THE NATIONAL ORCHESTRA

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27397, 9 July 1954, Page 13

THE NATIONAL ORCHESTRA

TRIBUTES PAID TO MR BRAITHWAITE FAREWELL GATHERING IN CHRISTCHURCH Appreciation of Mr Warwick Braithwaite 8 woxk lor tne Nauonal orenesua and young New Zeaiana musicians, uurmg uis term as guest conductor ox me orchestra, was expressed by leaders oi musical organisations yesteiuay, wnen uiey met to bid mm xarewell in the iaayor s room at me cnrisicnurch city council cnamoers. unuae me piopnet who was not wimout honour save in ms own country, ivir uraimwaue naa returned to me land oi ms Dirm, mgnly esteemed ipr ms ouislanding aexuevments overseas, saia me utpuvy-iviayor (.Mr G. Manning?. ivir ci aithwaite had made a wonderful conaiouuon to music tnrougnout i\ew z,eaiana whue ne haa oeen in me Dominion, Mr manning said, “inspirations or mis luna neip us to keep anreasi with musical development oveiseas, and we meet toaay io express in person our sincere uianKs and appreciation to mm,” ne said. ivir ±>raitnwiate s magniucent work wun the National orenestra had greatly ennened me lives of musicivvers in Cnristchurch, said Mr J. lu. nay, cnairman or me cnristchurcn civic Music council, me organisation wnicii arranged me function. Encouragement of Young Musicians Each conductor of the orchestra —Mr Anaerson lyrer, Mr Micnael Bowles, ana Mr Braithwiaie—nad made conLrioutions to the quality and understanding of the orenestra, Mr Hay said. One oi Mr Braitnwite’s acnievements nad been the fray in wmen he had encouraged young New Zealand artists to play wuh tne orchestra. It was most gratifying that most oi the audiences at tne orchestra’s concerts were young people. “Mr nrannwiate has done a wonderful job of consolidation within the orchestra itself, and in consolidating the position of tne orchestra in the minds of New Zealand people,” said Mr C. Foster Browne, chairman of the music committee of the Civic Music Council. There was a considerably wider interest in the orchestra now than a few years ago, when Mr Braithwaite arrived. “In Mr Braithwaite we have had a New Zealander who has gained the widest possible experience overseas, and who has come back to us to help,” Mr Browne said. Many promising students from the Dominion were sent

abroad and they did very well, but they did not return because worthwhile opportunities were not offered to them.

Dr. Vernon Griffiths, professor of music at Canterbury University College, said that Mr Braithwaite had been acclaimed all over the world as a great conductor. “I wonder if New Zealand really appreciates the honour it has received by his visit,” he said. “Mr Braithwaite is big enough to stand alone; he does not have to run into the shelter of musical cliques, as smaller men do.” The National Orchestra was one of the country’s greatest cultural assets, and it had encouraged young people to love orchestral music, Dr. Griffiths said. Players in the orchestra had a warm affection and respect for Mr Braithwaite, who was not afraid to present music of all kinds. “We look back on his stay with great gratitude to him and for what the orchestra has done under his direction,” he said. \ Mr Braithwaite’s Reply Replying, Mr Braithwaite said the task of a conductor was a very strenuous one, but because of the great co-operation of the players in the National Orchestra and the firm support of the New Zealand Broadcasting Service, his job had been easier than he ever dreamed it could be. “This country has an abundance of young artists, both pianists and singers, who should be helped by the orchestra,” he said. “By playing with an orchestra, they learn the best way to perform their art. It isi the responsibility of the orchestra and its conductor to further music in New Zealand.”

The orchestra’s new conductor, Mr James Robertson, was a charming person and a great musician, Mr Braithwaite said. “I am sure the orchestra will go further in his charge.” Referring to remarks he made about the Civic Theatre in an interview with “The Press” on Wednesday, Mr Braithwaite said Christchurch needed a new post office, a new railway station, and a new concert hall. Some people might take exception to this remark, but no offence was intended. “I do hope in a very short time you will have as fine a concert hall here as the one in Dunedin, which is the finest in Australia or New Zealand,” Mr Braithwaite said. Mr Andrew Gold, an Auckland

tenor who sang with the National Orchestra last evening, and Mrs Gold were also guests at tne function. “We don’t mind references to the Civic Theatre,” said Mr Manning. “What he has said is a good challenge to the City Council to see if something can be done.”