THE NATIONAL ORCHESTRA

New Zealand Listener, Volume 26, Issue 653, 11 January 1952, Page 5

THE NATIONAL ORCHESTRA

Sir,-I have listened to most of the National Orchestra’s concerts in the past year and I wish to congratulate the members on the high standard they have attained. In my opinion the orchestra is as good as other older orchestras overseas in the manner that it presents its programmes. Credit is also due to the programme planners; they have done a wonderful job, and I trust that the same high standard will be maintained this

year. In my opinion these were the highlights of last season: (1) The performance of Alfred Hill’s Piano Concerto with Marjorie Hesse as soloist; (2) The presentation of Messiah by the six choral groups during the Centennial Music Festival in March; (3) The Performances of Douglas Lilburn’s Symphony; (4) The performance of the Sibelius Second Symphony during the Auckland Music Festival; (5) The concert Menuhin gave with the orchestra; (6) The performance of La Mer by Debussy, in Wellington. May I suggest that in 1952; (1) The orchestra gives more concerts in the smaller towns, especially on the West Coast and in Northland. (2) When the orchestra gives studio concerts a small audience be admitted to the concert. This would give life to the performance and would: assure, the musicians that their music was being appreciated. (3) Broadcasting stations cross over to the halls five minutes before the performance starts. This applies to all relays. Recently 2YC crossed over so late that the announcer in the hall hadn’t time to give the names of the soloists. (4)' A two-night season be given in the smaller towns with classical and lighter programmes alternating. (5) The Broadcast- ing Service does not lose money by sending the orchestra to Auckland, but spends this money by subsidising the AuckJand Junior Symphony Orchestra, as this orchestra appeals to the Auckland public more than does the National Symphony. In conclusion, I can only state that it will be a grand day when the orchestra’s broadcasts can be relayed by more than one station.

ALLEGRO CON

BRIO

Pukekohe.

(Our correspondent’s suggestions are commented on as follows: "1 and 4: The Broadcasting Service has done, and continues to do, as much as possible to include smaller towns in the National Orchestra’s itinerary, and to adapt programmes to the response of new audiences; but touring plans have to be regulated by costs. 2. The small hall from from which the National Orchestra broadcasts studio programmes does not conveniently admit even small audiences; -but it is hoped some day to fulfil the suggestion. 3. Noted. 5. The Broadcasting Service does not estimate. the interest of the Auckland public by the attendances, at one concert series, late in the season. The prospect of network relays is looked for as eagerly as by the corre-spondent."’-Ed.)