Open Microphone

New Zealand Listener, Volume 37, Issue 935, 12 July 1957, Page 20

Open Microphone

_-ww™ o~ -_-- opiate aa NEWS OF BROADCASTERS ON AND OFF THE RECORD.

T’S a big change from the phoneringing bustle of Auckland’s business heart to the romantic serenity of "the Fiji Islands, yet this is the step taken by George (above), popu-

laf compere of 12ZB’s Sunday afternoon ExServices’ Session. George, who was an_ advertising salesman at 1ZB, is now in Suva, where he has begun a threeyear term with the Fiji Broadcasting Commission, George’s ready wit and gentle manner made him aé_ favourite with his radio _ audience. When we asked what he thought of his new move he told us: "If I’d known there were going to be so many farewell parties I’q have thought twice before going. But, seriously, my wife and I are gratified to know that we have made so many good friends in Auckland, both over the air and among ex-ser-vicemen." The Ex-Services’ Session is now compered by the well-known Auckland newspaper columnist Mac Vincent. In the First World War Mac was a sergeant in the

Canterbury Infantry, and was one of the first New Zealanders to land at Gallipoli. He also served in the last war with the 4th Auckland Battalion, and reached the rank of regimental sergeant-major.

o£. > o>» Mac Vincent is not new to broadcasting, and he had a long career as a stage performer. In Christchurch he played leading roles in musical comedy and repertory productions. Later he helped to found the Auckland Repertory Theatre and was its first president. He has also been president of the Auckland and Christchurch Savage Clubs. As a_ broadA CHANGE caster Mac has been FOR DIGGERS heard as a compere and has often given talks. In the eafly days of radio in Christchurch he ‘took part in many plays organised by the New Zealand Radio Institute, which was formed to improve the technique of play presentation on the air. Mac Vincent has always taken a keen interest in the affairs of ex-service-men and the knowledge of their problems and interests which he brings to the session should assure him a big audience.

NOTE on this page cannot say much about éven one of the cafeers of Leonard Bernstein, but listeners who have heard his illustrated talk, What is Jazz? may like to know that Americans also are enthusiastic about him as a talker. According to Time his television programmes quickly won him a "fanatic" audience. What BERNSTEIN is Jazz? is based, we AS TALKER gather, on the second of these, and another Bernstéin illustrated talk from YA stations, 3YZ and 4YZ this Sunday (July 14) will cover the same ground as a programme which launched the scriés. In this Mr Bernstein looks at Beethoven’s rejected sketches for his Fifth Symphony and demonstrates with orchestral illustrations how this work would have sounded if Beethoven "hadn’t been so determined on perfection." His third television programme on the art of the sonductor brought a staggering flow of

letters. Many who wrote said they had identified themselves with the conductor to the point of standing before their television sets and. beating time with rulers or pencils. For a man with this sort of reputation, Mr Bernstein has a surprising contempt for the cult of "music appreéciation." Love of music, he thinks, should be as complex and emotional as love itself. Since we live in our emotions, that is the area a teacher must reach -and as soon as possible. If he can strike an emotional spark, then he can teach anything. Listeners who haven’t yet heard Mr Bernstein 6n jazz will have a chance to do so when YC stations broadcast What is Jazz? this Saturday (July 13) at 7.30 p.m. From 2YC only it will be preceded at 7.3 p.m. by Bernstein's ballet musi¢, gous Free. WRITERS for films and radio ate as often as not unknown to a public more interested in star names, yet be- ‘ hind that weekly show SCRIPTWRITER you so much enjoy there’s a steady gtind to producé a script on a deadline. When

Educating Archie is on the air from the BBC, for instance, its chief scriptwriter, Ronald Wolfe, has an assignment that carries on right through the week. The show is recorded on a Sunday, but even before it’s recorded ‘the next week’s plot is discussed and its final form decided on. Actually this takes place just before the _ recording. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: are spent writing the first draft. On ‘Thursday morning the script is cut and pruned in conference with Peter Brough and Ronald Chesney; in the afternoon there’s a consultation with the sound effects men and musical associates. Friday is usually free, and on Saturday the writers have informal discussions with Peter Brough and Ronald Chesney about the plot for next week. These discussions take place at the writers’ homes, at golf, in restaurants and sometimes-

when they all detest the sight of each other-by telephone. London born, Ronald. Wolfe was a radio engineer before he began writing for radio. Now he is under contract to the BBC for 26 shows a year. Besides Educating Archie, his work has included the book for two pantomimes, satires on topical events, intimate revue, a series last year for Joy NicholsShout for Joy-and programmes about cricket. He has also written for television, including a "spectacular" Saturday Night Showtime. In Australia recently with Peter Brough and Ronald Chesney-and Archie, of course-he has written for the ABC a comedy show, Archie in Australia. For this trip Mr Wolfe pumped all his Australian friends for background and typically Australian phrases. Even misfortune had its brighter side. When his wife slipped a disc and needed a nurse to help with the baby, he rang an agency. They sent a nurse-and to his delight she was an Australian. ‘. ; \ HEN Marianne and Roy Bowden, of Auckland, visited Rotorua recently, they were given an audition at 1YZ. Foufteen-year-old Marianne is a soprano, and her brother Roy, a year older, a pianist and her accompanist. The other day both FAMILY TEAM were thrilled to learn that the items they recorded in Rotorua had been accepted and will be broadcast from 1YZ at 8.41 p.m.’on Friday, July 19. Both Marianne and Roy have taken part in broadcast concerts before, but this is their first radio engagement on their own. They ate seasoned contestants in competitions festivals-Marianne won the Rotofua competitions under 12 solo class, and Roy a gold medal at Auckland in 1955. As a team they have competed in the North Shore, Rotorua and Auckland Competitions, and have been placed first five times.