CONCERT CUSTOMS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 532, 8 December 1928, Page 8

CONCERT CUSTOMS

Sir, — I noted with some interest a suggestion made in The Sun's music columns on Thursday that, following the practice now being almost universally adopted, house lights be lowered during the progress of concerts. For many years past it has been the practice at concerts and recitals to keep all the lights on, instead of "blacking” the house, as is done at theatrical performances. This is one of the old concert customs that have done so much to discourage attendances. It is not only disconcerting to the performers, but a source of continual distraction to the audience, and it also detracts from any attempt at artistic stage decoration. For my own part, I find it very tiring to the eyes to concentrate on the stage when all the lights are on, and I can certainly listen with greater appreciation when they are out. This is a matter which should be taken up by some of our musical societies, and also the question of stage decoration, which is badly needed in our bleak and rather uncomfortable Town Hall. They should make this the start of a movement for better and brighter concerts. Lack of musical appreciation is not responsible for the poor attendances so much as the indescribable dreariness of cur concert halls and, also, most of our concerts WEARY LISTENER.