Independence and Crosby

Press, 4 July 1978, Page 15

Independence and Crosby

Until 15 months before his death last October. Bing Crosby had not sung in Britain. Tonight National Programme listeners can hear (7.30 p.m.) how he performed for a Palladium audience 50 veal's after he began his singing career.

Crosby himself described the show as “old chestnuts raked from the embers.” The Palladium was awash with nostalgia as Bing tripped through “Pennies from Heaven," “Blue Hawaii.” “Sweet Leilani" and other favourites from the 300 million records he had sold. On stage with him on the night of this recording were his family and Rosemary Clooney and, as a counterpoint to ail this remembering, Ted Rogers, a British comedian of a later generation.

For those who want to reflect on another American anniversary, the Concert Programme offers (at 8 p.m.) music to mark Independence Day. It includes Dvorak’s “American Suite” and "American Flag Cantata" and Charles Ives's “Variations on America." John Macdonald is an expatriot New Zealand accordionist. He recorded a series of programmes for Radio New Zealand during a recent return to Auckland. The music he presents on the National Programme tonight at 9.45 p.m. is mainly from the Scottish repertoire, but fine examples of his virtuoso accordion playing come from other pans of the world. John Macdonald is accompanied by the Oswald Cheesman Players.