asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether a conductor for the Radio Éireann orchestra has been appointed; and, if so, if he will state whether the appointment is on a permanent or temporary basis or for a specified period by contract; if he will state the terms of the appointment, the conditions of service including salary, perquisites, duties and functions specified; and, further, whether the conductor is empowered to hire, dismiss or engage players.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Éireann Orchestra Conductor.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the nationality of the conductor recently appointed to the Radio Éireann orchestra and what information is available concerning his personal and professional career.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether the vacancy for the post of a conductor in Radio Éireann was advertised in accordance with Civil Service regulations in daily newspapers or any other publications.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 4, 5 and 6 together.
Last July, I decided that the indefinite continuation of the practice of engaging foreign conductors for very short term contracts would be bad for the orchestra and to the disadvantage of young Irish players. Milan Horvat has now been engaged as principal conductor for a three year period from 25th August, 1953. Owing to his obligations on the Continent he will conduct here for eight months only in each yearduring which periods his fee will be £250 a month.
He will conduct the symphony orchestra and will also assist in the training of young Irish conductors. The position for an Irish assistant conductor, who will be permitted to travel for part of each year has already been advertised. One of the assistant conductor's specific duties will be to foster the recruitment and advanced training of Irish musicians. The engagement and dismissal of players is a matter for the administration.
Mr. Horvat is of Yugoslav nationality. He has been for some years conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra in Zagreb and professor of orchestral conducting in the National Conservatoire of Zagreb and has conducted symphony orchestras in London, Paris, Warsaw, Vienna and elsewhere.
Mr. Horvat was here previously for three separate periods and is at present with us as a guest conductor. Because of the excellence of the performances under his direction, generously recognised by the musical public and his conspicuous enthusiasm and hard work I am satisfied that he is one of the most outstanding of our guest conductors and highly suitable for the task of building up an orchestra which will justify the assertion that we are a music-loving people.
As a fee-paid person under a contract, a conductor's engagement is not subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Regulation Acts. The situation of conductor has in any case been scheduled under the Acts.