1952 Subscription Concerts

New Zealand Listener, Volume 26, Issue 668, 24 April 1952, Page 9

1952 Subscription Concerts

AST year the National Orchestra initiated in Wellington an experiment in the method of making classical music more easily available to the public of New Zealand, and this year the Subscription Concerts scheme has been extended to: Auckland and Christchurch. By the time the first Wellington subscription concert of the 1952 season was held last week (Saturday, April 19) the sales of season tickets had already shown that the "Subs" were not far behind the "Proms" in popularity. rating. With only two seasons of these Concerts to judge by, the organisers of the venture in the Concert ‘Section of the NZBS felt that the Wellington public had already given them good reason to believe that the season-ticket venture was a success. As time goes by, more and more people will no doubt come to accept subscription concerts as the normal procedure for concert-going. This year substantial concessions were offered-eight concerts for the price of

six-and contrary to what might have been expected, the top price ranges were in,strongest demand. Indeed, the demand in general was’in direct ratio to the’ price of seats, the order of popularity moving down from top to lowest prices. Of course, with a season ticket, and the prospect of holding the same seat for each of eight concerts instead of having to queue every time, concert attendance is made less exacting for the regular music lover. In reviewing the progress made in concert presentation, J. L. Hartstonge, NZBS Concert Manager, said that the subscription concerts in Wellington are proving their worth. The public there, he went on, are realising that "it is only by constant concert going that durable standards are formed, and the subscription or season ticket offers the most economical and satisfactory way of attending a season of symphony concerts."