N S.W. State Orchestra.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 January 1922, Page 1

N S.W. State Orchestra.

) .. . _w**-**- - - ab;rival in new Zealand. " [by TELEG llAl'H —PE® PH ESS ASSOCIATION] AUCKLAND, January 4. The opinion that the Verbrugghen Orchestra from the New South Wales Conservatorium, is even better on this visit than on the occasion of its tour two years ago, was expressed by the conductor, Air Henri Verbrugghen who with the members of the combiivtion arrived from Sydney by the Maheno on Monday evening The orchestra is substantially the same in personnel as on its previous visit, but the membeis have gained much valuable training since then. The orchestra has been holding on an average four rehearsals a week, and in addition it has been giving three concerts a week or 150 a year. Mr Verbrugghen said that he had engaged some excellent players in ' place of a few who could not leave Sydney for various reasons and lie had a iso secured musicians who had been studying abroad and advanced pupils from the Conservatorium. All the members of the orchestra had acquired a great amount of experience and theoretical and technical training. In referring to the withdrawal of the State subsidy from the orchestra, Air Verbrugghen said the new Government of New South Wales had made it clear that it would not continue the subsidy if a substantial loss was incurred. On account of the maritime strike last year, however, the orchestra could not come to New Zealand, and as it was too late to- make other bookings the 80 players were idle for two months, thus incurring a great loss which together with otlner ©vents caused a. serious deficit. A scheme was finally adopted whereby a non-profit making company was formed in Sydney, with a capital of £30,000 the first £IO,OOO to he called up immediately and a similar amount each succeeding year. Another company was formed in Melbourne to secure £9OOO. New South Wales had contributed £SOOO to date. It was hoped that New Zealand would be anxious to do its share toward maintaining this organisation by small individual subscriptions, which indicated a large measure of public interest and support. The Verbrugghen Orchestra gave their first concert in Auckland on Tuesday night before an enthusiastic audience. Tire performance was a memorable one, and the audience was loth to depart. The general opinion was that the orchestra was even better than when it first appeared here.