Richard Ivan Nylander was born on 5th September 1904 in Boulder.
1924
CORNET TEST SOLO.
Won by I. Nylander, of McMahon’s Concert Band, with 92 points., A gold medal was donated for tee winner of this event by Mr. W. Kaeshagen. Adjudicator’s comments: — “Robin Adair.” Maestoso: Tone rather thin -at opening. Recit. well done, though you missed top B. Another slip later. Low G rather weak at finish of movement. Andante: You should not slur bar 14. Correct playing. Slip on last bar. Thema: Nice tone and style here. Melody well played. Var. 1: Wrong notes at bar 3 and 4. Rest of variation well played. Tempo di bolero: Fine playing up to poco lento, which was also well played. Top G at bar 44 missed. This was a very clean performance. Rests not minded in the last two bars. A. With the exception of a few slips this was a very nice clean performance. No serious mistakes noticed.
South Western Times (Bunbury, WA), Saturday 5 January 1924, page 5
CHAMPIONSHIP BAND CONCERT.
In the Government Gardens tomorrow evening, Mr. Hugh McMahon’s champion band will render the numerous items which secured for him the State championship at Bunbury. His own arrangement of Verdi’s ‘Othello,’ the ‘A’ grade special selection, will be given, along with the test piece ‘Parsifal’ by Wagner. The champion hymn ‘Peace Be Still.’ and the triple duet ‘Ida and Dot’ played by two members still in their ‘teens, will be items of interest. The champion cornetist Ivan Nylander, will play ”Neath Austral Skies.’ The grand concert march ‘Twentieth Century,’ with which the band secured the highest points in music for the street march and the quickstep, will open the programme. Mr. McMahon will accompany the solos and duet at the piano. Seats are available for early patrons.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 5 January 1924, page 12
FREMANTLE NAVAL BAND – POSTPONED CONCERT TO BE HELD NEXT SUNDAY
Owing to being called out to the South African Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Service in King’s Park, Perth, on Sunday last, the Fremantle Naval Band were unable to give their programme in the Queens’ Gardens at the corner of High and Parry streets. The programme as advertised will be played there on Sunday afternoon next, commencing at 3.30. Roll up and hear a musical treat. Own Choice contest selection “Maritana”, contest march, “Adelaide,” triple tongue polka “The Pro,” soloist Mr. Ivan Nylander, champion cornetist of the State. Don’t miss this.
Advertiser (Fremantle, WA : 1921 – 1932), Friday 17 October 1924, page 3
1928
WILLYS-KNIGHT CLUB VISITS WOOROLOO
On Sunday, February 26, some 17 cars of the Willys-Overland-Whippet Club assembled at Shack’s Garage at 10 a.m. where 27 members of the R.A.M.R. Band, under Bandmaster E. McCormick, were picked up and conveyed to the Wooroloo Sanatorium. The institution was reached by I p.m. where a supply of hot water was made available, and the ladies of the motor club prepared lunch, which was much enjoyed by all. The programme of music was commenced at 2.30 and was a most excellent selection, and was much enjoyed by the inmates and by the visiting party. A pleasing feature of the run was that Captain Potter, M.L.C., and Mrs. Potter, came along with us and helped in the conveyance of the band. At the conclusion of the ceremony the President of the Club (Mr. W. Winfield), introduced Captain Potter, M.L.C, and in a very able address thanked the bandmaster and band for the excellent spirit, in which they had come along, assisted, of course, by the members of the motor club. Everyone was much impressed by the beautiful situation and the layout of the place. Afternoon tea was prepared by the institution for the band, and a start for home was made about 5 p.m. Among those who assisted by bringing along their instruments were Mr. Dan Egan, of Kalgoorlie; Mr. Fred Barnes, of Boulder, and Mr. Nylander, of Fremantle. The two Nylander brothers rendered a beautiful cornet solo.
Advertiser (Fremantle, WA : 1921 – 1932), Friday 9 March 1928, page 4
1928
LATE MR. ALFRED G. NYLANDER Mr. Alfred George Nylander. who was well known as a prominent bandsman throughout the State for the past 30 years, passed away on October 27 at his late residence, Pamment-street North Fremantle. at the age of 58 years. Mr. Nylander was also a member of the Painters’ Union, and was well known in the trade. He was a member of the Boulder Band, the State Implement Works Band, and the Fremantle Naval Band until overtaken by ill-health. He played with McMahon’s Concert Band when they won the competitions at Bunbury and Fremantle. Mr. Nylander is survived by a widow and a family of three sons and one daughter. The funeral took place on Monday afternoon, October 29, in the Church of England portion of the Fremantle Cemetery, and was attended by many friends. The chief mourners were: Mrs. Nylander (wife), Messrs. Ivan, Vivian, and Elmore Nylander (sons), Miss Lily Nylander (daughter), Messrs. J., H., P., and E. Caesar (brothers-in-law), Mesdames J. and E. Caesar (sisters-in-law), and Mr. E. Nylander (nephew). The pall-bearers were: Messrs. L. C. McKenzie (Fremantle Naval Band), W. Broderick and H. Day (Painters’ Union), H. Wittmer (Luxor Theatre), J. Cooper, and T. W. Alp. Many handsome wreaths were placed on the grave, and numerous communications of sympathy have been received by the bereaved relatives.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Tuesday 6 November 1928, page 10
1930
SPARKLING LUXOR SHOW
It’s a sparkling show at the Luxor where the merry musical comedy revue ‘Manicure Sir?’ is the chief attraction. Ivan Nylander before the second half kicks off does a fine cornet solo, and during the revue a wealth of fun and tuneful singing is served up. ‘Stud’ Foley is brilliant and Nat Phillips has ample comedy opportunities. Nellie Lafferty of the harmonious voice, and delightful Heather Jones, are among the stellars, and the bright Keith Connelly, Jack Delroy, Stella Lamond, Daisy Merritt and Ces Scott work hard to make the show go with a swing. There’s a happy first half, too.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 12 July 1930, page 5
1931
Fremantle Hospital
On Sunday afternoon, the 12th inst., members of the Fremantle Town Band very kindly arranged to be present at the local institution and rendered a number of very fine selections of music for the benefit of the patients receiving treatment therein. These privileged to listen were loud in their praises for the selections chosen and the way same were rendered. The band in question is comprised of local musicians and is under the very capable directorship of Mr. Ivan Nylander, and if their recent efforts can be taken as evidence, they should develop into a particularly fine band, and become a credit to the district. Owing to the absence of the secretary, who was unavoidably prevented from being present during the performance. Dr. Bossence, the S.R.M.O.. very cordially thanked the members of the band for their kindness in giving up their afternoon for the benefit of the sick poor of the community, and expressed the hope that it would not be long before they again visited the institution for a similar purpose.
Advertiser (Fremantle, WA : 1921 – 1932), Thursday 23 July 1931, page 3
FREMANTLE CITY BAND – Broadcast Champion
Messrs. Ivan Nylander and Richard Hough, bandmaster and secretary, respectively, of the Fremantle City Band, were elated today with the success of their band, which annexed the broadcast band championship of the State. The achievement is particularly creditable considering that the band was reorganised only eight months ago, being reconstructed from the defunct Fremantle Town Band.
By dint of constant practice the bandsmen improved so that when the time came for the broadcast contest the bandmaster and his men were confident that they would secure a large number of votes and be close to the top of the poll. Mr. Nylander, though a young man, has, with his brother and late father, been prominent in band music for many years past. He was bandmaster of the Naval Band, which won the ‘C’ Grade championship in 1925, and is a brilliant cornet player. CONCERT IN PERTH
On Tuesday night next the winning band will give a concert in Government Gardens, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the Orphans’ Christmas Cheer Fund, conducted by ‘The Daily News.’ In addition to varied numbers by the band, there will be items by broadcasting favorites in Phyllis Blott, Dorothy Manning, Aileen Hart, Paul Daly and Harold Neat.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Friday 11 December 1931, page 7
1932
Orchestral Society
The Fremantle Orchestral Society, whose concert announced for Thursday, May 12, is already creating a stir among, music-lovers at the Port, acquitted itself splendidly at the opening concert in the Winthrop Hall. The orchestra, made up of 55 instrumentalists, put forward a capital programme and, in the fitness of things, began with the march from “Tannhauser,” with its tremendous fanfare of trumpets and general magnificence of orchestral tone. The society then gave Haydn’s “Clock” symphony, which was followed by the lovely tone-poem universally known by the name of “The Unfinished Symphony,” by Schubert. This was perhaps the finest playing of the evening, the wood wind sections being faultlessly performed, Mendelssohn’s “War March of the Priests” and the melodious “Pirates of Penzance” selection were much admired, the solo by Mr. Ivan Nylander, bandmaster of the Fremantle City Band, being one of the gems of the concert. The assisting artists were Miss Betty Gravenall (piano), Miss Marcia Hodges (soprano), Mr. Leo. Chase and Miss Margaret Sharp Violinists) and Miss Phyllis Browning-Turner (contralto).
Fremantle Advocate (WA : 1926 – 1942), Thursday 21 April 1932, page 8
1936
In 1936 auditions, overseen by Ernest J. Roberts, were held in order to establish a nucleus of Perth musicians to augment the 6.W.F. Studio Orchestra for public concerts given by the Perth Symphony Orchestra.
BACK L-R: Fred Flint, Tony Federici, Harry Singleton, Rima Swain, Lazar Sverdloff, Ivan Nylander, Alec Black, Vera Rees, Percy Newton, William Glassford, George Davies, Bob Trew, George Mellor.
FRONT: ?, Vaughan Hanly, Dave Kember, Harold Thornton, ?.
Those chosen for the coveted positions were: Vera Rees (Waterman) as the leader, Lazar Sverdloff and Dorothy Formby 1st violins, Bill Glassford 2nd violin, Bob Stirling viola, Zlata Kalmikoff cello, Freddy Flint bass, Harry Singleton oboe, Fred Payne flute, Percy Newton clarinet, George Mellor 1st trumpet, Ivan Nylander 2nd trumpet, Tony Federici trombone, George Reid drums and Rima Swain piano.
Harrison, Marcia, West Australian Symphony Orchestra Celebrating 75 Years, (WASO Holdings Pty Ltd, 2003). P.11
1944
AID FOR WOOROLOO. Concert Next Sunday. Theatrical artists are expressing their goodwill towards the patients of Wooroloo with a benefit concert in aid of the Sanatorium Colony, at the Ambassadors Theatre on Sunday, commencing at 3 o’clock. The Australian Broadcasting Commission has consented to present a performance of “The ABC on Parade,” which will be the first public appearance of this broadcast show, recently returned from a tour of military camps. The producer and compere is Dave Howard, with theatre orchestra under the direction of Ivan Nylander and Tony North at the organ. Guest artists include Betty Hatfield (soprano), Eileen Moran (entertainer), Olive Dunton (xylophonist), Tony North (wizard of the wurlitzer), Vaughan Hanly (virtuoso violin), Neil Shortland-Jones (popular vocalist), Maurice Jaffey (tenor), Jack Harrison (W.A.’s miniature Larry Adler), Hannah Colley (trumpet soloist) the Paulasto Brothers (entertainers) and those nitwits of the network Joe Brennan and Ida Newton, The second half of the concert programme opens with the US Navy Band compered by Stan Gervas of 6PM-AM Professional vocalists, entertainers and vaudeville acts will also appear in sequence with a grand finale by the U.S. Band. The Ambassadors Theatre for this concert was made available to the Wooroloo Farm Colony Committee by Mr S. W. Perry, resident manager for Hoyts Theatres, Ltd. Dr Park, Commissioner of Public Health, will briefly indicate that the concert opens a week of intensified effort to interest the public in the colony development and welfare of the patients at Wooroloo. Seats for the concert may be reserved at Nicholsons, the admission prices being 4/, 3/ and 2/.
The West Australian Wednesday 13 September 1944 page 4
1945
Bandsmen Meet
THERE were no discords at Monash House on the evening of November 27, when a reunion of bandsmen organised by present members of the Western Command Band took place. Guests included ex-members of the 10th Garrison and 5th Brigade Bands, also several prominent bands-men, including Messrs Reid and Palmer (Perth Portress Band), George Mellor (R.S.L. Band), Ivan Nylander (V.D.C. Band), and exW/O Bob Denison, who was the foundation bandmaster 10th Garri-son Band.
W/02 George Pestell, the present bandmaster, was in the chair, and presided over a gathering of about 70. Approximately 100 players have served with the Western Command Band since it was formed about six years ago, and seven of the original members are now playing. A number of toasts were effectively handled, perhaps the most humorous speech of the evening being made by Cpl A. Burnham, who proposed the toast of “ex-members” and enumerated the peculiarities of many of those, present. In honouring the toast to fallen comrades, the chair-man referred to the recent demise of an original member of the band, the late Mr Frank Knight.
Drum-Major D. Chaloner proposed the toast of the visitors, which was responded to by Bandmaster W. Palmer, supported by Bandmaster Ivan Nylander. The toast of the Western Command Band was proposed by Bandmaster George Mellor, of the War Loan Council. Responses were made by W/O George Pestell, Captain J. Smith, and Bandsman J. Noble.
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 – 1954), Thursday 13 December 1945, page 61
1948
Subiaco Band Hope To Go Abroad
Subiaco Municipal Band may make an overseas goodwill tour in about two years’ time. This is one of many tours planned by the band and revealed by bandmaster Ivan Nylander. The band is leaving by train tonight on a good will tour of South Australia and Victoria This tour is claimed by Mr. Nylander to be the first of its kind since 1912. In that year the Perth City Band visited the Eastern States to compete in band competitions. No Outside Aid. ‘Our Eastern States visit is rather a feather in our caps,’ Mr. Nylander said to day. ‘Finance for the trip has been raised by the band without any help from outside sources. ‘Our coming tour is only the start of many similar tours. ‘We hope to make an overseas tour in about two years’ time.’ The Subiaco band will be away for three weeks on its present tour. It will not be taking part in competitions as the Band Festival is not until October. Subiaco Municipal Band was, during the war, the V.D.C. band. It is well known to trotting followers through its regular attendance at Gloucester Park. Bandmaster Nylander is also deputy conductor of the A.B.C. Orchestra.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Friday 2 January 1948, page 5
Down beat
IN the Daily News on January 2 you reported Ivan Nylander to have stated that his band would be the first to tour the Eastern States since 1912.
This is not quite correct; the Perth Salvation Army Fortress Band in 1927 visited Adelaide, Melbourne, Ballarat, Sydney and Newcastle, and in 1936 again went to Adelaide and Melbourne. On each occasion members paid their own fares. —EX-BANDMASTER, N. Perth. Bandmaster Nylander and Subiaco Municipal Band have left the State on their goodwill tour of South Australia and Victoria.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Wednesday 7 January 1948, page 2
1949
BAND CONCERT The series of Sunday afternoon concerts in the Perth Town Hall by brass bands which will compete at the forthcoming Silver Chain contest was continued yesterday by the Subiaco Municipal Band under the direction of Mr. Ivan Nylander. A bright and varied programme, including selections from grand opera and light opera was presented. A trio for trumpets was played by V. and I. Nylander and RI Perry, and a cornet solo, “Lead Kindly Light,” by E. Kemp. Mrs. 1. Nylander, contributed songs, and Mr. Alan Smirke violin solos.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 8 August 1949, page 17
BAND CONCERT The series of band concerts given on Sunday afternoon by metropolitan bands was continued in the Perth Town Hall yesterday. The entertainments are a prelude to the brass and pipe band contests promoted by the Silver Chain District and Bush Nursing Association to be held on October 8 and 9. The programme yesterday was given by the Subiaco Municipal Band, under Mr. Ivan Nylander. It consisted of bright popular numbers, which included a selection from Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera “The Gondoliers,” a wedding waltz in which was featured a glockenspiel, and a trio for trumpets. Next Sunday, the Perth City Band will give a concert.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 29 August 1949, page 9
1950
BRASS BAND CONCERT Under the baton of the honorary conductor (Ivan Nylander) the Subiaco Municipal Band gave a concert in the Perth Town Hall yesterday afternoon. This was the penultimate of a series of twelve Sunday concerts provided by three senior, bands of the metropolitan area. On October 7 and 8 band contests, organised by the Silver Chain District and Bush Nursing Association, will be held.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 28 August 1950, page 22
1951
NOTED BAND CONDUCTOR Concert At Subiaco On April 8
At Subiaco Oval on the afternoon of April 8, massed bands under the direction of Lieut.Col. H. E. Adkins, who recently retired from the position of director of Kneller Hall, the Royal Military School of Music in England, will give a jubilee concert. The bands participating will be Western Command (conductor, Warrant-Officer C. P. James), Subiaco Municipal (I. Nylander), Perth City (H. Halvorsen) and R.S.L. Memorial (C. W. Court). Items by the massed bands will include the entrance fanfare “Coliseum,” composed by Col. Adkins himself. The bands will also play individually. The concert will be broadcast over national and regional stations from 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Lieut-Col. Adkins, who will arrive from the Eastern States on Saturday, was one of the principal conductors at the Coronation of the present King and Queen. He is in Australia as one of the A.B.C.’s jubilee visitors. Since he came to this country in 1933 to conduct the A.B.C. Military Band, which was formed specially for his visit, he has twice toured Canada with the renowned Kneller Hall band, has appeared in America and has given many concerts in London and other British cities, as well as conducting at Paris and Brussels. He will return to England in the Orontes on April 10.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Thursday 29 March 1951, page 15
Harrison, Marcia, West Australian Symphony Orchestra Celebrating 75 Years, (WASO Holdings Pty Ltd, 2003). P.22
1952
Stimulating Symphony – By Dr. B. V. Pusenjak
Eugene Goosens presented last night at the Capitol a quite unusual program featuring, among others, Shostakovich’s Concerto for piano, trumpet and strings.
This Concerto is a pleasing contrast to his so disappointing fifth symphony, heard last year and shows Shostakovich at its best, not yet bowing his art to the dictator.
Pianist, Igor Hmelnitzky’s interpretation was filled with caressing nuances and brilliant phrasing but the Lento particularly required a more delicate touch. Ivan Nylander, the trumpeter, showed strong technical capacity. Brahms F Major Sym-phony which followed, is certainly in overall construction, the most impressive of the four as well as the shortest. Mr. Goosens and the orchestra gave it poise and shapeliness.
Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 – 1955), Sunday 21 September 1952, page 7
MUSIC ROMANTIC AND MIRTHFUL (By “Fidelo.”)
Wagner, brooding: Tschaikowsky, passionately eloquent, in that order; on their heels a skittish Shostakovitch: “A truce to sentiment and seriousness! Pouf! Let’s away!”
Thus his frivolous challenge one fancied, and in a flash off we were-or rather, young, slender Igor Hmelnitsky was, scampering up and down the keyboard, while Ivan Nylander stood by with trumpet for bits, of popular tune and irreverent flourishes. This was the order of things for the first half of last night’s concert at the Capitol. There is a lot of good entertainment in the Shostakovitch concerto. (composed in 1933), provided by a nimbly inventive, bright mind, but the lively finale goes on too long, we thought. In the slow movement the composer becomes serious, and conjures up “atmosphere” quite compellingly. The soloist team of Igor and Ivan–happy conjunction of names-was entirely admirable. Brahms To Mr. Goossens we were indebted for choosing a well-balanced, well-varied programme, and drawing from the W.A. Symphony Orchestra some exceptionally good performances. Among the evening’s pleasures was the “singing” of the upper strings, notably in the lovemusic of Tschaikowsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” (which was stirringly done) and in the second movement of Brahms’s Symphony No. 3. We have now heard all four Brahms symphonies in Perth, two of them in this current season. None is more endearing and warmly romantic than No. 3. Its appealing second movement, a mingling of tenderness and solemnity, was beautifully rendered last night. But indeed Mr. Goossens maintained throughout the work a high level-in clarity (notwithstanding the typical Brahmsian complexities), in breadth of outline and sensitive. expressive articulation. Study Of Faust The Wagner of “A Faust Overture,” opening the programme, is rather different from the Wagner of richer, better-known masterpieces. In the nature of the case this study of the aged Faust and his longings is subdued in colouring; but there are fine, imaginative strokes in the work and its revival was welcome. In the concert’s second part, to take us forthwith from the symphonic voice of Brahms to a pair of Slavonic dances (closing the evening) was a little unorthodox. But who, hearing these piquant. effervescent and entirely delightful things of Dvorak’s, could find it in his heart to cavil?
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 20 September 1952, page 4
FINE PERFORMANCE OF “MESSIAH” (By P.)
Many times during the performance of the “Messiah” at His Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday night we were given fine music that brought to us the full magnificence of Handel’s work. Some of the loveliest music came from Florence Taylor in her arias “He Shall Feed the Flock” and “He Was Despised.” She sang in a true Handel style with smooth phrasing and effortless production and her contralto voice, with its beautiful, almost husky quality, was admirably controlled to give g moving effect of restrained emotion. The bass, T. C. Miller, also seemed at his ease in the Handel sphere. He gave us strong singing with broad phrases and assured notation. In his recitatif “For Behold Darkness Shall Cover the Earth” he introduced drama most successfully and later gave us a fine vigorous rendering of the famous air “Why Do the Nations.” The other two soloists were not so successful. Betty Hooper, the soprano, has a powerful voice which is capable of a very beautiful tone. Unfortunately, last night she seemed to lack direction in her singing and gave us too many “scoops” and not enough of the easy sweeping periods we would have liked. Fred Williamson, the tenor also did not achieve the right style and consequently made his singing rather uneven, with a far too slow tempo in his solos at the end of the section “Death of the Messiah.” Nevertheless, his voice, with its pleasing resonant quality, contributed many beautiful notes. The choir of the Perth Philharmonic Society is large and was admirably controlled by the conductor, Mr. E. S. Craft. Some of the choruses were splendid in their vigour and full tone, especially “All They That See Him Laugh Him to Scorn” and the final “Worthy is the Lamb.” However, the members had a tendency to sing loudly all the time and this produced a strained tone and prevented the parts blending. The orchestra was very competent and we had some skilled woodwind playing in the Pastoral Symphony. Now and again a preponderance of brass produced an unbalanced ensemble but the trumpeter, Ivan Nylander, made amends for this fault with his fine solo. The organist, Thelma Bassett, also contributed to the success of the performance with competent accompaniments. There was a large attendance.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Thursday 11 December 1952, page 6
1954
An impromptu pre rehearsal trombone solo is given by W.A. Orchestral player Bernie Conlon for the entertainment of trumpeter Ivan Nylander and flautist Owen Fisenden. All three players will accompany the Orchestra when it makes its Great Southern tour in the middle of September. Concerts will be given in York, Wagin, Narrogin and Beverley.
Narrogin Observer (WA : 1918 – 1955), Thursday 9 September 1954, page 1
1965
1967
Ivan retired from the WASO in 1968 and was recognised with a bronze medallion in 1970 for over 20 years service.
Ivan died on the 16th June 1996 aged 91.