ROYAL CHORAL SOCIETY

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1669, 8 February 1913, Page 9

ROYAL CHORAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT.

The annual report of tho Royal Wellington Choral Society, to be submitted at; tho annual meeting to bo hold in St Joliirs bchoolroom, on Tuesday, February 20, congratulates members on the most successful year of its existence. It states:—

1 ho.-following were tho works performed during' the season :-'Cavalleria luisticana, 'Iho Redemption/''A Talo of .Old Japan,' 'The Messiah/ The soloists being Madam© Wielaert, Madamo Briggs. Misses Eosina Buckmann, Muriel Bennett, Madame Kirkby Lunn, Misses Doris s?i nn i 9 ora Denhard, Messrs. Walter }} X Newbury. Sydney Butler, 0. H. SJsyens, ,B. ,T. Hill, Andrew Black. James A f Dohc/ty, Hamilton Hodges, and' Courteiiay V./Molir. From ft 1 musical (point of view/tho society has well main-, .tamed its already high reputation and now desires to thank tho public generally for tho enthusiastic support accordcd it, thus enabling tlio committco to present a very satisfactory balance-sheet. This splendid, support encouraged the oonimittee to obtain tho services of Mr. Walter Whyto, of Sydney, and Mr. Andrew Black, England's famous baritone, for tho 'Messiah' concfrt, and hearing that Madame Kirkby Lilnn would bo in New Zealand about tho. same time, your committee opened negotiations for the appearance cf this world-famed contralto,' aud wore finally successful in securing her services. For the 'Messiah' concert vtho booking at tho Dresden box offico for tlio opening day established a record for Wellington, and probably for the Do-, minion, seats to the value of JGB4O being the booking for tho day, thus relieving' the committee of further concern regarding tlio financial success. During tho' year your committee has added to the library by having purchased tho following complete works: 'Ca valleria Rusticana,' 'A Tnlo of Old Japan,' and' Carmen,' at a. total cost of ,£lll. During tho year the committee received the resignation of its 'conductor, Mr. J. Maujhan Barnctt, ho having accepted tho position ,of city organist at Auckland. The prominent position that this society holds musically throughout the Dominion is largely dueto the energj' and enthusiasm which Mr! Barnett instils into'all who come under his baton. Tho committee desires to express its regret" that Mr. Barnett has ftmnd:it neMssary to sever his connection with tho society, and'as"a mark of tho ■society.s appreciation ;of his long and valued services, the committee, has decided to tender him a farewell concert at- an early date. Steps wero immediately taken to have tlio vacancy filled by advertising throughout Australasia. - ■ Tlio thanks of the committco aro duo . to Mr. Horace Hunt, lion, accompanist, members of tho orchestra, anU all others who have assisted tho society during the • year. Special mention should be, made of tlio Dresden Piano .Co. for the uso of' booking office, as wA recognise that tho year has been on exceedingly heavy one from their ippint of .view. .The enthusiasm displayed by the ■ performing members of tho society is much appreciated by your committee." • •

.Thi receipts for, tho different concerts .Riven during' tho year were:—'"Cavnllcria Itustiicana," 415G-Bs, j "Tho Redemption, ,J 473 Is. 6d.j "A Tale of Old Japan,"',£ 93 12s. 6d.; "Tho Messiah," 4fS9 195.; mak-' ing a' total (with ■ subscriptions, etc.) of 41800-ils. Id. During ' the year the society paid away the sum of '.£397 Bs. to soloists, ,£133 19s. Gd. to members of the orchestra, and .£lll 15s. lOd. for music j tho conductor's fee was .£l2O, and tho oncrgetio secretary (Mr. W. E. Caldow) received a bonus of .£SO. A net balance' of :4107. .7s.- lOd. (including; 498 55.--Bd. broughtllforward) is shown. In addition to the cash at bank and-in hand, there is a library of music (valued • at its lowest) at 41G5 15s. 10d., and there is a sum of 470 10s. to be probably refunded from London. The .value of assets over liabilities is set dpwn at 4372 Cs. Bd.,