Leading Scottish Tenor Arrives In Christchurch

Press, Volume C, Issue 29501, 1 May 1961, Page 15

Leading Scottish Tenor Arrives In Christchurch

New Zeeland. wa* very nut* like -Scotland bus. the [Senate was much kinder end ■ lat was apparently why so nanv Scottish persons came to this country and thrived, said one of Scotland's lead,ng tenors, Kenneth McKellar, on his arrival in Christ* church last evening. Mr McKellar is one p£;# party of eight top Scottish entertainer*, including the well-known Jimmy Shand. They wsll present four shows in Christchurch, three of which have been booked put. Bookings for the fourth show, to be presented at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, will open this morning. This is the party’s first visit to-New Zealand. The response of the audiences had been, most enthusiastic, Mr McKellar said. “It was a fairly common Scottish and European illusion to lump Australia and New Zealand together,” said Mr McKellar. Jimmy Shand’s Dance Band, which has recorded many country and old-time dance numbers, is represented by a trio. Other members of the company are Lucille Graham, a soprano, Alec Finlay, the compere, Bobby Watson, a Highland dancer, and Denis Woolford, the accompanist.

The company arrived in New Zealand a week ago after completing a threeweek tour in Australia. In Sydney they played in a stadium with a revolving platform stage. “It was like being in a gents’ outfitter’s w.ndow,”. said Mr McKellar. Mr Shand began playing the piano accordion when a boy and made his first solo appearance in 1933. His first solo broadcast was in the next year and during the war he was a frequent entertainer Sc ottish Half Hour wmeh was broadcast ail over the world. In 1946 be 'jrmed his band and show busiMsa became a full-time ocmt pation The members of the company have appeared together on radio and television and on the concert stage in Scotland, but this is the first time they have been on tour together. Commenting on the effect of television on Jive shows Mr McKellar said it had the long-term result of improving their quality. “They have to reach a certain standard before people will go out of their homes to attend them,” he said.

Mr McKellar, who is aged 33 has a world-wide reputation and has his own programme in the 8.8. C. He said he would be singing traditional Scottish songs in Christchurch as those appeared to be what the audi-

CSIWi Rose.” All the members '<yf the company wear the felt itat stage. After completing their