ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 March 1939, Page 5

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

ACTIVITIES OF 1938 SEASON REVIEWED. LOSS OF LEADER AND CONDUCTOR. ‘■ln presenting to members and the public a short report of the society’s activities for the 1938 season, the executive do so with mingled feelings of pride and sorrow; pride at the musical success of the society’s concerts during the past season and sorrow at the loss by death of Mr Candy, the Society’s esteemed late leader and conductor,” states the annual report of the Masterton Orchestral Society. “The death of Mr Candy some few days after the last concert of the season was a severe blow to the society. Mr Candy was not only leader and conductor, but the society’s main inspiration. His wide musical knowledge and experience, backed by gifts which amounted to genius, his pleasing personality and untiring energy,, were all used at all times unreservedly in the society’s interest. His passing deprived the society of its most trusted counsellor and ardent friend. “Both /Concerts presented during the season were most successful from all points of view. It was especially gratifying to find that the orchestra’s presentations were widely appreciated by the large audiences which attended. With, a view to stimulating interest in the younger generation, the fast concert of the season was repeated, by kind permission of the Principal, nt the Assembly Hall of the Wairarapa College, an innovation which proved most pleasingly successful. It is hoped to make such an occasion an annual fixture.

“Two special meetings were held during the recess to consider the appointment of a new leader for the orchestra and eventually the society was fortunate enough to secure the services of Mr C. W. Kerry, who is well Known in musical circles in the Dominion for his outstanding ability in orchestral work. The executive feel that the society is now about to enter on a new chapter in its history. If the society is to continue its self-imposed task of giving pleasure and education to the community then it is justified in asking tljat the public endorse its efforts by generous support. The selection committpe have already given earnest consideration to the programme for the first concert of the year and patrons may look forward to a musical feast during the society’s first presentation of the 1939 season.

“Any young’ or new jpstrumemgljsts are cordially invited to join the orchestra and thus widen and improve their knowledge whilst giving the benefit of their talent to others. The annual meeting of the society is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21, and will take place at the Savage Club’s rooms, Perry Street, at 7.30 p.rn. A full attendance of active and honorary members is especially requested. Practices for the season will commence immediately• after the business meeting.”