Famous N.Z. Pianist To Broadcast

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 27, 11 January 1935, Page 19

Famous N.Z. Pianist To Broadcast

Mr. Frank Hutchens on the Air From ‘2YA During Next Week-Dunedin Produces Another Gifted Boy Soprano: Master ‘Robert Watkins Heard From 2YA-Repertory Producer Before the "Mike."

R. FRANK HUTCHENS, the distinguished pianist, now professor at the Sydney Conservatorium, is one. of those brilliant New Zealanders who have found fame, not only in their own country, but in Australin and London. Tle will-be heard from 2YA in three recitals, Monday, January 14, Thursday, 17, and Sunday, 20. Born near Christchurch, Mr. Hutchens later resided -in Hawera. When only twelve years of age, he went to London on the advice of Paderewski, and had a distingtished career at "the Royal Academy of Music, London, winning several scholarships, and the Chappell Gold Medal. Later, he toured New Zealand> as soloist with the Verbrugghen Orchestra, and with Toscha Seidel, the famous violinist. He is well known throughout Australia, and has given reCitals in all the large cities. As a composer he is now gaining prominence, and his quintet, quartet andéd pidno trio are frequently performed in Sydney. His brother is Mr. Will Hutchens, Mus.Bac., the well-known copductor and adjudicator. R. MARSDEN, who is giving a talk from 2YA on Wednesday, January 16, at 8.40 p.m., on "The Year’s Scientific Progress," is secretary to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. During the war Dr. Marsden held the rank of Major, and he conducted experiments with microphones to determine the lag period between the sound waves from the enemy’s batteries. From this time period it was possible to calculate the distance or range of the enemy’s guns. Recently Dr. Marsden has been conducting investigations in both the North and South Islands with regard to the location of gold and oil. Apart from being of value to those interested in scientific matters, Dr. Marsden’s talk from 2YA is sure to appeal to the general public, DUNEDIN has produced yet’ another -gifted artist. Master Robert Watkins, who delighted listeners to 2YA last Saturday evening, has heen’ (lescribed as another Lex _Maedonald Master ‘Watkins made his ‘concert’ debut three months ago as a soloist at the Dunedin Symphony concert. when he sang Solveig’s Song from the. "Peer Gynt" Suite (Grieg), which he also sang on Saturday, | HIS studious, ‘thiiteen:year-old lad has been singing for two years. Tast’ year he was very ‘successful in the Dunedin competitions, and he also took part in. the "Princess Chrysanthemum" operetta. which was produced at his school. Master Watkins, who is studying under Mr, Ernest Drake, exeels at elocution. and has passed his Trinity College junior examination for the piano. with honours. Master Watkins, who is an only child, returned to

Dunedin last Monday, haying visited Wellington on holiday. People who have heard him singing declare that more will undoubtedly be heard of this gifted boy, who has an ethereal soprano voice of great beauty | and charm, ‘PP HEME programmes provide some of the most enjoyable entertainment from the national stations. A great -feai of the success of {hese programmes depends on the voice of the narrator, who paints with words the setting for listeners. Mr. Leo du Chateau was the narrator of the pupular theme programme "Down the Mississippi," broadcast: from 2YA last Tuesday evening.

Mr, Du Chateau is weil known througheut. New Zealand for his activities in ‘the repertory movement.: being the founder and producer of the Wellington Repertory Society. "That Fanious River-the Thames," is the title of the rext theme fprogranme from 2YA. which is to be presented next Tuesday at 9.4 p.m. SCOTTISH listeners especially are ‘sure to tune in to 2YA on Friday, January 18, at 8.40,.t) hear. Mr. Robert Hoge’s chatty talk entitled "Scots Literature-A Peep ac Beginnings." A RRANGEMEN'TS have . recently been made by Z%YA to cater for children of various ages on each nigzt of the week.during the children’s sessions. This does away with the difficult -problem of prsviding ~ suitable stories and entertainment for children of all ages at each session. On Wednesday nights there is a special session for girls over 10 whoare too oldto have their birthdays called. and on Friday "ight there is a special session for bors ever ten. During these sessions are Short talks by well-known sportsmen, including the well-known tennis play-

er, Mr. R, Ferkins. On Tuesday nigit "Jumbo" relates his experiences vf actual excursions he makes to intecesting places about the town and coun‘ry Which are of interest to children of all. ages, and on’ Thursday evenings there is a ‘special session for tiny tots which includes delighiful recordings of cramatiséd fairy. tales. ns MANY Wellington listeners who have recently purchased all-wave sets Lave expressed themselves as delighted at the excellent reception which they had during the last few days. ‘With reception as good’us it has been lately." one owner said. "the ‘Radio Record’ kas become absolutely invaluable to me. I listen as much to the Australian stations, and often to the B.B.C. shortwave stations, too, as I do to. those in New Zealand, and the programme details which the ‘Radio Record’ publishes are very helpful" With — the German short-wave programmes © now available also, the "Radio Record" is able to offer a programme seryice to readers which is second to none in the world. , "THE Vivian Sisters, Audrey, Norma | and Kathleen, who will contribute a group of vocal trios from 2YA_ on Monday, 14th January, are the eldest, second and fourth daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Harold N. Vivian of Island Bay, Wellington. Being sisters their voices have the same timbre, and so always blend well. This trio has been singing together since childhood and as they are in the early twenties their voices have all the freshness of youth. Tall and fair, they have a pleasing stage presence. Her marriage to Mr. D. F. Penington next month, is to see Audrey, the eldest sister, making her. home in. Wanganui, a removal which will break up the Vivian sisters’ trio and also the Pennington brothers’ string trio of piano, violin and celle. Both trios have been in demand for local concerts. 2 ™ ‘THE Vivian sisters will be heard from 2YA in a charming group of four trios. Their first jis Brahm’s lovely "Tullaby," a characteristic fragment from this great German. A negro meiody, "Kentucky' Babe" is their second item, while. two of Pattison’s English part songs will complete this group. These .attractive. girls at this broadcast will give their own: brief annotations to -each:item.. + « Soest 1 ¢ am td