Around The Nationals

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 78, 20 December 1940, Page 24

Around The Nationals

ORE than musical benefits are enjoyed by members of the Dunedin Choral Society’s Madrigal Club, which will broadcast Christmas carols from 4YA at 11.30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24. Of musical benefits, many are available to members, but it is surely significant of other interests that, while all the members were single in 1935, in 1940 nearly all are married. And, despite changes in names, there have been few changes in personnel. The choir was formed by members of the Choral Society to make opportunities for singing a wider range of music than that studied by the parent body. Enthusiasm grew, and now members meet and practise in their own homes, before and after Choral Society practices, and maintain a very high standard of performance. Ea % * ERCY GRAINGER heard the Madrigal Club sing, and was most enthusiastic. He presented them with a great quantity of music and became their patron. When he heard Grainger sing their praises, Roger Quilter sent them out more music from England. Strict discipline, a tradition that rehearsals must be attended by everyone, and the very real friendships among the members, have made the Madrigal Club a fine Dunedin achievement. On December 24 they will be conducted by Alfred Walmsley, as usual, * bag ae RICHARD MATTHEWS, author of the Christmas play which 4YA will broadcast on Christmas Day, is something of a collector. His fancies range from stray dogs to Hogarth and Van Ruysdael. He is well known in Australian radio as an author, actor, and announcer. As an announcer, he has handled everything that goes, from a Bible Class tea to a boxing match. As an author, he has written everything from comedy patter to this Christmas play, which he considers his best. He has been soldier, sailor, vaudeville artist, and dramatic actor. He collects pictures, and was lucky to find a genuine Hogarth and a Van Ruysdael in a junk shop. He can’t pass a stray dog without wanting to do something about it, either. He breeds show collies and usually has a couple of strays in his kennels, waiting for an owner. * ca * RICHARD MATTHEWS is rather like New Zealand’s most prolific radio-playwright--Graeme Holder, whose life story reads like a catalogue of adventurous professions. Mr. Holder is well represented in the Christmas programmes, where plays seem to be the thing. Station 3ZR has his " Dust" and 3YA is broadcasting "A Lady of 56." There is another Richard Matthews play, by the way, at 2YA on Christmas Day. He adapted the story for "A Reputation for Benevolence" from the story by the English author, Oliver Onions,