MISS RUSSELL-FERGUSON'S RECITAL

Evening Star, Issue 22328, 2 May 1936, Page 22

MISS RUSSELL-FERGUSON'S RECITAL

Seldom has the announcement of a forthcoming musical recital so stirred the imagination and aroused the interest of the people of Dunedin as has the welcome news of the recital of Hebridean songs to he given m the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Wednesday evening next by Miss Russel l-Ferguson . This is not surprising. Miss Russell-Ferguson was born in the Hebrides, and has inherited a love for the fascinating history and traditions of her native isles. This, coupled with her remarkable gifts of interpretation, has enabled her to win fame lor herself and distinction for the Western Isles of her beloved Scotland It is therefore quite understandable that the people of Dunedin, noted for their, interest in, and love for. the traditions of Scotland should welcome with cnthusiasm one so "ifted nnd so delightfullv endowed with Nature s rarest gifts If anv outward manifestation or this 'interest were required it is to be found in the fact that all the Scottish societies in our midst have combined to do honour to Miss Russell-Ferguson. Commenting on Miss Ferguson s recent South African tour, a music critic in that country wrote: “ During her tour of Eolith Africa, engaged by many schools ami Caledonian societies throughout the country, the heart of man van exiled Scot kindled with emotion'and fervour on hearing again the car ‘ port-a-bcnl ’ haunting love songs of their boyhood days.” No one who loves and venerates the story of Hebrides should miss the opportunity nt hearing the foremost exponent ot Scotland's folk song.