Radio diary

Press, 7 September 1989, Page 11

Radio diary

By

JAMES HOMES

First performances of two piano works by Christchurch composer Anthony Ritchie can be heard this evening. Sharon Joy Vogan plays Music for Tristan, and Rosemary Miller-Stott, who taught the composer, plays a three-movement piano sonata in Anthony Ritchie, Concert Programme at 9. Inside Out, Plains FM at 10 this evening, will be pouring out the dedications as usual to those in prison and their families. Presented by the Christchurch prisoners’ support group, the programme, one of the more unusual on local radio, has a tre-

mendous following. "St Louis Blues,” the most successful commercial blues song ever recorded, is saluted in Jazz Scene, National Radio 9.05 tomorrow evening, with 12 versions recorded from 1925 to 1954. This W.C. Handy classic, written 75 years ago, has almost 1000 recorded versions.

Forget Friday evening shopping and stay home to hear Kiri Te Kanawa sing the principal role in the Richard Strauss opera Arabella, Concert Programme 7.15 tomorrow evening. Social and amorous intrigues in 1860 s Vienna. Young Austrian Gabriele Fontana sings

the other important soprano role, Arabella’s younger sister Zdenka. This highly praised recording has the chorus and orchestra of Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, conducted by Jeffrey Tate.

If you missed the first two programmes, make sure you don’t miss McCartney on McCartney, this Saturday afternoon, National Radio at 3. Former Beatle Paul McCartney talks to Mike Read about his life and music. He tells about the Beatles’ last visit to the United States and what turned out to be their final live performance. McCartney comes across as warm and credible.