NEWS FROM THE ZB STATIONS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 67, 4 October 1940, Page 39

NEWS FROM THE ZB STATIONS

O* Sunday, ‘October 6, 2ZA listeners will be treated to a cavalcade of music by the great Victor Herbert, The story of this artist’s life will be woven around the music which earned for him the acclaim of the English-speaking world. Among the songs to be heard are such favourites as "Sweethearts," "A Kiss in the Dark," Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life," "Kiss Me Again," "Moonbeams," "Neapolitan Love Song," "Someday" and "March of the Toys." The songs are presented by a host of worldfamous entertainers, including Nelson Eddy, Jeannette MacDonald, Richard Crooks, Louis Levy and his Orchestra, Orlando and his Gleneagles Band, Allan Jones, and Victor Young and his Concert Orchestra. The popularity of Victor Herbert’s music has remained at the peak from the moment it was placed there by thousands of enthusiastic fans in the later years of the last century. The presentation will be by Doug. Smith. " Music for Sunday " On Sunday evenings during the latter part of its day’s transmission, 4ZB presents to listeners a special Wide Range programme, "Music for Sunday." This half-hour presentation features quiet, restful music suitable to the day, and brings to the microphone some outstanding American singers and instrumentalists in classical and modern compositions. Each session concludes appropriately with the famous Plymouth Choir singing a semi-sacred song which should appeal to even the most blasé radio audience. "Hawaiian Syncopators" at 3ZB Hawaiian music. played in the authentic style has a charm of its own. Well-known in Christchurch as a steel guitar soloist of outstanding ability, Elaine Moody has gathered around her a talented combination of instrumentalists to form the "Hawaiian Syncopators." The first broadcast by this combination from 3ZB some weeks ago was noteworthy for the originality of the musical arrangements worked out by Miss Moody. Without losing any of the dreamy appeal which is so characteristic of Hawaiian instrumentation, the "pep" introduced into the session by the strong rhythm section was a pleasing feature. The Hawaiian Syncopators will be heard again from 3ZB at 7.15 p.m. on Sunday, October 6. New 4ZB Sessions Two new sessions at 4ZB are "Two's Company," broadcast every Friday afternoon at 4 pm. and "Golden Voices," which, takes the air on Thursday nights at 10.15. In the

former session, listeners will hear such firm favourites as Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald, Clapham and Dwyer, Flanagan and Allan and Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. In the feature "Golden Voices," world-famous singers will be heard in some of their most popular numbers. Radio Newsreel Listeners to 2ZB have missed the voice of "Mac" since his famous "Slaps and Claps" session came to an end. His duties as production supervisor at 2ZB do not often take him to the microphone, but he will soon be heard in a new session entitled "2ZB’s Radio Newsreel." This is a radio commentary on Wellington life, introducing well-known people, as well as little-known people, in a series of interviews. The first presentation will take place on Saturday, October 5, and the session will be broadcast every Saturday at 7.45 p.m. Flesh-and-Blood Shows Flesh-and-blood studio shows are always a welcome addition to radio programmes, and realising this, 4ZB is aiming to put on two 15-minute presentations every Sunday night featuring in the main, personalities of the station, A studio orchestra has been formed under the direction of Rita Holmes, and this should greatly enhance the broadcasts. Miss Holmes, who is now a member of the 4ZB staff, is an accomplished musician and singer

who has made a name for herself in Dunedin musical circles, For many years she was pianist and director of an orchestra at one of the city’s leading restaurants, Other personalities in these 4ZB Sunday night shows will be Jimmie McFarlane and his versatile wife, Tui Northey, who specialise in light vocal numbers. Both these entertainers are well-known to the public of Dunedin. Bernie McConnell, 4ZB’s. Sports Announcer, is an accomplished elocutionist and singer, and he will be responsible for the humorous interludes, and Barend Harris’s colourful bass voice will be heard in popular ballads. Barend has had considerable radio experience, having toured most Australian and New Zealand stations in years gone by. His voice is still as rich and pleasing as ever. Another artist of merit who should win the approval of listeners is Kyra Jupp; and Uncle Percy and Airini will also be heard from time to time. The presentations would not be complete without Ted Heaney, who has gained a considerable amount of attention through his performances on the piano accordion. Incidentally, it might be of interest to know that Ted’s accordion is said to be the only one of its kind in New Zealand-one that can be changed from high pitch to low pitch. The Master of Ceremonies in these new Sunday night features will be announcer Don Donaldson.

2ZA Radio Quartet Recent Sunday night broadcasts from 2ZA have been specially appreciated since the formation of the now exceedingly popular Radio Quartet which features John Brown and instrumental trio, consisting of piano, violin and ’cello. The first broadcast took the form of popular melodies, and this was followed by "Songs of the South," introducing many of the Stephen Foster favourites, a negro lullaby and "River, Stay "Way From My Door." 2ZA listeners can look forward to further Sunday night cameos by the Radio Quartet at an early date. "Stars of To-morrow " The third presentation of 2ZB’s "Stars of To-morrow" will take place on Sunday, October 6 at 6.30 p.m. Preparations are proceeding apace at 2ZB. The selection of young artists has been made, and rehearsals have been taking place. Something new is promised listeners. Particularly interesting will be the bagpipe selection "Millbank Cottage" by a piper-Roy Gunn-who is only 10 years old. A pupil of the Happy Valley School, Roy’s hobby is his bagpipes, but he also takes a great interest in sport, particularly hockey and cricket, Then there is Vera McKelvey, who is 17, Vera will sing "Early in the Morning." Next comes a pianist, Patricia Waters, who is 16. Patricia is a pupil of Wellington East College, and her musical ability won her Begg’s Scholarship at the recent Competitions. Her interest in sport lies in physical culture and drill. Another vocalist is Millicent Dickie, aged 17. Her solo will be "Sing Sweet Bird." Millicent, who has left school, says that after music, her interest lies in sport. Ray Harris, who is 11, is a pupil of Scots College, and is a splendid pianist. He thoroughly enjoys his music. Another hobby is stamp collecting. Sports he enjoys are cricket, rounders and swimming. Sylvia Boyd aged 19, will sing "Salaam." On this occasion the vocal items will be accompanied by an instrumental trio. ; An artist who was heard in the first presentation of the "Stars of To-morrow" is Natalie Wallace. Natalie has since gathered further laurels in the Wellington Competitions, Her contribution to the programme will be Laurence. Binyon’s poem "To the Fallen." With a background of appropriate music, this should be well worth. 2ZB’s "Stars of To-morrow" are popular wi listeners, and this, the third presentation, promises to be outstanding. ;