Listening

Press, 26 August 1980, Page 15

Listening

Book world The novel, “Homelands," by John Wiles, tells the story of a theatre director who, like the author, was bom in South Africa and lived in England for many years. He goes to West Germany to direct a political play which causes violent controversy and makes him question his own background and virtues. John Wiles talks about the rootlessness he feels he shares with his characters and the responsibility of South Africans for what happens in their own country in “8.8. C. World of Books” on the Concert programme at 7 p.m.

Stan Laurel became famous as the mournful half of the Laurel and Hardy comedy team, one of the most successful partnerships in Hollywood. Fred Lawrence talks to Edward Blissen about a biography. “Stan,” which he has written about the actor’s early years in England.

Science and technology have helped soldiers to fight wars. Ronald Clark in his book, “War Winners.” describes some of our scientists’ contributions to warfare from the 1860 s to the present day. The author discusses the reasons people read war books and “where we go from here” as far as weapons are concerned. Relaxed Crass

The 1980 centennial brass band championships were held in Christchurch in May. The competitions over, some of the bands took part in a fun concert. Each band was allowed 15 minutes to perform any musical piece it wished. The result, which is compered by ■ the well-known English. humorist, Jon Pertwee. can be heard on the National programme at 7.30 p.m. Dutch festival From the 1979 Holland Festival comes a recording of the Netherlands Chamber ■ Choir conducted by Kerry Woodward. The title of this programme, which was recorded in the Walloon Church, Amsterdam. is “War and Peace.” It contains' works from the sixteenth century to the present day and includes vocal and instrumental pieces in addition to choral works. Concert programme, 9.22 p.m. Minister’s view “Are We Really Like This?" on the Concert programme at 9 p.m. features the Minister of Tourism and Regional Development (Mr Warren Cooper). He talks to Elizabeth Aliev about his perspectives on New Zealand today, ,and changes he would like to see. This episode, entitled “An Infusion of Initiative,” is the second of two programmes featuring Mr Cooper. Elgar Sir Edward Elgar, “Composer Of The Week” on the Concert programme, used as vehicles for his compositions many musical forms. However he wrote only two symphonies, the first of which, his Symphony No. 1 in A Flat, Opus 55, can be heard on the Concert programme at 10.05 p.m. On this occasion it is performed by the London Philharmonic conducted by Sir Adrian Boult.