The Motueka Music Group has brought many dozens of acclaimed musicians to town since its inception almost 50 years ago, but dwindling committee numbers means that the group is now in jeopardy of winding up.
President Colin Hooker is stepping down at the group’s AGM, which is to be held later this month, and he is hoping that it can yet be saved with new committee members coming forward to fill some of the empty roles.
The Motueka Music Group has a long history, with its first meeting in April 1975. For several years, performances were held in the St Andrews Church Hall, until 1991 when Sir Peter Goodman offered the use of the old St Peter Chanel Church building, which was held in his family trust.
The group gratefully accepted the offer and, renaming it the Chanel Arts Centre, have continued to host nationally and internationally renowned musicians, including the New Zealand String Quartet, pianists Dierdre Irons, Michael Houston and Oleg Marshev, flautist Alexa Still and gypsy violinist Fiona Pears.
The Motueka Music Group itself puts on eight performances each year, and the hall is rented for other groups to add to the centre’s itinerary.
Despite the success of the group and the ongoing support from the Motueka audiences, Colin says that over the years it has become increasingly difficult to find people willing to join the organising team.
The music group’s secretary, communications officer and booking officer have all departed in the last two years, with no one stepping up to replace them, and Colin has also made the difficult decision to step down, to enjoy his retirement.
The 86-year-old says that if there are no new nominations for the new president or secretary, a motion will be put to the meeting that the group be wound up.
“If this motion is passed it would, of course, be a terrible blow for Motueka as there would be no more concerts at the Chanel Arts Centre in future.”
He does not know what will become of the hall if that is the case, but he remains hopeful that the dissolution won’t come to pass, and that the community will step up to bolster and bring fresh energy to the music group.
The AGM is to be held at 7.30pm on Thursday, 28 March, at the Chanel Arts Centre.
