THE MUSICAL SIDE

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 1, 22 July 1927, Page 10

THE MUSICAL SIDE

PROGRAMMES OF 2YA MR. TEMPLE WHITE AS ADVISOR. The Broadcasting Company has secured the services of Mr. Temple White, the well-known musician of Syalington, to be musical advisor for Mr, White is known throughout New Zealand as a conductor and as an adjudicator at competitions. He is conductor of-the Royal Wellington Choral Union, the Wellington Harmonic Soeciety, and the Wellington C.T. Male Voice Choir. He is organist and choirmaster at Wesley Church, and is an ex-president of the Society of Musicians. Recognising the importance of the new station, and the widely increased circle of listeners, the company naturally desires to make the programmes of as high a standard 4s possible. Hence thie engagement of a musiciat of Mr, White’s standing in the Empire city He,,will advise as ta talent

and in all matters relating to higher musical activities, and the possibilities of radio from a musician’s point of view. It is now recognised that the opportunity of playing and talking to thousands upon thousands-soon hundreds of thousands--provides extraordinary possibilities. Mr. White is of the opinion that there is talent in" New Zealand whiclt compares favourably with talent if Australia, and that there is snfticient to provide attractive programmes without undue repetition, although, he says, a good artist is always sure of a hearty reception. Wellington was to he congratulated on possessing such a magnificent broadcasting station, said Mr. White when chatting to a ‘Radio Record" representative regarding his intentions and hopes in respect te the music which is to be broadcast from 2YA. Tie aims to make the musical portion of the programme of a very high standard, for he realises that radio can do much to foster among the people the love of good music. The very best music can be brought right into the homes of the people, whether they live in the Hast Hind or the West Zend of a city, or whether they live in the far backblocks. Mr. White said he wished to make it clear that it was not his intention that the musical portion of the programme should cater exclusively for the critical musician, ‘An endeavour will be made," he said, ‘‘to suit all tastes; and certain evenings will be devoted to particular aspects of music, so that listeners will be able to select tle programme that makes a special appeal to them. "Tt js intended," Mr. White continued, "as the organisation becomes more complete, to give evenings devoted to chamber music, folk music, operatic music, etc., and several very unique and interesting features will be introduced from time to time,

*T'ndoubtedly broadcasting is in 1tS infancy, and the possibilities are limitless," added Mr. White. ‘‘It is destined to play a very important part in education and in ministering to the artistic elevation of our people. Thanks to the various mechanical devices of recent years, music has been brought more ititimately into the lives of a great number of our population, and now, with the development and per: fection of broadcasting, music will be brought into the homes of a still greater number. Indeed, it is likely that in a comparatively short time every home will be equipped with its radio receiving set, and who cati measure the. educative ‘and artistic influence which will then be exerted, particulatly on the younger members of the community? "Tt is feared in some quarters,’ said Mr. White, "that with the increasing popularity of broadcasting the future of the concert artist will be seriously jeopardised. But may it not prove that many promising artists will he brought out from seclusion and_ obscuritv? The public having heard and appreciated an unseen singer, is it not. likely that there will be a desire to see the said singer in the flesh? t "With the completion. of 2QYA, the super-power station, the opening of; new and elaborately appointed studios,’ the appointment of:a musical advisor, the necessary staff and elaborate equin-' ment, much will be expected by listeners. But perfection in programmes: ot in transmission must not be looks, ed for immediately. For some time, until the organisation is complete, and the necessaty adjustments made, there will probably be weaknesses, But, lis-' teners catt he assured that evety effort will be made to ensure that every type of programme, whether designed, to appeal to the cultured musician of to the person who clains no knowledge of music, but whe ettiovs @ ‘sune,’ will be of a high standard."