ON THE AIR

North Canterbury Gazette, Volume 7, Issue 61, 3 December 1937, Page 6

ON THE AIR

Attractions for the Week

CONTRALTO AND BARITONE

RECITALS TONIGHT

Tonight’s programme from 3YA features the 3YA Orchestra, conducted by Gil Deeh, which will play (at 9.20) three light pieces, “Song Without Words” (Mendelssohn), “Serenade,” and “Aloha Oe,” and (at 9.45), the “Four Ways” Suite. Composed by Eric Coates, this suite is becoming almost as popular as his famous “London” suite. Gil Dech needs no introduction to the public of New Zealand, a 3 he is already famous as a concert pianist, accompanist, and conductor; so that these items should be well worth listening to. .Mrs Hamilton Mercer will contribute the following contralto solos at 8.9: “A Mood,” “Hills of Donegal,” “Only a Itiver Running By,” and “Homing.” At 8.33 Len Barnes will give a baritone recital of works by C'. Armstrong Gibbs—“A Ballad Maker,” “Maritime Invocation,” “As I Lay in the Early Sun,” “Five Eyes,” “The Fields are Full,” and “February.” 3YL will broadcast a light musical programme from 8 to 9, grand opera from 9 to 9.30, band music from 9.30 to 10, and conclude with half an hour of light music. TOMORROW—THE COMEDY HARMONISTS On Saturday night at 9.5, listeners wili have the opportunity of hearing the world-famous 'Australian Sextet now touring New Zealand, known as the Comedy Harmonists. These six young men, who arrived early last week from Australia, provide enter-

tainment of the most polished kind, but behind their seemingly effortless performances is a system that ensures uniformity of co-operation. Even when they are on tour, they rehearse twice daily 1 They are: First tenor, Hans Rexeis; second tenor, Erich Collin; buffo and music arranger, Harry Frommermann; baritone, Roman Cycowski; bass, Rudolph Mayreder; pianist, Fritz Kramer. The Harmonists toured Australia for 16 weeks under engagement to the Australian Broadcasting Commission, and were so popular that they were forced to give 23 extra concerts, and they are to return there, after completing their New Zealand tour. Mr Frommermann claims the honour of forming the company. In 1927, he was an actor earning a small salary in Berlin, and after hearing an American combination known as the “Revellers” he determined to try to form a similar company. He duly advertised for singers, and after carefully selecting the above artists, rehearsals commenced in 1928. After their first concert in Europa House, Berlin, they, were fortunate enough to meet Eric Chavell, who produced “White Horse Inn” in Berlin, London, and New York, and it was he who gave them their name. After that the Harmonists began radio and concert work in all the countries of Europe. After touring Germany, Holland, England, France, Italy, Bcandinavia, they went to the United States in 1934, following this by a visit to Soviet Russia. Each year, since 1929, they have made a dozen new records, and although their native tongue is German, they can sing in English, French, Italian, and Danish. In addition to their concert and radio work, they have appeared in numerous films. It will be most interesting to follow their programme through this country, as many of their items are completely unknown to N.Z. listeners. So be sure to listen in to 3YA on Saturday evening at 9.5 and hear their first performance in this island. Other attractions that evening are (at 8.41) Elsie Finch (soprano), singing “Here’s to Love and Laughter,” “I Wonder if Love is a Dream?” and “Come to the Dance.” r At 9.41 Sefton Daly contributes tho following piano novelties: “These Foolish Things,” “Moonlight and Shadows,” “When a Lady Meets a Gentleman,” “Free,” and “I Hear a Call to Arms.” 3YL will provide a symphonic programme from 8 till 10, and conclude with half an hour of humour and harmony.

SUNDAY

On Sunday 3YA broadcasts a relay of the morning service from Knox Presbyterian Church. The preacher is the Rev. T. W. Armour, the organist Miss Y. Butler, and the choirmaster Mr A. G. Thompson. At 7 p.m. the service will be from the Salvation Army Citadel; speaker, Adjutant W. Thompson; bandmaster, Mr N. Goffin. At 8.30 listeners will hear a presentation of Verdi’s opera, “La Traviata,’ by members of the Chorus and Orchestra of La Scala, Milan. 3YL offers a varied selection of recordings, the most notable of Avhich will be (at 8.30) a fantasia in memory of Franz Schubert, pianoforte solos (at 8.41) by the famous composer, Cyril Scott, and (at 8.51) soprano solos by Olive Groves.

MONDAY

On Monday evening, 3YA’s programme consists of tenor solos (at 8.13 and again at 8.44) by Thomas E. West. Mr West will sing “There’s Something About a Soldier,” “Gentlemen, the King,” “Goodbyo, Old Ship o’ Mine,” and “The .Fishermen of England.” The talk for the evening will be given by Mr Douglas Cresswell, and the subject, “Discovering Our Country —Shearing.” The highlight of the programme will be a pianoforte recital by Mr Ernest Jenner, the musical critic, well known to Christchurch people. Mr Jenner has done wonderful work there in all branches of his art, and deserves sincere support. Mr Jenner’s numbers will be “Welsh Rustic Dance,” YorkBowen’s “Study in D,” '‘The Island Spell,” “Columbine,” and “Cappricio.” Following this, Elsie Suddaby (soprano) will sing a bracket' of Schubert songs: “Faith in Spring,” “The ’Almond Tree,” and the ever-popular “Cradle Song.”