NATIONAL FESTIVAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1052, 16 August 1930, Page 16

NATIONAL FESTIVAL

MUSIC WEEK OPENS THIS EVENING CHURCHES ASSISTING

The opening of Music Week this evening Will mark the commencement of one of the most outstanding events in the musical history of Auckland. For the first time in the city, all musical organisations have combined in a big effort to concentrate public attention upon music. Many churches throughout the city are also cooperating with special musical services tomorrow.

In common with other parts of the world, music in New Zealand has suffered considerably through the invasion of a cheap type of music, and the increased use of mechanical music, which more and more tends to keep people away from tlie concert halls. By musicians it is held that the public performance of music, and the participation of tho public either as performers or listeners, is to be encouraged If the cultural standard of the community is to be maintained. MECHANICAL MUSIC The committee responsible for the organisation of Music Week has not associated itself in any way with any condemnation of mechanical music in its various forms, believing it to be a useful adjunct in the spread of musical appreciation, but has expressed tho opinion, however, that at the present time it is essential that the public should be attracted in greater numbers to the concert halls if the future of the various musical organisations throughout the country is to be assured.

The of the musical societies of Auckland, and also individuals, for the purpose of Music Week, has already accomplished a good work, bringing together as it has so many musicians and music-lovers to work

for the common cause. In addition to tho cultural benefits and enjoyment that 'will result from the programmes arranged, many of the public who are not in a position to appreciate the extent to which music is practised will have an opportunity of witnessing the musical forces of the town marshalled during the week, and also gain some idea of the valuable training being | done in the State, secondary, and | Catholic schools.

Music Week will be officially opened by the Deputy-Mayor, Mr. A. J. Entrican, at the Town Hall this evening, when the first concert will be given. This evenings programme will be given by the Municipal Choir, assisted bv the Auckland Trio (Miss Ina Bosworth. Miss Molly Wright, and Mr. Cyril Towsey), Madame Irene Ainsley, and the city organist. Mr. Maughan Barnett. On Sunday afternoon a recital of sacred music will be given by tlie Municipal Choir, Mr. Maughan Barnett, Mrs. Cyril Towsey, Mrs. It. A_ Singer, and Mr. Cyril Towsey. In the evening the Municipal Band will provide the programme, assisted by Madamo Cora Melvin and bond soloists. A very fine programme has been arranged, including Beethoven s “Creation’s Hymn.” Beethoven’s “Lenore,” overture, and a selection from Wagner’s ‘’Lohengrin.” CHURCHES ASSISTING On Sunday many of the leading churches throughout the city will also take part in Music Week by arranging special musical services. In many instances reference to music and its influence upon the community will be made from the pulpits. For the remainder of the week, high-class programmes, in which the leading organisations of the city and primary, secondary. and Catholic schools will take part, have been arranged. Altogether, 17 concerts will be given, the complete series giving a very fine indication of the musical resources of the city. Community singing will also be held in the Town Hall in the lunch hour every weekday during the period, and on various afternoons and evenings speeial concerts and recitals will be given in the Lewis Eady Hall.