Our Music Season

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 292, 1 March 1928, Page 14

Our Music Season

Auckland Societies Busily Preparing AN EARLY START Although some time must yet elapse ; before the musical season, as regards : amateur activities, can be said to have , commenced, Auckland societies are already preparing for the 1928 session. This is particularly pleasing, indicating as it does a degree of enthusiasm which promises well for the success of the various undertakings. The Auckland Choral Society, which held its annual meeting last week, will shortly commence active work. Although definite arrangements have not yet been completed it is understood Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” will be presented in May, and later on, Bizet’s opera “Carmen,” providing suitable arrangements can be made. If available one of Alfred Hill’s works will also be undertaken. From a box office point of view the two latter should prove popular, although it is perhaps to be regretted that a more interesting operatic selection had not been made. Probably the society’s experience with “Aida,” which was rather expensive, has this year influenced the selection of a better known work. To quote the society’s musical director, “to find a work with a good box office return is indeed difficult.” Many and varied ' are the difficulties that confront ama- . teur musical organisations these days and it is only by the enthusiastic : backing up of all members, and the ’ making of some personal sacrifice that ' success can be attained. Otherwise everything is a waste of time. The Bohemian Orchestra, which held its annual meeting last week, are to go ■ into active work this week. With a number of new works on the library ; shelves the society has a busy time : ahead before the first concert is pre- 1 sented. The Royal Auckland Choir, under the direction of Professor Thomas, will | again take up their work on the first - Monday in March, an early start which . should enable them to make the necessary additions to their repertoire before the first concert is advertised. <