90th birthday a high note for music society
The Levin Music Society celebrated its 90th birthday in December with a wellattended gala dinner and concert held at Levin RSA, organised by Danny Healy and Society President Michael Dellabarca.
Following an enjoyable Christmasthemed dinner, pianist Liam Fury and mezzo-soprano Simone performed an outstanding programme of classical arias and piano recitals for the entertainment of the guests.
Club secretary Ian Gordon described the history of the LMS from its small beginnings to the vibrant organisation it has become in 2020.
In 1930, four women known as the Women’s Music Club began meeting together in their private homes with the objective being “the advancement of music in the town”.
Gradually, membership of the group increased until most classical musicians belonged. Younger musicians joined, including men,
necessitating a change of name. The club now became known as the Levin Music Club.
Membership remained strong, despite the turmoil of the WWII and changes occurring during the 1950s and 1960s. Eventually, during the 1970s, the then Levin Borough Council purchased Thompson House for use as a cultural centre.
The grand opening of Thompson House occurred in March 1975 and became the club’s home for its
monthly meetings and concerts. At this time, the club made a unanimous decision to rename themselves the Levin Music Society.
Over the years, increasing changes, both social and economic, significantly affected the Levin Music Society.
The overall prosperity of the Levin community declined, and the society became increasingly more involved with retirement homes. Membership has increased and monthly concerts have changed focus on entertaining an audience. Today, only 28 per cent of members perform; in the early days every member was a performer.
The type of music performed has changed as well to embrace a wide variety of styles and tastes.
In 2020, new challenges faced the society: Covid-19, the expressway and a housing boom will all affect Levin. Who knows what the society will look like when it celebrates its centenary in 2030.