VERBRUGGHEN ORCHESTRA

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 75, 21 December 1921, Page 9

VERBRUGGHEN ORCHESTRA

AN APPEAL TO MUSIC-LOVERS.

Henri Verbrugghen has probably done more to raise the musical standard in Australia and New Zealand than any other half-dozen musical leaders who might be mentioned off-hand. Next to Nikisch," said Mr. Daniel Mayer, the well-known impressario. "I place Verbrugghen first among living conductors," and Mr. Mayer has been controlling’ great artists all his life. Henri Verbrugghen is among the elect as an orchestral conductor, and the effort that is being made to retain him and his orchestra is believed to merit thio attention and interest of all lovers of the best in music. New Zealanders are to hear the orchestra again next month, and that at moderate prices; but whilst that will be a delightful experience, the more important factor as an effecting and lasting influence on music is the retention of Henri Verbrugghen and his organisation. Sydney and Melbourne people agree that it would be a thousand pities if such an orchestra and leader were to be lost, and a. great endeavour is being made to build up a guarantee fund which will ensure their being as a composite body for at least three years. Now South Wales is'raising J!21,000, and Victoria JJ9009 (all subscribed). It is the New South Wales people who are carrying the load, and that company is asking New Zealand to guarantee J3lOOO. This is being done in the Jo rm of guar'antee bonds, which provide that any one person ma.y take up not more than five shares, ns it is desired to extend the interest as much ns possible. No difficulty in raising the fund is expected. People are asked, however, to write in promptly to any member of the Wellington 'committee (whose names appear in an advertisement in this issue) as ffflrly as possible, if it is only to obtain Sis privilege of preferential booking which is being given to guarantors.