SCOTTISH ARTISTS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 185, 4 May 1936, Page 15

SCOTTISH ARTISTS

Touring New Zealand Visiting Wellington in tbe course of a tour are Mr. Duncan M- Morrison, a prominent pianist, and Mr. Sydney MaeEwan, a singer, both of whom hail from Scotland. A native of the Isle of Lewis, Mr. Morrison received private musical training at Edinburgh and later at the Scottish National Academy of Music, Glasgow. He was also a pupil of the world-famous A. Rosenthal, of London. He personally knew tbe late Mrs. Kennedy-Fraser, the collector of Hebridean songs, and was requested by her to collect the songs of the Isle of Lewis. These have now been published under the title, “Ceol Mara” (Sea Music). The volume is dedicated to the Duchess of Y’ork, and there is a bril-liantly-written foreword by the Marchioness of Londonderry. Mr. Morrison’s musical training in London was undertaken by Lord and Lady Londonderry. He was given frequent recitals with Mr. Mac Ewan at Londonderry House, and was presented by Lady Londonderry to the Queen, the Duchess of York, Princess Helena Victoria and other members of the Royal Family. He has composed music for a Scottish film and has acted as accompanist for Mr. Mac Ewan when the latter has been making gramophone records. Mr. Mac Ewan is a Master of Arts of the Glasgow University. While a student there he was heard by a director of the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Glasgow station, and was appointed to the staff of the children’s hour. After graduating at the university, he won n scholarship at the Royal Academy. London. He undertook intensive study at the academy and later with PlunkettGreene. the famous Irish singer. Compton 'Mackenzie, the well-known author and musical critic, nnd Lord Rector, of Glasgow University, then interested themselves in his career, obtaining for him a long-term contract with n prominent gramophone comnnny. Compton Mnc--1.-nnzie introduced Mr. MncEwnn to John McCormack, the world-famous Irish tenor, who has helped him greatly and whose protege he now is.