WELLINGTON PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 137, 27 February 1918, Page 3

WELLINGTON PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA

A SUCCESSFUL SEASON. The tenth annual report of the "Wellington Professional Orchestra states: The orchestra has been fortunate enough to have kept up its numerical strength during the season. The attendance at rehearsals has not been 60 good as in past years, and it is hoped that members will recognise that only regular and punctpal attendances at rehearsals will enable the orchestra to retain the musical prestige it has acquired. Concerning the concerts of last year, the conductor,, Mr. Bloy, reports a season cf consistently good performances. In fact, technically the orchestra'Jias' -shown,- -at moments, uashbs'."6f really."good worFwhich, con- 1 call ■ for-a-special ■'-word of-praise. 'J hroujrh earhestncjs, discipline, and faith in its -so much has been actompl.ibiied on so little rehearsing, and against such had general conditions, that'the-orchestra is now urged to further and greater efforts in every possible direction. More players aro badlyneeded to fill sections which are numerieajly deficient; more subscribers are needed to strengthen the exchequer and supply the necessaries of an orchestra's existence; and it evory mind be focused upon these objects, and meanwhile tho orchestra retains its standard of excellence, a day of emancipation must sooner or later come to reward all concerned for their labours. Socially, if the orchestra remains the happy family it now is, in the conductor's opinion it is capable of riding rough-shod over all its enemies and attaining to that dolightlul consummation for which it has set out —a first-class orchestra.

During the season ten concerts were given. The number of pieces performed was fifty-eight, of which six were repeated. Seventeen works new to tho orchestra wero given, of which eight were pieces not previously played m Wellim'lon. Special thanks have been rendered to Mr. Andrew Williams for donation of music. The balance-sheet shows the financial position of the society to bo very satisfactory. Ihe season's operations were started with a credit balance of £21 155., and closed witji a credit of £89 17b.- 4d. As all accounts for tho year have been paid, the season's work shows a profit or £68' 2s.' -Id.