A new symphony orchestra aiming at the highest standards has been founded this year in Sydney. There has been no ‘stunting’ in order to attract fame, no desperate appeals for funds, and in fact the necessity of asking for subscriptions from the public has simply not arisen.

The orchestra, which has a full complement of eighty players, is financed jointly by the Australian Broadcasting Commission (a non-commercial concern), the New South Wales State Government, and the Sydney City Council. It is assured of a subsidy of £60,000 annually for three years—£30,000 from the A.B.C., £20,000 from the State Government, and £10,000 from the City Council. The last mentioned will also grant free use of the city concert hall, usually rented at £40 a night.