Symphony Orchestra This Year

New Zealand Listener, Volume 15, Issue 367, 5 July 1946, Page 16

Symphony Orchestra This Year

PRSPORE the end of the present year New Zealand will have its first full-time National Symphony Orchestra, as an integral part of the National Broadcasting Service. This announcement was made in Wellington last week by the Prime Minister. The assembly, training and organisation of the members of the orchestra will be in the hands of Andersen Tyrer, said Mr. Fraser, and when this preliminary work ‘has been completed the appointment of a conductor will be considered.

**T has long been recognised by the Government that the formation of a National Symphony Orchestra was an essential step towards the fulfilment of the Government’s desire to develop in New Zealand a high standard of musical performance and appreciation, and to offer New Zealand _ orchestral musicians a fuller opportunity than that hitherto afforded them of developing and exercising their undoubted talent under the best professional conditions," said the Prime Minister. "All ovér the world there has been a remarkable quickening of interest in good music, and orchestral concerts featuring the best in music have been receiving unprecedented public support. "Following the success achieved by the Centennial Orchestra established by the Government as a central feature of the centennial music celebrations in 1940, it was resolved that when conditions were favourable the permanent establishment of a national symphony

orchestra should be proceeded with. Because of the intensity of New Zealand’s war é€ffort, and the urgent call on our men and women for work with the armed services or in war industries, consideration of the establishment of a national orchestra had to be held over. "Now that war conditions are passing, it is possible to give practical effect to the Government’s intention, formed in the centennial year. New Zealand is to have a national symphony orchestra this year. A survey of players available has been made, and it is obvious that sufficient players can be obtained to justify the Government in proceeding with the establishment of an orchestra. "Mr. Tyrer was musical adviser to the Government, and conductor of the Centennial Orchestra during the centennia! music celebrations in 1940. It is well remembered what a splendid job for music in New Zealand Mr. Tyrer did

on that occasion, and on subsequent occasions when he has conducted orchestras at concerts and broadcast performances for the National Broadcasting Service. ; New Era in Music "The National Symphony Orchestra will be part of the National Broadcasting Service, whose funds will be used for the establishment and maintenance of the orchestra, but in order to secure the best integration with the musical life of the Dominion it is intended shortly to call a conference of representatives of various musical bodies to work out a scheme for the ultimate control and administration of the orchestra. The constitution of the orchestra and the conditions of employment for members are at present being considered, «nd when these are finally determined the necessary players will be engaged and rehearsals will be begun. "The establishment of this orchestra will open a new era in the musical life of New Zealand. For the first time in our history we shall have available a permanent symphony orchestra. Public orchestral concerts and broadcasts will be given regularly under the baton of the selected conductor or of guest conductors, while the best of our New Zealand artists, and outstanding artists from overseas, will be engaged from time to time to appear with the orchestra in the various centres of population throughout New Zealand.. The availability of such an orchestra will ensure that New Zealand can arrange for visits by outstanding overseas guest conductors and artists whom it would otherwise have been impracticable to invite, owing to the lack of an established orchestra. "The establishment of the permanent orchestra," Mr. Fraser concluded, "will not mean the abolition of the present part-time studio orchestras at the four main centres. These will continue in existence."