved by the centennial orchestra the Government decided that when conditions were . favourable the permanent establishment of a symphony orchestra should be proceeded with. Because of the war, the project had to be held over. N.B.S. Funds to be Used “Now that war conditions are passing, it is possible to give practical effect to the Government’s intention,” said Mr Fraser. "New Zealand is to have a natjpjial symphony orchestra this year. A survey of players available has been made, and it is obvious that sufficient players ean be obtained to justify the Government in proceeding wjth the establishment of an orchestra.” The orchestra would be part of the National Broadcasting Service, whose funds would be used for the establishment and maintenance of the orchestra, but to secure tffe best integration with the musical life of the Dominion it,was intended shortly to call a conference of representatives of various musical bodies to work out a scheme for tfie Ultimate coptro] and administration of the orchestra. The constitution of the orchestra and the conditions of employment were being considered, and when they were finally determined the necessary players would be engaged and rehearsals would be commenced. Mr Fraser said the establishmenr, of the orchestra would open a new era in the musical life of New Zealand. Orchestral public concerts and broadcasts would be given regularly under the baton of the selected conductor, pr of guest conductors, and the best of New Zealand artists and outstanding artists from overseas would be engaged from time to time to appear with the orchestra in various centres throughout New Zealand. The availability of the orchestra would ensure that New Zealand could arrange for visits by outstanding, overseas guest conductors and artists whom it- would otherwise be impracticable to invite. The establishment of a permanent, orchestra would not mean the abolition of the existing part-time studio orchestras at the four main centres; and they would remain in existence;