TOUR OF N.Z. PRIMA DONNA

Radio Record, 5 August 1938, Page 18

TOUR OF N.Z. PRIMA DONNA

Madame Zelanda-Arrives This Month_-Broadcast Arranged For: Alt:_ Black Test At Brisbane- ~ 2ZB_ Speaks To Pitcairn 47 Romance Of: Former Christchurch Singer

NGAGED by: the_NBS for H a ~six ~~weeks tour of_- the ~National stations; Madame Margherita Zelanda; colorz #tura: soprano gives_ 'the first: 0fher sroadeasts from:ZYA: on: Tuesday, August; 9 Bord in 'the Dominion, Madanie' 'Zelanda received ber;' frst training at St: 'Philomena 5 Colege 'Conyent of Jercy Dunedin: She " ~later: attended: the New South Wales" Caniservatoriun:" of Music; and fron; Sydney: jourreyed to Italy: where: for two, eajs _ her progress was 'guided +y the famous Professor: Benedetto Morasca of Palermo Conservatorium in Sicilv Here- "she: graduated as a Prima donna before:: :going to Miiat5" to become:a:_ pupil , of_ the late Maestro Manlio: Bavagnoli, ; who' visited Australia some jears: ago for:- sthe Imperial 'Grand Opera Season; 'and Who 'has protighit; betore the oper- atie_ pyblic of:Ita]ya number of jumous: "prima- dornas: #7piq JJu Besides gaining high honotirs 'in her course; Madame Zelanda was acclaimed by professors _ ;of iusic throughout Italy as having one of the finest English voices ever to visit the-country: 'Folloving her initidl broadcast from; 2Y4 Madame Zelanda {ill be'-heard Trom 2Y:on Thursday, Auaust , 11, zhen 'she zeill giue 0 recital of ballads Later' she teill be heard at: the: other National stations. THE NBS announces that it has heen able to comp'ete arrange- ments for a broadcast of the Sec- ond Rugby Test, New Zealand versus Australia_ olaved at Brishane 011 Saturday, Auoust 6. This broad- cast; begins at 4,30 pma JUST: over 2,900 miles from New Zealand lies: Pitcairn Island, whose 200 inhabitants recently heard .a programme hroadcast "speci- allv for their henefit hv 27B . At the micronhone was Mr_ E Law- rence, of the station 9 S technical staff , and formerlv` radio officer 'for the New Zealand Shinning Comnanv_ In that canacitv he was a not infre- quent 'caller at the island, whichi has recently becote possessed: of 2 'good

receiving set. There are about 30 — Pitcairn Islanders now resident in New. Zealand. One of them, Miss M..Young, a descendant ‘of Midshipman Young, one of the original

Bounty mutineers, gave Mr. Lawrence good assistence in the broadcastings of greetings. : Singer’s Romance ONLY a few years ago Miss Merle Miller, Christchurch, was studio pianist at 3YA. She decided, on the advice of Hubert Carter, another Christchurch musician, to take a look at the world of music overseas, and she has no reason for regrets, for she has had engagements in many of the big centres, not as a pianist but as @ singer, News was received in Christchurch last week that Miss Miller had become engaged to Mrs

‘Norman. Walker, the. well-known basso. © Mr. Walker belongs. to Manchester, where; ‘at’ the: Royal College of Music, he won. several scholarships for. singing and « the gold medal for the Guildhall. School ‘of Music. Sir Thomas Beecham ‘heard him sing and signed’: ‘him up for grand opera. At present Miss Miller, so the social writers say, 1s dividing her musical time. with a, Search for a suitable house’ 1M London. School Choirs Juvesu choirs ‘raise ‘the: moral. . .,a8 well as musical tone and: character of a school; so the ‘members of the Canterbury. Education Board ° betieve. . They. expressed this view, the other day, when. Mr. G. M. Martin, formerly of the Woolston .school, and now music ; specialist and. assistant master. at the St. Albans school, wrote. "appealiiig ‘for the board’s support of ‘a proposal ‘that choirs and music groups be formed in "all schools; that a supervisor: ‘be ap- . pointed to organise the work.and train ehildren to-take part in festivals such as are held in E ngiand. aud" Atherica.

While not committing itself, the board decided to congratulate Mr. Martin on his enthusiasm. Curiously enough, _ this is the very thing Mr. Victor C. Peters, Christchurch musician just back from abroad, is advocating,’ Mr. Peters believes, as he told the "Record" in an interview only the other day,.that some. proficiency in music makes a child at least 25 per cent, more efficient in an other subjects, "Wings" IVIL as well as military aviation ig ereating much interest in New ‘Zealand to-day, and all aero: clubs- are engaged in a drive for membership. ‘Extremely helpful in fostering aviation interest are the flying talks given over 8ZB by Lionel McGoverne. of’ the station’s staff, himself an aviator of wide experience in various parts of the world, ‘"Mac’s" popular Sunday. afternoon .feature, "Wings Over Trak," 48 being resumed. _ With Wide Range "QUSHLA DE LANGE sings with wide range," new session, not only to 1ZB but also to New Zealand,. is broadcast by the Auckland commercial ‘station on Tuesday evenings at 6 _ o'clock -nowadays. Miss de Lange has. been away from the microphone for a. considerable time, ‘and her return last week showed that in the’ in- terim she had been giving a great deal of time:to her studies. The promise that her voice showed when Auckland voted her ‘first lady in the Radio Personality Quest’ 18 months ago is: beid well fulfilled, Entertainer ENTERTAINER at the piano, Will ‘Bishop is no stranger to New Zealand "radio listeners. -Mr. Bishop has modelled his material on the lines: of ‘the English.radio and .concert artist, Norman Long, and has made a reputation.in his work "A Piano and Will Bishop" is a feature of. the 2YA evening programme on August 18. — Canine [T is said that those who love dogs, love them for their devotion, "but also-for the great variety be--tiveen. breeds and between dogs. "Dog:--Heroes,’ dramatic feature now being heard from 1ZB .on.. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Satur-

: days | at 8.45 p.m.; should. appeal to. more than actual dog lovers. ‘It is | a series of authentic stories of. the heroism of dogs. . ‘Internationally famous: Frank Foster Davis, authority on dog lore, is the author. He vouches for the truth of every episode.

; "Tar a: Tri o" VERY ship that arrives.at Auckland from overseas -is . watched élosely: by the seouts-from. 1Z%B -for people who will. giye interviews, talks . and musical items. And if the new. arrivals are not heard from’ the’ sta-tion-well, it’s no. fault of 1ZB. The station presented to- listeners. last week a talented and unusual musical combination, the Tara Trio. As the name would suggest, there was a harpist among the three-Miss Wileen O’Donnell, leader of the combination which comprises a piano, harp.and violin. After an interesting .interview,. the trio played some’ beautiful music and .then proved that they can play the popular as well as the classical. The ‘trio is over -here and" will ‘soon be heard in concert work. ; . "Popeye" "THE original of the voice of "Popeye ."~ the Sailorman," Billy Costello, was the highlight of last week at-1ZB.- Juvenile Auckland aéclaimed him’ with’ energy-even’ on the whart-.before: breakfast. . Three.times. .Neddo. hroad-. east with him-from the wharf, from the entrance to His Majesty’s Theatre, where "Popeye" -is playing with the Frank Neil Revue show, and-from the studio in the sponsored programme in the evening. Orowds thronged the

wharves and 1 theatre ‘and- held up traffic in. order to,see him. , Neddo was-.in his. "élement, for he had been "Auckland's own "Popeye". for ‘a: "year : or. more." *"Popeye’s"- voige ‘was -eastly récognisable as, that of. the famous .cartoon: . character. | It was .o, effort to Billy. * Costello * to ‘make’ his voice'as deep and -"fasping as the one we all’know, er to raise it to a light tenor. From. "Popeye" he became "Donald Duck," " . with hardly a 1 Pause for breath;.. Revival PIER befinge without" ‘an amateur "™. eperatt ' society for. afew years, is ~ looking . stageward again and has re-formed a strong company with a. chorus, already," of, more than 70, ‘under tlie ‘musicd] ' direetor- _ ship of Mr, Len Barnes, well-known radio singér. Tie’ eonitiittee has been somewhat concerned about. the choice of .a- first production, so-has sought the advice of Mr, Eliott Lloyd, production maniger of 3ZB. _ The League "yisrr to. Bngland.and Burope ‘was made.last, year. by. the professor of history ‘at Victoria University College, ’ Professor’F. L. W Wood, to study the ‘international situation. He. went to Geneva and saw the. League of Nations at work, and-he visited. France and , Germany, The professor: is a: leading

light in the Wellington branch of the League of Nations Union. He is to give a series of talkg fer the NBS on his impressions of the European situation, including his view of the League’s prospects. These are being broadcast from various stations in turn, and will be heard on Monday evenings at 2YA, starting on August 15. His first talk is called "Is The League of Nations Dead?" and his answer will be in the negative. Rugby REPRESENTATIVE _ football matches are now in full swing. Otago will defend its honour against the Canterbury fifteen next Wednesday. "Whang’ McKenzie will give one of his brilliant running conmmentaries from 4Y A. New Session A NEW session, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 4.45, is being taken up by Thea, of 1ZB. Within a few months it will be extended to each weekday at this time. Newly returned from a visit to Australia, Thea insists that she is now enjoying the rest she orginally went to Sydney to have! Time Alteration alteration for 2ZB’s provincial hours fixes the Huwera session at 4 p.m. Tuesdays, and the Wairarapa session at 10.45 a.m., Thursdays. Beginning on August 5, the informative Shoppers’ Guide will be heard at 10.45 ° a.m. Fridays. Appointment ECENT changes on the advertising executive of the NCBS include the appointment of Mr, Ken Kearney as advertising manager at 1ZB, Auckland. Mr, Kearney is one of New Zealand's most experienced advertising men, having occupied several highly important executive positions on the staff of the Goldberg agency, with headquarters at Wellington. Prior to acceptance of his new post, Mr. Kearney acted as advertising manager for a short period at 8ZB Christchurch. He wil) be sues ceeded at 8ZB by Mr. Edgar J. Thomson, formerly of the advertising staff of 4ZB Dunedin. Harmonists QGTEADILY growing in favour with listeners is the group known as the "Swing Time Harmonists." Trio of women’s voices, these singers are all Wellingtonians, and present popular numbers in a stylé reminiscent of the famous American Pickens Sisters 2YA will again broadcast thig talented trio on August 11. Sidelights "QIDELIGHTS of Wellington,’ made popular in the early days of 2ZB by Aggie, are to be reintroduced shortly by Ian McKay, who has recently been handling this always interesting outside broadcast at 3ZB, Christchurch. , Dunedin Amateur UNEDIN repertory wanderer who will shortly return to Dunedin is Mr. Lester Moller. He left Dunedin in July, 1935, as the holder of a Rhodes Scholarship: left London again last July 31 for Dunedin, While at Oxford, Mr, Moller obtained his degree of B.C.L,

(Oxon.). Before leaving England, he sat for his Oxford degree of bachelor of literature, but the results are not yet to hand. Mr. Moller had just risen to a place of prominence with the Dunedin Repertory Society when he left, and while away he was president of the Brasenose Players, and played leads in outstanding productions of the Oxford University Dramatic Society. At Newcastle "BENNO" and "Betty," formerly of the staff of 2ZB, are now in News castle, Australia, according to latest advice received by the NCBS. "Benno"

is under contract for the time being to 210 Newcastle for the breakfaxt and luncheon sessions, and the early evening session "Betty" is playing on the Hammond electric organ at Neweastle’s most up-to-date theatre. Promotion W SLL-LIKED member of 1YA’S staff, Mr. Trevor Robertson, -first-assist-ant technician at the transmitter, has been promoted to the position of chief technician at Gebbie’s Pass, where 38YA’s transmitter is situated. He left Auckland last Monday for his new job. He is an enthusiastic airman and yachtsman and only last year went to Sydney with the other members of the crew of his yacht and sailed hey in the sesquicentenary celebration races, A member of the Territorial Air Force he will find it difficult to get to the ‘drome now, for Gebbie’s Pass is a long way from Wigram, On Sunday Nights "THESE days-Sunday nights anyway -one needn’t go out of one’s house to enjoy tip-top entertainment. Take last Sunday evening, for instance, when 1ZB provided a dazzaiing feast. First of all the station relayed Penn Hughes, the Australian organist

and singer, brought over specially by the Civic Theatre to play the mighty Wurlitzer there. Following a threeminute interview, he played selections and sang. He has a fine broadcasting voice. Then excerpts from one of the best musicals ever to be screened in this country were broadcast. These were from "The Goldwyn’ Follies," and listeners heard such well-known artists as the tenor, Charles Kullman, Alice Jepson and Kenny Baker, iu tuneful song-hits. Organ Speaks HRISTCHURCH’S civic organthat much-discussed instrument in the Civic Theatre, and owned by the Christchurch City Council-is to "speak" over 38ZB, through the art of Mr. Clarence B, Hall. on Wednesdays at 6.45 p.m. When the organ was first installed it came in for a great deal of criticism. For some time it was speechless for long periods, apart from the hours when students used it for practice. Many a prominent organist has since played upon it and it has figured in many a fine broadcast. Its

specifications are such that it is admirable for microphone purposes. particularly in the popular numbers to which Mr. Hall gives most of his attention. Masterpieces T will not be long before Dr. V. BE. Galway, Dunedin organist and lecturer in music at Otago University, leaves for his lengthy holiday to England. The number of appearances he will make in the "Masterpieces of Music" session from 4YA on Thursday nights, are therefore becoming sadly fewer. Two pieces will be discussed by him next Thursday, "Leiderstod," by Wagner, and "Concerto No. 1," by Bruch. Schoo! Radios NW of the oldest and largest primary schools in the Canterbury dis-trict-Sydenham-has installed a combined radio and loud-speaker apparatus,’ It is in the headmaster’s office, and "the head" acts as announcer and sta-

tion director. Relays of educational broadcasts can be received in any of the rooms. Two speakers provide playtime music and chosen pupils are allowed to appear before the microphone on special occasions. Perhaps it won’t be long before schools have a radio class in their curricula.

Appointment ENING of station 4YZ, Invercargill, has resulted in Mr. Les Adam, of station 4YA, being appointed to the most southerly broadcasting station in the world. Mr. Adam has been with 4YA for some time as. assistant-pro-gramme organiser, At 4YZ he will be the new programme organiser. Grand Hotel GOOD news for those Auckland. listeners fond of the works of authoress Vicki Bawm is that 1YA ‘is, presenting the first

episode of the dramatisation of Vicki's well-known novel, "Grand Hotel.’ First episode, starts at 8,.p.m. on. Monday next. The other episodes are to be given on following Mondays, ‘between 8 and 8.30. The recordings were made in the studios of the NBS at W ellington. Choral Works | Somp of the Dunedin Choral Society’s seventy-fifth anniversary celebrations will be brought to listeners by 4YA,. The first relay from the Town Hall will be on Tuesday next when, between the hours of :8 and 9 p.m., the concert given by the society’s Madrigal Club will be ‘roadcast. An hour of the ‘concert of modern works to’ be: given ,on the Saturday night will be broadeast between 8 and 9. The main -offer- | ing, Vaughan Williams’s: "Sea: Symphony," which earned high praise when performed by the society last year, will be included in this transmission,

"Claps And Slaps" FOLLOWING success at Auckland and Christchurch, 2ZB will this week introduce "Claps and Slaps" session. The "slaps" svill come from listeners invited to offer constructive criticism of programme features, along with suggestions for improvement. The "claps" will come from listeners who may like to express appreciation. of ‘favourite items. The new session, condu¢ted by Ian McKay, will.be. heard on Saturdays at 7.45 .p.m,._ To-day’s Music NATIONALLY on the CBS eircuit, "Hits and. Highlights from Stage and Screen" are due to be broadcast shortly twice a week-Tuesday: at 8 o’clock, and Saturdays at 8.15. From the same source as its predecessors, "In Foreign Lands" and ‘‘Music of the Masters," this’ new feature is designed to meet the demands of those who want. ‘

to-day’s music to-day. It will include new release film hits and songs from the newest shows on ‘Broadway and in Drury Lane. Worid. Tours NOVELTY touches that brighten up 4ZB’s children’s’ session are always being introduced. The other night Peter, by means of a mouthergan, took youthful listeners on a/ ‘ musical tour of the world,. playing several pieces, each one representative of a certain land. Jill acted as interpreter, and when Peter changed the tune she interpolated the name of th2 country intended, as: "Russia," "Song of the Volga Boatman;" "France." "The Marseillaise." Peter has promised to go on another world tour shortly-by means of song. 1YA Readings TATION i1¥A hopes to retain the feature of readings in its 8 to 9 sessions on Friday evenings, formerly given by Mr, D’Arcy Cresswell: _Mr, A. J, Sinclair, Te Awamutu, well known . for his Scottish lectures-and talks, is to speak again on the evening of August 12 telling life of Sandy Armstrong, freebooter, On: August 19 Mr. R. A. Singer, well-known Auckland bara

ristek, Will make his reappearance before the microphone in a series of readings and talks, illustrated with ipusic, on Hebrew literature, Copyright COPYRIGHT laws can sometimes We. hard in the restrictions imposed. Because of copyright, hospital patients and others who look fdrward to hearing "One Man’s Family’ from 1ZB on Sunday mornings will now be debarred that ‘privilege. — The service did what it could to

continue their playing on Sunday of the session broadcast on the Friday niaht, but their efforts came to nothing, so no "One Man’s Family" on Sunday in future. Fiesh And Biood WoO popular Dunedin artists will be heard from 4YA on Monday night. Miss Meda Paine will give selected vocal numb:rs, and Miss Ethel Wallace will be heard in violin numbers. This delightful violinist is heard from 4YA more often than most people realise, for she is first violin in the 4YA studio orehestra. Cavalcade TOUT effort by the clerical, typing and copy-writing staffs of 2ZB dur ing the week-end, was a two-nights’ presentation of a colourful "Cavalcade of Nations," in which fine assistance was given by a number of nationals of other countries resident in Wellington, including a party of Hindus, who sang the traditional songs of India Enthusiastic audiences rewarded the producer, 2ZB’s Robbie, and Miss D. Roberts, assistant producer, who Was also responsible for the dialogue. The organisation was in charge of Misses W. Kindred, M. Fitzgibbon and Joan Anderson. and Messrs. M. Adams, Jd.

Ingley, W. Turrer and

G. R.

Griffin

Parties AZB has recently resumed its Satur- . day morning children’s parties in the St, James Theatre. And hundreds of exeited youngsters roll along eager to participate in the diversified fare offered by the management of the theatre and by the. beloved Jill and Peter, of the station. The programme includes community singing, suitable _ pictures, and free chocolate for every. child attending. industrial RXECORDED talks by Professor J. N. Richardson, Professor of Indus« trial Relations at Leeds University, are attracting attention at 4YA.. The first talk was heard on Tuesday of this week. Next Tuesday Professor Richard-’ Son Will speak on "Industrial Relations. at Home and Abroad," and on the folk lowing Tuesday (August.16) on "Ine ternational Industrial Organisation." Professor Richardson visited New Zealand to inquire into our arbitration systern, Sports Service 7T HERE are & number of owners of radio sets who use them almost: wholly for the reception of sporting information-from race results to a description of how two gentlemen of the mat are fondling each other. These | fans are exceptionally well catered for in New. Zealand. Week-end sports re-

sults from all over the Dominion are neatly summarised, and 3ZB Christ"ehureh: "takes its place as one of the best among the various information bureaus, This station has now inereased its Sunday morning sports session by a quarter of an hour, and, at 11.45, gives out all that racing enthnsjasts need to know. The sports "preview" of Friday nights, too, is attract.ing interest and congratulatory comment. -As for interest in the cricket scores, .the, 83ZB. sporting staff thinks nothing of telephone, calls. at 3 ame and 4 a Thom inquires. Customers AN "Aucklatia retail’ house spéctatising in the sale of silks. tias advised Station 1ZB of. a. tidy. bundle of maii orders following good reception in the faraway Cook Islands, Strings [{amizton. DICKSON String © Orehestra has u« large follywing of listeners,.and another of ‘hig. come bination'’s musical programmes will be broadeast by 2YA on August 10. A feature of the entertainment will be a suite by Foulds: entitled "Music "Pic tures," and’ a "Negra Dance," by White, based on the negro spiritual "Sometimes I Fee} a Mot erless _ Child." Supporting. artiste .wih.-be-Mil-licent Penketh (mezzo-soprano), and Ken Macaulay, a well-known baritone.