RECITAL FOR OLD PEOPLE

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27676, 4 June 1955, Page 2

RECITAL FOR OLD PEOPLE

JULIUS KATCHEN’S GESTURE A delightful recital of light classical music was-, given to a group of aged persons from institutions and private homes by the American concert pianist, Julius Katchen, yesterday afternoon. About 80 persons attended the recital, which was held in the home of Mr H. R. Abbott, Fendalton. The short programme was informal —the pieces played comprising requests by an attentive audience and choices by Mr Katchen himself. Bach, Mozart, Chopin, and Mendelssohn were the coirtposers represented. Mr Katchen said he/ would try to play anything asked, but looked embarrassed when the Minute Waltz was suggested. “I haven’t played that since I was a little boy.” he said apologetically, and went on to another piece, only to return to the Minute Waltz at the end of it. “Let’s see what happens,” he said, taking a deep breath. He need not have worried.

The old people enjoyed every minute of their outing, which was made possible by a voluntary welfare group known as “Outings Anonymous.” The group has been taking an interest in recreation for the aged since last September, but yesterday’s treat was by far the most outstanding it has arranged.

Mr Katchen acted as if he had known his listeners for years, and posed happily with many of them around the big Steinway grand piano for photographs. After the recital visitors were taken to their homes by car.