LORD LURGAN’S TOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23858, 12 July 1939, Page 14

LORD LURGAN’S TOUR

HIS VIEWS ON JAZZ WORLD TIRED OF IT Lord Lurgan. 37-year-old English baritone, thinks the world is tired of jazz and is asking for more classical and yet tuneful music for its entertainment. At the invitation of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (wrote Kay Carson from London on June 22), he is leaving on June 28 by Imperial Airways’ flying-boat for Australia, where he will give a 13 weeks broadcasting tour in the capital cities of the five States as well as in Hobart, Newcastle, and Kalgoorlie. A stalwart follower of contemporary English composers. Lord Lurgan’s recitals will be based on modern English songs, among his favourites. many of those composed by Roger Quilter. Although born in Northern Ireland, no Irish songs will be included in his repertoire, as he wishes to put forward more strongly the claims of English composers. For the past 10 years Lord Lurgan, who sings under the name of William Brdwnlow. has broadcast and given concert recitals in England, France, and America. His most recent visit to America was in January of this year, when he sang in New York. American audiences were found to be keenly appreciative of the works of modern English composers, which are little known in that country. A player of real tennis —known in Australia as royal tennis —Lord Lurgan was delighted when he heard that both Hobart and Melbourne possess courts where he will be able to play this historic and rapidly-dying-out sport. Originating in France, real tennis was introduced to England by King Henry VIII 400 years ago at Hampton Court, where the first real tennis court was built and still exists to-day. being one of the 16 remaining in England. Other famous courts in England are to be found at Lord’s. Queen’s Club, and Brighton, w r hile Lord Lurgan has also played on courts at Bordeaux and Paris. The sport as it is played by a very small percentage of Australians is based authentically on the game as it was played in the days of King Henry VIII, and Lord Lurgan is looking forward very much to trvjng out his skill against Australian followers of this sport during his broadcasting tour. It is interesting to note that the one court in existence in Hobart was originally built by S. S. Travers in 1875 for his own personal use and subsequently, in 1882. was taken over by the Royal Tennis Club. The Melbourne court was built in 1883. In addition to royal tennis. Lord Lurgan is a keen golfer, and hopes to find time to visit some of Australia’s most important golf courses. At the conclusion of his Australian tour, if circumstances permit, he will visit New Zealand and return to England via the United States of America. Although he has flown a lot to Europe and to his home in Northern Ireland, this Imperial Airways, flying-boat trip of his will be his first experience of long-distance flying.