NEW ZEALAND MUSICIANS
The Editor, "The Listener" Sir,-Despite the eulogies so lavishly bestowed by The Listener upon the organisers, conductor, and soloists of the National Festival of Music, as a New Zealander I cannot help feeling a sense of disappointment, and perhaps a sense of shame. I am not alone in thinking that those responsible for the published musical programme have failed completely to realise that we are (or should be) celebrating a New Zealand event. Surely with the native resources at our command with the musical: talent (particularly vocal), we could make this festival a celebration, as far as possible, of national music performed by our own artists. I see no reason to overlook the work of Alfred Hill as a composer and musician. Surely "Hinemoa" is not considered’ as a poor relation, not to be paraded in public. If Alfred Hill was unable to conduct, there were others available. For soloists, have we any need to go beyond these shores? As far as the men are concerned the names of Oscar Natzke, Denis Dowling, and Hubert Carter are a guarantee of the musical worth of any performance with which they are associated. The present inclu-
sion of Oscar Natzke is the one bright spot in the programme. Until we give the best in musical opportunity to our young artists we cannot expect them to give of their best. I would wish to see less lip service to New Zealand as a nation and more practical. encouragement from official circles. Finally, is our New Zealand National Anthem worthy of inclusion in our Centennial Musical Programme? Yours. etc..
MAUI
Christchurch, April 22, 1940. (Our correspondent will find most of her complaints answered when the Festival begins. »)
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19400503.2.43.1
Bibliographic details
New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 45, 3 May 1940, Page 37
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286NEW ZEALAND MUSICIANS New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 45, 3 May 1940, Page 37
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