Makers of Music

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1052, 16 August 1930, Page 3 (Supplement)

Makers of Music

MEN WHO MADE HISTORY Auckland’s Leading Societies “MUSIC” states a famous medical specialist, “is the fourth ITI great material want of Nature. First food, then raiment, then shelter, then music.” Hard on the building of tlie dwellings of the early settlers on the shores of the Waitemata came music, one of the.few relaxations possible. In those troublesome days various regiments were stationed at Auckland and some possessed bands. It was from this source that most of flic music for the young community was obtained. As early as 185(1 a performance of “The Messiah” was given by an organised society. Ten years later was formed a musical organisation that exists today.

The history of the Auckland Choral Society makes interests t reading. It was in 18GG that the society that at present exists was founded. Before that date, however, there had been a good deal of choral singing in the City. Early records show the existence of an Auckland Choral Society in 1855,-and in 1856, a “publio rehearsal” (as concerts were then styled) of “The Messiah” was given. On December 11, 1855, a concert was given by a choral society with Mr. Joseph Brown as conductor. There were fifty vocalists and the band of the 58th Regiment. “The Messiah,”

“Elijah,” and “The Creation” appeared to be the three most popular works, and, strangely enough, these are still the most profitable that the Choral Society can perform today. Even- when operatic works faril to attract paying houses the society today can revert to these works and be assured of good houses. In May, 1858, a grand musical festival was given, consisting of

morning and afternoon performances, “The Messiah” being given in the morning and secular music in the afternoon. Those acting as stewards were the lion. Chas. Clifford, M.G.A., •the Hon. E. W. Stafford. M.G.A., Messrs. F. D. Bell, J. Olivier, F. G. Steward and Dr. Buchanan. It was about this time' that the name of Mr. F. D. Fenton, father of Mr. Roger Fenton, chairman of the Auckland Chamber Music Society, first became mentioned in connection with choral work in Auckland. In 1850 a new musical society was formed under the leadership of Herr Schmidt, with Colonel Mould, Colonel Balneavis and Messrs. Fenton, Carlet.on, Outhwaite and Brown as a committee. In the following year no fewer than six concerts were given, Beethoven’s “Mass in C,” Weber’s “Mass in G,” “The Messiah,” Spohr’s “Last Judgment.” “Israel in Egypt,” Handel’s “Te Deum” and Weber's “Mass in E Flat.” It .was in 1863 that a new' Auck-

land Choral Society was formed, trouble having been experienced in the ranks of the previous organisations. That this one was well founded is evident by the fact that it is still in existence. Mr. Fenton, who had seen the collapse of several societies, in drawing up the constitution of the I new society adopted a fine safeguard in the form of a permanent board of trustees, which can lake action at any time it considers the society’s existence to be endangered. The new society gave its first concert in the Mechanics’ Hall on December 24, when there were 70 vocalists and 20 instrumentalists. In May, 1867, the society had as a vocalist. Major Von Tempsky, who sang “The Erl King” at one of the concerts. In the same month the society took part in a concert given to Sir George Grey on his return from England, a»d later, in October, 1868, in the farewell of Bishop Selwyn. Very appropriately tlifey sang that beautiful piece from St. Paul, where the apostle bids farewell to lus brethren, telling them that they shall see his face no more.

The present president of the society is Mr. C. B. Plummer. Until this season Mr. Plummer was also chairman of the committee, this office now being held by Mr. E. E. Pierce, the vicepresident, also an old and valued member of the organisation. The management committee is Mesdames Collier, Betts, and Messrs. T. Birtley, J. Black, J. West, J. Miller, C. Sandford, H. C. Robinson, and R. C. Barnes. The trustees are Messrs. 11. J. Edmiston, C. B. Plummer, E. A. Brown, and Professor C. W. Egerton. There are two life members, Messrs. H. D. Bunby and H. J. Edmiston. Two or three seasons ago Mr. R. W. Strong took over the office of secretary, and has proved an efficient and capable officer, with the interests of the society well at heart. Mr. C. Double is librarian, with Mr. F. Austin as assistant. Under the direction of Mr. Colin Muston, the Choral Society continues the good work that played such a prominent part in the early history of the province. Although hard times in the (Continued overleaf.)

musical world have at times seriously affected its finances, the society still attracts a large and loyal following, and the standard of the work performed still ranks high. ROYAL MALE CHOIR Now in its thirty-ninth season, the Royal Auckland Choir is also a society whose members, when in reminiscent vein, have much to tell of the early musical history of the city. In its ranks are many who have played a big part in firmly establishing music in the community, and the choir itself has performed yeoman service in advancing its cause. A meeting called by the late Mr. Gilbert King, then manager of the

Bank of New South Wales, resulted in the formation of the choir, then known as the Auckland Liedertafel. Mr. Arthur Towsey, father of Mr. Cyril Towsey, was elected conductor, and this position he held until he left Auckland in 1905. The first rehearsal was held in the studio of Mr. Frank Wright. “Amidst easels, paint, and palettes, and other necessary adjuncts of an artist's studio, we sat or stood,” writes Mr. Arthur Towsey, in describing recently the inception of the choir. “The majority of those present had reason to remember that practice, for they took away with them self-imposed donations of paint on their clothes.

But they did not seem to care. They said it lent colour to the li^eting.” IN GOOD HANDS Strong “esprit de corps” has always been a characteristic of this organisation, a factor that has contributed largely to its continued success over such a long period of years. On the executive and in the choir there are still members who took part in that memorable first practice in 1892 of which Mr. Towsey writes. The present chairman, Mr. A. Trenwith, is an original member and, apart from his executive <mties, is still a very active member of the choir. Assisting him is the following committee:—Messrs. A. M. Walton, P. S. Cousins, L. O’Malley and J. H. Ivinnear. Mr. B. H. Coltman, for several years assistant to Mr. S. J. Harbutt, who held the office of seertary for nearly 30 years, is now the secretary, with Mr. W. Coltman, who has been with the choir some 20 years, as'treasurer. The assistant secretary is Mr. L. Russell, Mr. J. Striqkett, a member who joined

| up iii 1903, is librarian, and Mr. B. A. Layland, whose association with the organisation dates back to 1904, is auditor. With men of this service at the helm, it can well be said that the affairs of the choir are in the hands of men who have its interests . well at heart. Following Mr. Towsey’s departure, Mr. T. E. Midgley and Mr. Alfred Hill, now of the State Conservatorium at Sydney, held the baton for short periods until the latter half of 1905, when the present conductor, Dr. W. E. Thomas, Hus. Doc., was appointed. Dr. Thomas, who was born at Oxford, obtained his early musical training in the cathedral choir of Christ Church, where lie sang solos for eight years. He was articled to Dr. C. W. Corfe, of, Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, and later was appointed organist and choirmaster at the church of St. Mary and St. John, at Cowley. At the age of 20 he had obtained the degree of Mus. Bac., Oxford. Five years later he obtained the degree of Mus. Doc., ho being then the youngest Doctor of Music at the University. Dr. Thomas is at present Professor of Music at the Auckland University College and also organist and choirmaster at St. Paul’s Church. From his pen have come many fine works. A cultured musician. Professor Thomas lias brought to the choir the best traditions of English choral music. This is reflected in the choir’s work, particularly in the purity of tone and the general finish that is the hall-mark of its work. BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA In the absence in New Zealand of a State orchestra, and the presence of numerous difficulties that for many many years will prevent such a proposal from becoming an established fact, it is absolutely essential that the amateur orchestras in the main .centres be maintained at full strength. An efficient orenestra, which is a city's vehicle of musical expression, is one of a city’s first needs. There is also no doubt but that it is by the standard of a city's orchestras, if it is fortunate enough to possess more than one, that the musical standard of the city is judged. I In the Bohemian Orchestra the City has been well served. Of Auckland’s musical societies it is the youngest of them all, having been formed in 1914, a time which events afterward proved was not the most auspicious for starting anything, excepting patriotic and relief societies. During the war period there was a constant struggle to keep the orchestra up to strength, but the orchestra not only won through, but also secured for Itself a substantial credit balance. Then came the still leaner years that marked the world invasion of cheap, shoddy music. These proved harder years, financially, than the war years and the orchestra, in common with most societies, has had to stand by and watch unprofitable seasons pass by and bard-earned savings gradually dwindle away in an effort to keep music going. But, even so, the society is still In a much better position than most others and with the great revival of orchestral music in England which, sooner or later, must extend to New Zealand, brighter days appear to be in store. Recently Sir Thomas

Beecham and a big London orchestra essayed the interesting experiment of providing a half-hour programme at a vaudeville entertainment. The programme, which included Bach and Wagner, was loudly cheered. In Auckland also signs are not wanting of the return to public popularity of the symphony orchestra.

For the first three years of its existence the orchestra had for its chairman Mr. C. B. Plummer, who has been actively associated with Auckland musical societies for many years. At the present time he is a member of the committee and a life member of the orchestra and, incidentally, a member of the Music Woek Committee. lit 1917 Mr. F. Prime followed Mr. Plummer as chairman, serving until 1920, when Mr., A. E. F. Gilbert took over, followed by Mr. H. Ilemus (1922-23), Mr. L. • Lambert (1924-2 G), and Mr. G. 11. Woolley (1927-1929). Mr. J. Palairet, an active member of the orchestra for a number of years, succeeded Mr. Woolley at the commencement of the present season.

Mr. Colin Muston, who adds theeonductorship of the Aucklaud Choral Society and Auckland Operatic Society to his many activities, conducts the orchestra with Miss Edith Whitelaw, L.R.A.M., and Mrs. R. A. Singer as leader and deputy-leader, respectively. Mr. Cyril Towsey, a wellknown name in Auckland’s musical history, is the orchestra's talented accompanist. The present executive committee consists of Messrs. L. R. Brakenrig, H. Benn, R. Fenton, 11. Hayes, G. C. Lyttelton, L. E. Lambert, C. B. Plummer, F. Prime, W. Shepley, J. Thompson, G. H. Woolley, Dr. H. Cox and Mr. J. R. Sutton. Mr. W. J. Caddell is the orchestra’s very efficient secretary, and Mr. S. Coldicutt, a former

secretary, lends valuable support as honorary business manager. At present the orchestra is approximately SO strong, although on one occasion last season this was brought up to over a hundred when a very fine performance of Tschaikovsky’s “1S12” Overture was given. The aim of the orchestra is to provide orchestral music of as high a standard as possible, but with the falling-off in subscribers this has become a task of increasing difficulty. Good music costs money to buy, but nevertheless the orchestra has'resolutely set itself against any lowering of the standard. At the next annual meeting members of the orchestra will no doubt be called upon to review the situation in regard to the future activities of the orchestra. It is sincerely to be hoped that by then the musical situation will have cleared considerably and that with- the aid of an active campaign for subscribers the orchestra will be enabled not only to continue the same number of concerts a season, but also increase considerably its valuable field of activity