PEOPLE IN THE PROGRAMMES

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 63, 6 September 1940, Page 7

PEOPLE IN THE PROGRAMMES

Christchurch Musician An ardent lover of all that is best in modern songs, John Thompson has chosen works by present-day composers for his baritone recital on Friday, September 20, from 3YA Christchurch. John Thompson is a pupil of W. H. Dixon, and the reward of his early studies has been recognition as one of the South’s most accomplished musicians. He has appeared as soloist for the Royal Christchurch Musical Society, the Ashburton Choral Society, and the Rangiora Choral Society. The work has

been varied-oratorio and operatic concerts, including "The Creation," " Merrie England,’ and " Maritana." A little while ago he spent a year in England. where heewas lucky enough to hear many of the world’s greatest singers. For roughly five years Mr Thompson has been conductor of the Dixonian Club in Christchurch, specialising in productions of opera. He has sung leading roles in several operas, including "Faust," "La Boheme," "La Tosca," "Madame Butterfly," "Il Pagliacci," "Cavalleria Rusticana." and "Tannhauser."

Green and Hahn photograph "THINGS as seen by an Art Teacher." the Winter Course Talk which will be presented by Bruce Dawber and G. L. Campbell at 7.32 p.m. on Wednesday. September 11, from 3YA Christchurch. should find a wide circle of interested listeners. Pictured above is Bruce Dawber, B.A., Dip.Ed. He is at present a teacher on the staff of the Christchurch South Intermediate School

New Artists Two artists new to listeners to 3YA Christchurch are Doreen Udell and Marjorie Nelson, The former is a pro-_ mising young soprano who will be heard over the Southern station on Friday, September 20. The latter, a mezzo-so-prano who has already made considerable progress, will present items on October 7. Coming from England at the age of five, Doreen Udell has lived ever since in Christchurch. As a child she was a frequent visitor to 3YA, and as she has often sung in the Children’s Session there, the microphone holds no terror for her. Having reached the age of twenty-one this year, she gained the Ladies’ Scholarship at the recent Christchurch Competitions Festival. Marjorie Nelson first studied under J. H. Cocks and during the early period was successful in winning the Christ-

church Championship, Scholarship, Alice Gunner Memorial Medal, Highest Aggregate in Dunedin and Highest Aggregate in Wellington Competitions. When Madame Ottlee began teaching in Christchurch Miss Nelson became a student with her and this continued until Madame’s departure for Australia, Miss Nelson was soloist in " Merry England" when it was performed by the Christchurch Harmonic Society under her teacher’s baton.

Winifred Bruce Listeners to 3YA Christchurch on Friday evening, September 6, will hear a song recital of five numbers by the Ashburton mezzo-soprano, Winifred Bruce. Miss Bruce has been studying singing for some time and has had considerable experience of concert work. Recently she returned from Australia where she has been studying voice production and_ broadcasting technique under the care of Madame Ottlee at the Melbourne. Conservatorium.

Sings Mostly Moderns Edward Hendy, whose fine baritone voice was heard in the evening programme over 3YL Christchurch on Mone day, September 2, tells of his progress: "TI made my first public performance as a baritone at the age of fourteen, and at sixteen commenced tuition with Frederick Bullock, the well-known soloist and adjudicator. "T have sung solo in various choral works including a part in "The Golden Legend," conducted by the Royal Musical Society of Christchurch; was one of the four finalists in the New Zealand "Aria" contest at Christchurch; and have sung for societies and associations throughout Canterbury. I have been broadcasting at intervals since 1935, mostly works by modern composers."

Ancient History Unfortunately (or fortunately perhaps) the days of the Romans and the Roman Empire are, for most of us, only dim ghosts speaking from vanished school days. But that does not mean to say that we are not interested to hear about those times-especially if we hear about them through the medium of one of the ‘Winter Course Talks, whose excellence has been long ago proven. At 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, Dr, K. J. Sheen will speak on "Horace and the Augustan Age" from 4YA Dunedin. Dr. Sheen gained his M.A. at Canterbury College, with First-class honours in Latin, 1932, and in French, 1933. In that year he was New Zealand Postgraduate Scholar in Arts,