Conservatorium Of Music N.Z. “Lack”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29514, 16 May 1961, Page 14

Conservatorium Of Music N.Z. “Lack”

(New Zealana Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 15. As New Zealand’s National Orchestra and other musical groups became increasingly active and proficient, the lack of a conservatorium of music became all the more pointed, the National Orchestra conductor (Mr John Hopkins) told members of Wellington Rotary Club today. Overseas artists were coming to New Zealand in increasing numbers, and some of them were prepared to demonstrate their knowledge in meetings with New Zealand musicians. Because there was no conservatorium opportunities were being lost for making the most of the visits of these world leaders in music New Zealand’s interest in music was of such a high order that it was being remarked upon by visiting musicians when they returned to other countries. Mr. Hopkins said. The National Orchestra had become so busy in coping with the calls made on it that there was room for a second orchestra. A factor in this difficulty in coping with engagements was the elongated shape of New Zealand, and the terrain; the National Orchestra travelled 10.000 miles a year in honouring its engagements. Travel made serious inroads into the time which, in many other closer settled countries, was available for music-making. Mr Hopkins also referred to the strength of the opera movement in New Zealand.

There were cities tike Sydney which had new opera houses, and others like San Francisco which imported artists and sets for a wonderful. short season. But New Zealand’s movement was more soundly based than those in either of these cities, and provided wonderful opportunities for a proper study of opera in this country. That a town the size of Blenheim was able to support a visit from the New Zealand Opera Company and the National Orchestra indicated the depth of appreciation for opera in this country.