INTERESTING LECTURE

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 13, 14 October 1927, Page 5

INTERESTING LECTURE

MR. RAYNOR WHITH. One would think there was little association between music, geology, and estronomy, but such are the things that interest Mr. Raynor White, who, as an organist, is frequently heard from 8YA, and who will shortly be heard in a different role, that of a lecturer. It is not to be woudered at that in a city of churches, such as Christchurch, there should be some notable organists, and one who stands prominent is Mr Raynor White, of Trinity Congregational Church. But one might expect that from a man whose ancestors for hundreds of years back have been organists aud musicians. For generations the name of White has been associated with Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucestershire. One of the famous organs in the Abbey is the identical instrument beloved and played upon by Milton nearly three hundred years ago. ‘I‘his organ is sti)! in order and is an exceedingly interesting instrument. Mr. Raynor White has played on this organ, on whicli so many of his predecessors performed. As might be expected, the first tutor Mr. Raynor White had was his father,

who, after leaving ‘Tewkeslury, held several positions as organist and choitmaster in Yorkshire. At seven years of age Mr. Raynor White was a chorister, and when 16 was appointed organist and choirmaster at St. Oswald’s, Thirsk, Yorkshire, ond received advaticed tuition from Dr. Crowe, of Ripon Cathedral, and lessons in organ playing: atl harinony from Mr. H. Tl. R. Wal-. ton, who is now one of the world’s greatest organists. | Mr. Ravnor White enjovs the fellowship of the London College of Music. As far back as 1805 he gained a first"lass certificate as an organist at York Orszean Sehool. He also held a hand- | master’s certificate, and certificates: from the Royal Academy and Trinity College. A brother of Mr. Raynor. White is principal of the Doncaster College of Music, , Ae a conductor and choirmaster, Mr. White has had much experience. He has conducted in Glasgow, Leeds, York Minster, and for thirteen years the hand of the 19th Princess of Wales’s Own Yorkshire Regiment was under his. haton. Mr. White and his Orphens Orchestra regularly played at parties, halls, and fetes at Knaresborough Castle, Viscount Tascelles’s seat. Since coming to New Zealand Mr. Raynor White has held appointments in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch. But it is not only in music that Mr. White is interested, or interesting. Ile is well versed in geology and astronomy. He was a member of the Yorkshire Boulder Committee, under the presidency of Professor Percy Kendall, Mr. White will shortly be heard as a lecturer at 3YA, he haying consented to give talks on geology, migrating birds, and reminiscences of lis musical experiences, Listeners will find Mr. White — good a lecturer as she is an organist. Mr. Ravnor White will be next heard at 3¥A on Friday, October Qt.