DUNEDIN'S MUSIC WEEK

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 40, 29 March 1940, Page 30

DUNEDIN'S MUSIC WEEK

Some Notes On The Organiser

UNEDIN eiisteners will know Geo. E. Wilkinson, B.A., Lecturer in Music at the Dunedin Training College, as one of the city’s most active musicians, Although he was primarily educated for school teaching, Mr. Wilkinson’s decided leaning towards music early made him active as a pianist, accompanist, and later organist. Seven years as organist and choirmaster at the Wesley Church, Oamaru, was followed by a _ similar period at Columbia Presbyterian Church, Oamaru, and eleven years as music master at Waitaki Boys’ High School,

where there is a splendid organ in the Hall of Memories. During his residence in Oamaru with various choral organisations he produced many fine choral works, as well as many concerts of smaller choral and orchestral numbers. The almost annual performance of Handel’s "Messiah" was a feature of the Christmas season, and many of New Zealand’s finest soloists have been associated with Mr. Wilkinson in that work in Oamaru. When he was appointed Lecturer in Music at Dunedin Training College, the Training College Choral Society was organised. His other activities include deputising at the Dunedin Town Hall Organ during Dr. Galway’s absence abroad, and organising the Primary Schools’ Festival last year, in which nineteen schools, and approximately 1,000 children, participated. Mr. Wilkinson is busy at present as secretary-organist for the Dunedin Centennial Music Week, in June.