Choral Society Wins Out

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 24, 25 November 1938, Page 8

Choral Society Wins Out

Long And Hard Fight In Dunedin Brings Success At Last

ST recovering from its 75th anniversary celebrations, the Dunedin Choral Society is today strongly entrenched in public favour. The oldest society in New Zealand, it may claim having had the hardest struggle for existence. Many times since its inception in 1863 it has been threatened with extinction. In the earlier days the public was hard to please: performances were given the "bird" in true Victorian fashion, and newspaper eritics seemed out to antagonise the society as much as possible. In October, 1878, the "Creation" was presented, two outstanding artists assisting-Madame Carlotta Tasca, pianist, and Mlle. Rosaly Merz, a soprano of the Grand Opera House, Berlin. This ambitious attempt to win the publie’s affections was dismissed by the critics as "hash," while the performances of the "big names" were virtually ignored. Gaining some confidence in 1886 the Society made its only excursion Sete

into light opera, presenting "H.M.S. Pinafore" for one week. Two years later difficult times again loomed large, and until 1914 it was a case of "touch-and-go." In May of that year the Choral Society disbanded for "the last time," but again came back to life in August-the month of the War, Mr. Sidney Wolf was appoint. ed conductor and, strangely enough, at this critical period in the world’s history the society established itself once and for all. In 1922 Dr. V. EH. Galway assumed control for three years. Dr. Galway was replaced by Mr, James Coombs in 1925, but he returned to lead the choir in 1928, remaining conductor until 1931, when Mr. Alfred Walmsley, present conductor, was appointed, An enthusiast, musician and vocalist of note, Mr. Walmsley brought the society to the top of the ladder of success. He made of the choir a balanced ensemble, with male .and female voices blending perfectly. —