NEW QUARTETS

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 21, 9 December 1927, Page 5

NEW QUARTETS

eed ARRANGED FOR 3YA DISTINGUISHED NEW SINGERS FOR RADIO. Commencing with next week, there comes into force at 3YA the new system of programme makeup and organisation which was first introduced at 2YA. Next week there will appear sixteen artists who have been engaged to sing wegularly at 3YA. These artists have been organised into quartets, each of whicli has its forte in a definite type of entertainment. Following on a well-thought-out plan these quartets have a certain night devoted to each, and the particular types of entertainment on each night at 3YA ate intended to dovetail in with the programimes at the other stations in such a way that no two stations will be broadcasting the same type of progtatmme on the same night. In this way the owner of a valve set who desires an entertainment of only one type will be able to secure what he wants nearly every night of the week from one or other of the New Zealand Stations. It will be remembered that is was one of the aspects of a proposal outlined by the general manager some time ago when discussing the difficult problem of attempting to broadcast programmes which will please everyone. The crystal set user, like the valve set user, will know that a certain class of entertainment, and that his fayourite singers, if he favours any more than others, are broadcasting on a particular night of the week. He will known, too, that these singers will be able to submit a great variety of entertainment while still keeping true to type. The artists who have been engaged and who will form the backbone of the prograimmes-though not the whole ptograinme, for other artists will assist --ate very versatile and will submit diversified programmes at each appearatice. The new quartets, to make their first bow next week, will include some éw artists to radio, a fact which testihes to two things, namely, that the Stated intention of the general manAger of the Broadcasting Company to secure the best talent available, is being carried out, and that the high and tightful place of radio in the musical world is being rapidly recognised. PERSONNEL OF ONE QUARTET. Before coming to New Zealand, Mrs. Claris Shaw was a well-known contraito singer in the English -Midlands. She took part in competitions in Christ¢hurch in 1918, and was very successful. ‘the musical judge at the competitions gave her very high praise. In oue instauce the judge said her singing was of "extraordinarily high merit. Her style was easy, and her articulation concise." Mrs. Shaw has been well known from her connection with the Christchurch Operatic Society as musical directress for its concert party during the past winter season. Miss Mildred Russell, .A.B., H.T.C.L., who will be associated with her brother, Mrs. Shaw, and Mr. Richards in the quartet, brings to #adio a splendidly trained voice, which roadeasts well. She was a pupil of Madame Josephine Ottlee, A.R.A.M., and studied mnsic under Mr, W. Bellinghan, I’.S.M., and‘at Canterbury College. She has been a soloist with the Christchurch musical and other societies, and is, and has been for a number f years, a leading soloist of Holy (trinity Choir, Avonside. Miss Russell teaches singing at her own home in ‘Avonside, Mr. Gregory Russell is one of the most popular singers on the 8YA roll of artists. He is possessed of a very fine resonant tenor voice, and is always listened to with great pleasure by hosts of listeners-in. Mr. Russell, who trained with Madame Josephine Ottlee, A.R.A.M., is a member of the Christchurch Savage Club’s committee, and has sung at innumerable concerts and functions in and around Christchurch. Mr. Russell has for many years been a Dtominent soloist of Holy ‘Lrinity Choir, ‘Avonside. Mr. W. J. Richards has frequently been heard at 8YA. He is a fine bass singer and a winner at competitions. He sings for the Christchurch Male Voice Choir. oe