1986 Joan Sutherland
Person
MCKEAN, Lorna
Lorna Crawford McKean (1914-1963), soprano, was born on 13 August 1914 at Arncliffe, Sydney, youngest of three daughters of native-born parents Robert Crawford McKean, schoolteacher, and his wife Jane, née McManus. Lorna received early piano tuition from her mother and formal education at Bexley Public, Cleveland Street Intermediate High and St George Girls’ High schools. She left school to concentrate on full-time piano studies with Elizabeth Coleman and singing lessons with Ruth Ladd.
A talented actress who performed at (Dame) Doris Fitton‘s Independent Theatre, McKean loved music. She studied singing at the New South Wales State Conservatorium of Music, giving lieder recitals and performing operatic roles such as Pamina in Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Eurydice in Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice. McKean was awarded a Layman Martin Harrison scholarship, and in 1936 gained teacher’s and performer’s diplomas in singing. Shortly afterwards she accepted an invitation to join the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s wireless chorus, conducted by Joseph Post.
On 9 August 1938 at the district registrar’s office, Rockdale, Lorna married Leo Denis Vaughan Hanly, a 21-year-old violinist and a fellow student at the conservatorium; they were to have three children. Hanly had been assisting-artist during Richard Tauber’s Australian tour and the Taubers attended the wedding. The newlyweds completed a national broadcasting tour for the A.B.C. before settling in Perth, where Hanly was appointed (1939) leader of the A.B.C.’s local orchestra. His wife soon became active in music circles in the city. When World War II broke out she undertook extensive touring and concert work throughout the State to assist the war effort.
In 1948 Lorna McKean (as she continued to be known professionally) travelled to London with an introduction to the soprano Elisabeth Schumann. She auditioned successfully for the British Broadcasting Corporation and fulfilled a number of engagements, including radio recitals and public performances. In 1949 she returned to Western Australia. Her work in London had impressed (Sir) John Barbirolli, conductor of the Hallé Orchestra. In accepting an invitation to tour Australia for the A.B.C. in the summer of 1950-51, he stipulated two conditions: that the tour take place when the English cricket team was in Australia, and that she should appear as soloist in some of his concerts. Barbirolli’s tour established McKean in the front rank of Australian musicians.
She continued her singing career, tackling new compositions, adding to her repertoire, and introducing works by composers such as Claude Debussy, Paul Hindemith and Edgar Bainton to Perth audiences. During the 1950s and early 1960s McKean occupied a prominent position in Perth’s music world. Survived by her husband, daughter and one of her two sons, (violinist Brian Hanly) she died of a cerebral tumour on 26 October 1963 at Royal Perth Hospital and was cremated with Congregational forms. John Farnsworth Hall, the conductor of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, described her as ‘a superb artist who was deeply appreciated’.
Select Bibliography
- Broadcaster, 24 Sept-1 Oct 1938, 29 July 1939, 27 Feb 1946.
- West Australian, 19 Apr 1939, 2, 28 Oct 1963.
- Sydney Morning Herald, 15 Jan 1951; family records (privately held).
Citation Details
Brian Pope, ‘McKean, Lorna Crawford (1914–1963)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/mckean-lorna-crawford-10982, published online 1 January 2006, accessed online 28 October 2026.
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Saturday 1 August 1936, page 12
1936
LORNA MCKEAN.
Miss Lorna McKean, pupil of Miss Ruth Ladd, will give a Leder recital at the Conservatorium Hall on Thursday August 13. The programme will include works by Schubert, Brahms. Schumann and Strauss, also groups of songs by French and English composers. The assisting artists will be Vaughan Hanly violinist, and Miss Muriel Edsall, accompanist.
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Saturday 1 August 1936, page 12
1941
Evening of Music.
MEMBERS of the W.A. Music Teachers’ Association and many friends met last Saturday night at the Burt Memorial Hall and listened to a programme of music by local composers. The programme was arranged by Mr. Edward Black. The president, Mr. F. L. Robertson, with Mrs. Robertson, and the hon. secretary, Miss J. L. Young, received the guests. Mr. Edward Black gave an introductory paper on “The Guild of Australian Composers.” This was followed by songs by Mrs. Carroll, Paul Buddee, Edward Black, and Otto Kaye, sung by Miss Lorna McKean; four sketches for violin and cello, composed by Lazar Sverdloff were played by Madame Zlata Kalmikoff and the composer; song by Miss Lorna Ford. sung by Miss Boesser; songs by Roy Wood, sung by Mr. Frank Robertson: piano solos by Alec and Edward Black played by Edward Black; and songs by Miss Florence Hedd sung by Miss Gertrude Hutton. At the conclusion of the music supper was served on tables gay with yellow and orange tinted flowers.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Wednesday 2 July 1941, page 8
Monster Concert TONIGHT – 8.45 – CAPITOL
Stanley Clarkson, Perth Symphony Orchestra, Ante Soljanic, Perth Highland Pipe Band, Sammy Sharp‘s Band, C.T.A. Choir, Betty Wright, Vaughan Hanly, Subiaco Brass Band, Henry Cochran, Radio Players, Lorna McKean, and “MISS RADIO”.
Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 – 1955), Sunday 17 August 1947, page 13
1951
Jack Harrison was second clarinet in the South Australian Symphony Orchestra for the following concerts:
THE AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING COMMISSION
THANKS ALL Symphony Orchestral and Celebrity Concert SUBSCRIBERS and PATRONS for their interest and support during the past year and in extending to them the Compliments of the Season also announces the
NEW YEAR’S CONCERT ATTRACTIONS
A NEW YEAR SYMPHONY EVENING
Thursday 18th January, 1951
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Conductor: HENRY KRIPS
Soloist: LORNA McKEAN (delightful Westralian soprano)
FIRST 1951 OPEN AIR CONCERT
Free Sunday Matinee
BOTANIC GARDEN, ADELAIDE
Sunday, January 28, 1951, 2.45 p.m.
Free to all — No charges — Everybody is invited.
Commonwealth Jubilee Celebrations
STATE CONCERT
organised and presented for the SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
CENTENNIAL HALL, WAYVILLE
Thursday, February 1, 1951, 8 p.m.
introducing
SIR JOHN BARBIROLLI
Eminent British Conductor of Halle Orchestra directing the
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Soloist: EVELYN ROTHWELL
Distinguished British Oboist
Under the distinguished patronage of HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF SA, SIR WILLOUGHBY NORRIE, LADY NORRIE and SUITE
A memorable musical event of interest to all South Australians.
FAREWELL APPEARANCE
SIR JOHN RARBIROLLI
CENTENNIAL HALL, WAYVILLE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1951, 8 p.m.
South Australian Symphony Orchestra
Soloist: RAYMOND O’CONNELL Brilliant Australian Pianist
Preferential plans from Thursday January 11. Ordinary plans from Thursday, January 18.
Price 10/-, 7/6, 5/-, and 3/- (No tax).
The Mail Adelaide Saturday 23 December 1950 page 28
MUSIC . . . . ART . . . THEATRE – Moderm Works For Symphony Concert
FIRST CONCERT Thursday 18 January 1951
By Harold Tideman
Modern orchestral works will be a feature oi the SA Symphony Orchestra’s first concert for the year in the Adelaide Town Hall on Thursday night. Of particular interest to South Australians will be the first public performance here of Alex Burnard’s overture ‘L’Allegro.’ Conductor Henry Krips gave this work a successful airing in a recent broadcast. Based on Milton’s poem it is definitely in the modern idiom, cleverly orchestrated. Formerly of Adelaide, and now senior lecturer in Harmony and Composition at the NSW State Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Dr. Burnard gained his Music degree at the Elder Conservatorium in 1927 and his Mus. Doc. in 1932. He studied with Dr. Ralph Vaughan Williams during a visit to England, and in 1935 gained five major awards in the ABC composers’ competition. Besides instrumental works, he has written a number of unusual songs, including settings of William Blake’s ‘Songs of Innocence’ for soprano and flute which were performed here in the Australian Music Festival last year.
First Time
Richard Strauss’s ‘Rosenkavalier’ Suite will also be played for the first time here by the orchestra. Those familiar with the opera (‘The Rose Cavalier’) know the peculiarities of Strauss’s orchestration and recognise that his work demands a pinnacle of orchestral playing. That the SA Orchestra is now able to cope with this field of music is a tribute in itself to the conductor and the personnel, and augers well for the future. Smetana’s symphonic poem ‘Ma Vlast’ (My Fatherland) will be one of the major works on Thursday’s programme. In this brilliantly orchestrated piece, the famous Czech composer traces the course of the River Moldau from its mountain source, through the noble city of Prague, to the sea. In more reflective vein will be Liszt’s symphonic poem, ‘Les Preludes,’ based on Lamartine’s ‘Meditations Poetiques,’ and lighted texture will be provided in the ‘Dance of the Tumblers’ from ‘The Snow Maiden’ by Rimsky-Korsakov which will conclude the evening and Henry Krip’s own transcriptions of ‘Clair de Lune’ and ‘Passepied’ from Debussy’s ‘Suite Bergamasque.’ Assisting artists will be Western Australian soprano, Lorna McKean, who will sing two famous operatic arias— ‘Si, michiamano Mimi,’ from ‘La Boheme’ (Puccini), and ‘Ah, fors e lui’ from ‘La Traviata’ (Verdi).
Barbirolli’s Visit
FEBRUARY 1 1951
Listeners to the broadcasts of the Barbirolli concerts from Sydney have been greatly impressed, and the famous conductor’s visit to Adelaide is being eagerly awaited. The two programmes arranged for here contain mostly solid and well tried fare which will make the task of both conductor and orchestra all the harder. For the State concert in the Centennial Hall on February 1, the orchestra will open with Berlioz’s ‘Carnaval Romaine’ Overture and the concerto for oboe and strings by Corelli (arranged by Barbirolli) will follow, Evelyn Rothwell being the soloist. Then comes Mozart’s ‘Jupiter’ symphony, and after the interval, the Brahms Symphony No. 1 in C minor.
FEBRUARY 7 1951
For the second concert on Feb. 7 in the same hall, the programme will be — -‘Egmont’ overture (Beethoven), Serenade for Strings (Elgar), Concerto in A minor for piano and orchestra (Schumann) with Raymond O’Connell soloist, and the Symphony No. 7 to C major (‘The Great’) by Schubert.
The Advertiser Adelaide Saturday 13 January 1951 page 7
This Tuesday, June 12, a recital was given in the Town Hall to the children of Pingelly by Australian , soprano, Lorna McKean, and brilliant pianist, Stephen Dornan. The programme was one chosen especially for the children, the opening: song being “The Road to the Isles,” rendered delightfully by Miss McKean. A description of the song was given by Mr. Dornan to an appreciative audience. This was followed by a Maori song, “Waaata.Poi,” by the Australian composer, Alfred Hill. We were then entertained with the Military Prelude by Rachmaninoff with Stephen Dornan at the piano. Further vocal and pianoforte items were fully appreciated by the children present and it is hoped that we will receive many more entertainments of such a high calibre. At the beginning of this month the new typewriter arrived at the school, in time for the preparation of examination papers.
Pingelly-Brookton Leader (WA : 1925 – 1954), Thursday 14 June 1951, page 4
Jubilee Recital
Soprano, Lorna McKean and associate artist, pianist, Stephen Dornan presented a Jubilee recital in the Albany Town Hall last Friday, under the direction of the Adult Education Board. A programme of varied works was received by an enthusiastic, if rather sparse audience. Although bookings were filled for the dress circle, a number of seats in the hall remained vacant. One can easily imagine why Lorna McKean is popular with fellow artists and audiences. She sings with grace and charm. Miss McKean commenced the programme with two well known songs “My Mother Bids Me Bind My Hair” by Haydyn and “My Heart Ever Faithful” by Bach, sung with sympathy and sensitive expression. One of the most popular of Max Reger’s compositions, “The Virgin Slumber Song,” “A Dream,” by Grieg and a highly dramatic song “The Trout” by Schubert were executed with fin-The only operatic works included in the programme were “They Call Me Mimi” from La Boheme by Puccini, and “The Laughing Song” from der Fledermaus by Strauss. Miss McKean completely captivated her audience with her effervescent charm and her excellent interpretation of both. “The Laughing Song” was received with more than ordinary enthusiasm. In her five years’ absence from the musical scene of Albany, Miss McKean’s voice has developed from a lyric soprano, to a soprano with greater depth of tone, dramatic content and flexibility. Her interpretations of “They Call Me Mimi” and “The Laughing Song” were beautifully done, the first being most poignant and the second sung with joyous abandonment. . Finally, Miss McKean sang three delightful folk songs,
“The Road to the Isles,” “The Last Rose of Summer” and Peter Warlock’s arrangement of “One More River to Cross,” which had a very fine piano accompaniment. Stephen Dornan gave explanatory notes oji all the music performed, and to the listener, they were too long and definitely overdone. Tp an audience of school children this is most desirable, but for adults the explanations and story of musical architecture want to be drastically pruned. Mr. Dornan’s contribution to the recital was three fold. He did the talking, accompaniments and solo playing. His playing was noted for its fine technique, clarity of tone and rhythm content, but one feels that the aesthetic side was lost through the explanatory interruptions. Debussy’s soothing composition, “Clair de Lune” was presented in direct contrast with its companion, “Prelude in G Minor,” by Rachmaninoff: Dornan played this gripping military piece with vitality and understanding and a great deal of rhythmic quality. This Prelude is seldom heard at recitals and it possesses great rhythm and dramatic feeling. “Viennese Dances,” by Gaitner-Friedmann were delightful and entertaining, but his final presentation was easily the most popular on the programme. “The Ritual Fire Dance” by de Falla was played stirringly and with admirable understanding for the barbaric quality of the composition. Stephen Dornan’s rendering was his best on the programme. This young pianist wants to be careful that he does not let mannerism and habit at the keyboard detract from his musicianship.
Albany Advertiser (WA : 1897 – 1965), Monday 18 June 1951, page 8
1950 Adult Education Board Tours
The Adult Education Board (AEB) country tours were a pioneering regional outreach initiative managed by the University of Western Australia (UWA). Operating at their peak from the 1930s through the 1960s, these tours brought high-quality lectures, theatrical productions, classical music concerts, and films to remote outback towns and agricultural communities across Western Australia. They served as a vital cultural lifleline for rural communities that were otherwise isolated from metropolitan cultural hubs.
In the 1930s, the UWA Adult Education Board established the “Box Scheme”. This program sent boxes of books and accompanying educational notes written by UWA academics via the state’s railway network to rural study groups. This structural network laid the foundation for physical travelling tours.
Following World War II, under the leadership of directors like Hew Roberts, the AEB significantly expanded its geographical reach. It introduced the “Music for Everyone” spring tours, which sent renowned classical musicians and vocalists to regional halls.
1950
Jack Harrison went on Adult Education Tours in the Country to: Moora, Carnamah, Geraldton, Morowa, Goomalling and Wongan Hills representing this year’s State finalists in the A.B.C. vocal and concerto competition.
ABC Winner On Tour
Miss Elise Longwill, of Claremont, winner of the vocal section of the Australia wide concerto and vocal competition, who returned from Sydney on Friday, left Perth today on a tour of the wheat belt. On tour with her are clarinettist Jack Harrison and pianist Flora Bunning and Adult Education Assistant Director J. Birman. Their first recital will be given tonight at Moora, after which they will go to Carnamah, Geraldton, Morawa, Goomalling and Wongan Hills. The tour, which will end on Saturday night, will be the first of three tours by these artists under the auspices of the Adult Education Board.
The Daily News Monday 10 July 1950 page 2
MOORA
EVERYMAN’S MUSIC RECITAL
Those citizens of Moora Who are Interested In the cultural advancement of the district, owe a debt of gratitude to the Adult Education Board of W.A. for giving them the opportunity to hear artists of such excellence as Flora Bunning. Elise Longwill and Jack Harrison. A representative group of people were present and they made up in enthusiasm for the many empty seats. The highlight musically speaking, of the evening, was undoubtedly Miss Flora Bunnings brilliant interpretation of the Etude in C Minor (Chopin). Probably the majority of her listeners would find it difficult to analyse accurately the course of their excessive enjoyment and appreciation. Miss Bunning’s beautiful legato playing, of the famous D flat Major Nocturne (Chopin) was greatly marred (in the opinion of the writer) by the untunefulness of the pianoforte. The untunefulness was not so apparent in either Debussy Arabesque or the modern Spanish where the clearness and neatness of the rapid passages masked the deficiencies of the instrument. Forest Murmurs (Liszt) and Unfinished Waltz, completed the player’s solo list. Miss Bunning showed herself as an admirable ensemble player in association with Miss Elise Longwill and Mr. Jack Harrison. The concerted numbers were very happily conceived, particularly pleasing being the Shepherd on the Rock by Schubert. Miss Longwill delighted us with her group of Early English Songs in the first part of the programme. The group of modern songs in the second part were also well received.
Mr. Jack Harrison (Clarinettist) in the opinion of the writer had by far the hardest task. He gave a very pleasing performance, despite the difficulty of playing with a piano of uncertain tunefulness. The Weber Concertino Opus 26 was very successfully played; also the Nocturne in E flat major (Chopin). The Debussy, however, was his star performance. A lovely bit of musicianship all round, composer, player and accompanist. Altogether, the concert, was one to be remembered in the “mind’s-ear” for many a day, worthy of a much larger audience and a much better piano —Ruth Krieg. The North Midland Times (Moora) Thursday 20th July 1950 page 4
Tuesday 11th July 1950 (Jack in Carnamah)
Recital at Carnamah – Talented Visiting Artists – ENTHUSIASTIC HOUSE
Three gifted artists in Miss Elise Longwill (soprano), Miss Flora Bunning (pianist) and Mr. Jack Harrison (clarinettist) presented a programme —rich in sparkling gems—under the auspices of the Adult Education Board to an appreciative audience last Tuesday night at Carnamah. Fresh from her triumph in Sydney, where she won the final in the vocal section of the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s concerto and vocal competition for 1950, Miss Longwill left the impression that she has a successful career in front of her. She has talent, youth and an unspoiled personality. Her voice is strikingly melodious, with an enunciation so perfect that not a word was lost to anyone. She soared to the top notes with the ease of a lark and like that eminent personality of the concert platform (Peter Dawson) on his last tour in Western Australia showed with songs which were in English that there is a charm in them too often overlooked in the past by those who made foreign compositions a fetish. Only twenty-three years of age, Miss Longwill has already achieved distinction in her profession. Although born in Liverpool, she came to Australia when but four years old and is entitled to regard herself as “a dinkum Aussie.” Jack Harrison first saw the light of day eighteen years ago in Nedlands. He demonstrated that he is a clarinettist of unusual promise. When voice, clarinet and piano were combined he showed an admirable appreciation of all that was required of him, with delicacy, restraint and brilliance wherever needed. The maturity in the art of Miss Flora Bunning was quickly apparent with a confident and understanding approach to her numbers, she soon had the audience captivated, her nimble fingers as they flew over the keyboard plucking the notes forth with a dexterity which had the hallmark of fine musicianship. The left hand work was especially admirable and, whether in the subdued passages or in the sprightly, she was unfailingly effective It was an evening with many enjoyable features and the visitors must have found it a pleasure, too, to discover such. manifest appreciation of their ability. Enthusiasm is contagious and it was clearly in evidence both amongst the audience and artists on Tuesday night. The Irwin Index (Mingenew) Saturday 15 July 1950 page 1
Wednesday 12th July 1950 (Jack in Geraldton)
Geraldton Top of Form- Fine Town Hall Recital – Talented Visiting Artists – ENTHUSIASTIC HOUSE
With the co-operation of the Geraldton Music-Lovers’ Club, the Adult Education Board was responsible in the Geraldton Town Hall last night for the presentation of a recital which will live long in memory. Three gifted artists in Miss Elise Longwill (soprano), Miss Flora Bunning (pianist) and Mr. Jack Harrison (clarinettist) presented a programme rich in sparkling gems. Although the house was on the thin side, its enthusiasm was in inverse proportions to its numerical strength, its warm-hearted appreciation bringing the visitors back for encores. Fresh from her triumph in Sydney, where she won the final in the vocal section of the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s concerto and vocal competition for 1950, Miss Longwill left the impression that she has a successful career in front, of her. She has talent, youth, and an unspoiled personality. Her voice is strikingly melodious, with an enunciation so perfect that not a word was lost in the back rows of the Town Hall last night. She soared to the top notes with the ease of a lark, and like that eminent personality of the concert platform (Peter Dawson) on his last tour in Western Australia showed with songs which were all in English that there is a charm in them too often overlooked in the past by those who made foreign compositions a fetish. Her first four numbers were by seventeenth century composers, with words by William Shakespeare in three of them ; in the second half — again with admirable deportment and facile accomplishment — she submitted three songs by contemporary composers. The initial bracket comprised ‘It was a Lover and his Lass’ (Morley), ‘When Daisies Pied’ (Arne), ‘It Attempt From Love’s Sickness’ (Purcell) and ‘Where the Bee Sucks (Arne) and the latter group ‘Sing, Break Into Song’ (Mallinson), ‘Cloths of Heaven’ (Dunhill) and ‘Five Eyes’ (Gibbs), while an ever popular number in ‘The Road to the Isles’ was sung as an encore. Only twenty-three years of age, Miss Longwill has already achieved distinction in her profession. Although born in Liverpool, she came to Australia when but four years old and is entitled to regard herself as ‘a dinkum Aussie,’
Jack Harrison first saw the light of ‘day eighteen years ago in Nedlands. He began his contributions to the programme with a Weber selection (Concertino, Op. 26) last night and soon demonstrated that he is a clarinettist of unusual promise. When voice, clarinet and piano were combined at the close of the opening half in ‘The Shepherd on the Rock’ (Schubert), he showed an admirable appreciation of all that was required of him, with delicacy, restraint and brilliance wherever needed. Beginning the second half of the delightful programme, he submitted the Nocturne in E Flat Major (Chopin), ‘Fantaisie Miniature’ (Paquot) and ‘The Little Nigger’ (Debussy) with ‘On Wings of Song’ (Mendelssohn) as an encore. Miss Bunning, Miss Longwill and Mr. Harrison at the close offered ‘Bird Songs at Eventide’ (Coates) and ‘The Pipes of Pan’ (Lehar), the last named proving one of the outstanding successes of the evening. (The final verse was again given to a delighted house as an encore). The maturity in the art of Miss Flora Bunning was quickly apparent. With a confident and understanding approach to her numbers, she soon had the audience captivated, her nimble fingers as they flew over the keyboard plucking the notes forth with a dexterity which had the hallmark of fine musicianship. The left hand work was especially admirable and, whether in the subdued passages or in the sprightly, she was unfailingly effective. She opened with Chopin’s Study in A Flat Major before going on to two further Chopin numbers in the Nocturne in D Flat Major and the Etude in C Minor Revolutionary Study, giving Liszt’s ‘Forgotten Waltz’ as an encore. In the second half Miss Bunning was again in high favor with ‘Arabesque’ (Debussy) and ‘Concert Allegro’ (Granados). The last named was particularly impressive and in response to sustained applause the artist played ‘Clair de Lune’ (Debussy). It was aa evening with many enjoyable features and the visitors must have found it a pleasure, too, to discover such manifest appreciation of their ability. Enthusiasm is contagious and it was clearly in evidence both amongst the audience and artists last night. Geraldton Guardian Thursday 13 July 1950 page 5
Thursday 13th July 1950 Jack in Morawa
Thursday, 13th July, 1950, At 8.15 p.m. MORAWA TOWN HALL
MAKE SURE OF YOUR SEAT – For a Magnificent Concert – Three Brilliant Artists: ELISE LONGWILL, Soprano (1950 Winner of A.B.C. Concerto and Vocal Competition), JACK HARRISON, Clarinettist (Finalist 1950 A.B.C. Competition), FLORA RUNNING, Pianist. Box Plan at Smith’s Pharmacy, Res 4/- ; At Doors 2/6. (No Tax), Children 1 6 to all parts of Hall. Direction :—ADULT EDUCATION BOARD. Greenough Sun Thursday 6 July 1950 page 5
Friday 14th July 1950 Jack in Goomalling
Celebrity Artists For Goomalling
A number of activities is planned this year by the Adult Education Board for country centres. The Acting Director of Adult Education (Mr. John Birman) announced in Perth that his Board is going to present to country centres a series of concerts and recitals and ballet performances in the next few months, which will bring the standard of amenities in country areas up to that prevailing in Perth. This expansion of policy in bringing good music and excellent entertainment to country people was made possible partly by the generous Contribution of the State Government, which voted a certain amount of money for this purpose. Mr. Keith George, of the Linley Wilson School of Dancing and Ballet, has just completed a preliminary tour of northern towns, during which he investigated the state of the stages and the existing facilities for the purpose of presenting the ballet group which will be touring the area late in August and early in September. Of immediate interest to the people of Goomalling is the forthcoming visit of three brilliant Perth artists, two of whom have recently successfully competed in the annual vocal and concerto competition conducted by the ABC. The party, consisting of Miss Elise Longwill, soprano (the winner of this year’s competition), Jack Harrison, clarinettist (a finalist), and Miss Flora Bunning, the well-known Perth pianist, will give a concert at Goomalling on Friday, July 14. Box plan. is open at Garnet Royal’s, and it is hoped that this and other activities will meet with the full support of the public. Local arrangements are made by a committee acting on behalf of the Adult Education Board, and all inquiries should be sent to Miss B. Hymus. Goomalling Gazette Thursday 13 July 1950 page 2
Saturday 15th July Jack in Wongan Hills – end of tour
Wongan Hills Hall at 8.15pm – MAKE SURE OF YOUR SEAT – For a Magnificent Concert – Three Brilliant Artists: ELISE LONGWILL, Soprano (1950 Winner of A.B.C. Concerto and Vocal Competition), JACK HARRISON, Clarinetist (Finalist 1950 A.B.C. Competition), FLORA RUNNING, Pianist. Box Plan at Pelham’s Newsagency. Res. 4/ at door 2/6 (no tax). Children 1/6 to all parts of hall. Wongan-Ballidu Budget Thursday 6 July page 2
From Monday 23rd October 1950 Jack Harrison toured to country centres under the auspices of the Adult Education Board and was accompanied on piano by and Stephanie James and vocalist Pamela Flower.
COUNTRY MUSIC TOUR
Three well-known local artists will leave on Monday on a tour of country towns under the auspices of the Adult Education Board. They are Miss Stephanie James, pianist, Miss Pamela Flower, soprano, and Mr. Jack Harrison, clarinettist. The assistant-director of Adult Education (Mr. John Birman) said yesterday that towns to be visited would include Harvey, Balingup, Donnybrook, Busselton, Boyup Brook, Kojonup, Katanning and Pingelly. This would be the last of a series of concerts in country districts presented by the board during this year. Afternoon, performances for children would be given, in conformity with the board’s policy to arrange concerts for schoolchildren whenever possible, Mr. Birman said.
The West Australian Saturday 21 October 1950 page 8
Tuesday October 24 1950 – Harvey – Outstanding Trio Of Artists
An outstanding trio of artists will present a concert at Harvey on Tuesday, October 24, under the auspices of the Adult Education Board. They are Miss Stephanie James, pianist, brilliant young West Australian, who has just returned home from overseas studies; Miss Pamela Flower, soprano, who is this year’s winner of the West Australian section of the Mobil Quest competition and who performed last year as soloist with the Perth Symphony Orchestra; and last, but not least, a very outstanding young man, Jack Harrison, who is well known throughout the State for his ability as a clarinet player. Mr. Harrison was this year’s State finalist in the A.B.C. vocal and concerto competition. There will be a school matinee in the afternoon.
Harvey-Murray Times Friday 29 September 1950 page 2
WEDNESDAY 25 OCTOBER 1950 – BALINGUP
A letter from the Adult Education Board which was read at the fast meeting of the CWA at Balingup intimated that there “was an opportunity of providing Balingup with a concert on Wednesday, 25th October. Three excellent Western. Australian artists will be making the trip and will include Miss Pamela Flower, soprano, this year’s winner of the WA division of the mobile quest competition. Jack Harrison, clarinettist, the finalist of this year’s ABC Vocal and Concerto competition and Miss Stephanie James who has just returned home from extensive studies abroad. There will be one evening performance and one afternoon performance for the children.
Blackwood-Warren Sentinel Thursday 5 October 1950 page 6
Thursday October 26 1950 – DONNYBROOK
The Adult Education Board advised that their next visit to Donnybrook with a group of artists would be on Thursday, October 26. The visiting group would include Pamela Flower, soprano; Jack Harrison, clarionetist; with Stephanie James, pianist. The secretary reported that the hall had been booked and preliminary arrangements made.
South Western times Thursday 28 September 1950 page 2
DONNYBROOK EDUCATION BOARD RECITAL
Visit Of Talented West Australian Artists Under the direction of the Adult Education Board Donnybrook was given the opportunity last Thursday to hear three brilliant West Australian artists, Miss Stephanie James (pianist), Miss Pamela Flower (soprano) and Mr Jack Harrison (clarinettist). The programme presented was well chosen, this being evident by the warm reception it received from a fairly large audience. Most gratifying to the local committee was the enthusiastic comments made by those who were fortunate to be present. This augurs well for the future. Mr. Jack Harrison opened the programme with Weber’s Concertino Op. 26 His control of tone and well rounded phrasing at once gave evidence of his ability. Worthy of note was the tonal work in the sustained passages of the slow movements. Later he was heard in “Hymn to the Sun” (Rimsky-Korsakov) Arabesque, an adaptation from Debussy’s No. 2 Prelude and Anita’s Dance from the Peer Gynt Suite by Grieg. Concluding both halves of the programme the voice, clarinet j and piano were heard together in “The Thrush” (Harrhy), “Bird Songs at Eventide” (Coates), “By the Waters of Minnetonka” (Lieurance), “Pipes of Pan” (Monckton). This could have been improved if the clarinet obligato was arranged and not merely the subtraction of certain passages from the piano accompaniment. Mention must be made of Miss James as the accompanist. At all times she was able to catch the mood and tempo of the soloists which is no mean feat. Her ability is remarkable. At the conclusion of the concert members of the local committee of the Adult Education Board entertained the artists at supper. Both Mr. Newton, the Adult Education Board representative and Miss Stephanie James, the leader of the artists thanked the committee. Among the audience were noticed the chairman of the Preston Road Board, Mr. J. K. Kirkpatrick and Mrs. Kirkpatrick, Mr. and Mrs. Newman (Lowden), Mr. and Mrs. R. Skinner, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Brockman, Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Skinner (Lowden), Mr. R. Trevena and Miss Trevena, Mr. A. O. W. Knight, Mr. L. Miller, Mr. T. V. Finch, Mr. and Mrs. L. Mortlock, Mr. and Mrs. G. V. Mitchell, Mrs. A. C. Fenn.
The Preston Mail and District Advocate Thursday 2 November 1950 page 3
THURSDAY October 26 1950 – CONSUMMATE ARTISTRY – Young Westralians Please – DONNYBROOK
A greatly improved patronage was afforded the Adult Education Board’s recital on Thursday evening last when the programme was presented by three brilliant young West Australian artists. The interest now being displayed in what the A.E.B. designates Everyman’s Music is most heartening to the committee which has undertaken the local arrangements. In this respect a word of thanks is due to Mr. Frank Arbuthnott who prepared an ideal stage setting, with the requisite lighting, and to Mr. L. J. Mortlock who made a new Mignon piano, from his showroom, available for the occasion. The visiting party paid glowing tributes to the way they had been received in Donnybrook and of the arrangements
made for the concert presentation. The local Adult Education Committee entertained Misses James and Flower and Messrs. Harrison and Newton (manager) at supper at the conclusion of the entertainment. During the afternoon a short matinee performance was given to about two hundred and fifty children drawn from the Donnybrook schools and the young folk evinced keen appreciation in the fare presented, especially when the mouth organ was produced by Jack Harrison. A pleasing feature of the afternoon was the way the children joined in singing the National Anthem.
The evening opened with Jack Harrison performing the clarinet solo part of Concertino Op. 26 (Weber), Stephanie James explaining that the Concertino was originally written to be played with orchestra. The clarinet was heard to good advantage in slow sustained passages and fingering left little to be desired. The first half of the programme concluded with concerted numbers for voice, clarinet and piano. This was particularly pleasing work, the numbers being “The Thrush” (Edith Harrhy) and “Bird Songs at Eventide” (Eric Coates) , the voice and clarinet harmonising to good effect. Jack Harrison again opened after the interval, choosing “Hymn To The Sun” (Rimsky- Korsakov), “Arabesque” (Debussy) and “Anita’s Dance” (Grieg). Here again the tone was beautiful and brought the audience to its toes. The programme concluded with another concerted group by the voice, clarinet and piano. These numbers “By The Waters Of Minnetonka” (Thurlow Lieurance) and “Pipes Of Pan” (Monckton) lent themselves admirably to the co-ordination of voice and clarinet. For the whole programme sympathetic accompaniments were given by Stephanie James. Thanks To Adult Education Board At the conclusion of the programme Mr. A. C. Frost, provisional chairman of the Donnybrook Adult Education Board Committee, on behalf of the audience, thanked the A.E.B. and the artists for the excellent programme given. Speaking on behalf of the committee he thanked the audience for their splendid response and voiced thanks to Mr. Len Mortlock for the loan of the new piano for the concert. He also expressed the hope that it would be possible to bring other artists and bigger ventures to Donnybrook. One of the requisites for more ambitious programmes was a concert grand piano and the Proton Road Board had now set in motion a proposition to purchase such an instrument for the hall. Previous generations, he said, were long sighted enough to provide a big hall and a stage of requisite size and now support from the Donnybrook people could make the completion of the whole project possible. Replying, Mr. Newton said that it was most heartening to the artists to receive such a warm reception and to have such a satisfactory setting prepared for which to give the concert. He went on to congratulate the Donnybrook civic fathers on their foresight and wisdom in securing a beautiful instrument for their hall. He promised that the A.E.B. would do everything possible to send programmes that will measure to the standard that is being set, mentioning the new State Symphony Orchestra. Finally, Mr. Newton thanked the committee for the setting they had provided on the stage for this concert\ as it was very rarely that the stage is well set and he felt sure that Mr. Arnott’s attention to these details had brought out the very best from the artists. He concluded by saying that the children’s audience at that afternoon’s matinee had been a credit to the parents of Donnybrook.
South Western Times (Bunbury) Thursday 2 November 1950 page 2
FRIDAY 27 October 1950 – BUSSELTON EVERYMAN’S MUSIC RECITAL – POPULAR VISITING ARTISTS
The programme presented in the Regal Theatre last Friday night by the artists, Stephanie James (pianiste), Pamela Flower (soprano) and Jack Harrison (clarinettist) proved to be one of the most popular and enjoyable Busselton has yet heard. The youth and charm of the performers appealed instantly to the audience, while the sincerity and quality of their work revealed them as musicians of high calibre. In turn, the warmth and appreciation of the audience inspired the artists, so that in such a pleasant, atmosphere, it was not surprising that the hours tied all too quickly. The programme opened with Weber’s Concertino, played by Jack Harrison, very ably accompanied by Stephanie James, who described. the piece beforehand as a small concerto. Jack Harrison’s artistry and tone were displayed again later in Rimsky Korsakov’s “Hymn to the Sun,” Debussy’s “Arabesque” and Grieg’s “‘Anitra’s Dance.” The three artists combined most effectively in two groups, one at the end of the first half of the programme and the other at the conclusion. So enjoyable was this combination, with the blending of the clarinet, voice and piano, that, the audience demanded an encore. On Friday afternoon, the children of the State School and Busselton Convent attended a short concert given by the visiting artists. Judging from the warmth of the applause the children enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
The South Western News (Busselton) Thursday 2 November 1950 page 5
Saturday October 28 1950 – Celebrity Concert At Boyup Brook
On October 28, under the auspices of the Boyup Brook Chamber of Commerce, the Adult Education Board included Boyup Brook in its itinerary and gave two hours of delightful instrumental and vocal recital. Those who were unable to attend are to be sympathised with for missing a musical treat which will long be remembered by those fortunate enough to be there. At conclusion the recital, two dainty posies of roses were handed to the lady artists by Mr. R. U Graham, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, after which Mr. B. Ryan, on behalf of the Chamber and residents of the district thanked the Director, Mr. B. Newton, the artists and the Adult Education Board for the recital. He expressed the appreciation of the real music loving section of the community and hoped the Education Board would always include Boyup Brook in its future itineraries. In responding, Mr. Newton said the Board would always include Boyup Brook in its itineraries. He emphasised how pleased he, and the artists were with the reception they had received, and made special comment on the decorations of the stage with flowers from local gardens, which he and the artists regarded as a special token of artistic appreciation. After the recital, he and the artists, accompanied by Members of the Chamber of Commerce and a few friends were entertained at “Blackwood” the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Graham, to a delightful supper, at conclusion of which Mr. Newton thanked the host and hostess for their hospitality. At conclusion of supper, Mr. Harrison was persuaded to bring out his mouth organ, on which instrument he is one of Australia’s most outstanding artists, he gave two excellently rendered numbers which showed his ability with that instrument as well as with the clarinet. Noticeable features of the Director and the Artists were their sociability. They enjoyed themselves just as much as those present enjoyed their company. It was a happy conclusion to a pleasant evening and musical feast. On Sunday they, were taken on a tour round the district by Members of the Chamber of Commerce and by invitation were the guests to afternoon tea at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ritson. They were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Graham as host and hostess and Mr. and Mrs. A.T, Smith-Ryan. On the Monday they gave a morning concert to scholars from the Boyup Brook, Chowerup and Greenbushes schools in the Boyup Brook Town Hall. Over three hundred scholars were there.
Blackwood – Warren Sentinel (Bridgetown) Thursday 9 November 1950 page 1
ARTISTS ENTERTAINED – Saturday October 28 1950
The president of the Chamber of Commerce (Mr. R. L. Graham) and Mrs. Graham invited members of the Chamber of Commerce and their wives to a supper party at their home on Saturday evening last in honour of concert artists Miss Stephanie James, Miss Pamela Flower and Mr. Jack Harrison and Mr. Newton, of the Adult Education Board. An enjoyable supper was served, after which Mr. Jack Harrison favoured the guests with several mouth organ solos, accompanied by Miss James at the piano. On behalf of the artists, Mr. Newton thanked Mr. and Mrs. Graham for their informality and help in making the party such a success. Among those present were: The secretary (Mr. W. Bainbridge) and Mrs. Bainbridge, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Cummins, Mr. and Mrs. F. Proctor, Mr. and Mrs. A. Smith-Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. V. Randell, Mr. B. 0. Ryan, Miss J. Graham and Mr. E. Godfrey, Mr. P. Scammel and Mr. and Mrs. W. Drown. On Sunday Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Graham and Mr. and Mrs. A. Smith-Ryan took Miss James, Miss Flower and Mr. Harrison touring around the district and later, by invitation, they visited the farm of Mr. and Mrs. F. Ritson and had afternoon tea.
The Blackwood Times (Greensbushes) Friday 3 November 1950 page 8
Monday 30 October 1950 at 8.15pm – KOJONUP MEMORIAL HALL
TUESDAY, 31st OCTOBER, 1950 at 8.15 p.m. in the – KATANNING TOWN HALL
MAKE SURE AND BOOK YOUR SEATS FOR THE CONCERT Featuring three Brilliant young West Australian Artists. STEPHANIE JAMES (Pianist) (First Public appearance after return from abroad), PAMELA FLOWER (Soprano) ,(West Australian Finalist Mobil Quest Competition), JACK HARRISON (Clarinettist) (West Australian Finalist A.B.C. Concerto Competition).
Box plan at Blythe’s Newsagency; Box plan at Barkley & Gilbert’s. Prices: 4/- (No Tax); Children, 1/6 anywhere Direction : Adult Education Board.
The Great southern Herald (Katanning) Friday 20 October 1950 page 4
CONCERT ARTISTS AT KATANNING – PROGRAMME TO BE PRESENTED ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 31
The Adult Education Board has advised that three concert artists will be presenting a programme at the Katanning Town Hall on Tuesday, October 3. The artists are all well-known in musical circles and their visit to Katanning will be welcomed. The third artist is also a West Australian, who has advanced very well in the musical world. He is Jackie Harrison who, since a very small lad, has been broadcasting over all stations. Mr. Harrison plays several instruments but is visiting Katanning as a clarinettist on this occasion. He is now only 20, but is the proud leader of his own dance band in Perth. He is perhaps better known among the younger people for his success in the jazz band contests in Perth each year. His twin sister plays the piano and his family in general are very musical.
The Great southern Herald (Katanning) Friday 6 October 1950 page 2
KATANNING ADULT EDUCATION CONCERT – DELIGHTFUL PROGRAMME PRESENTED AT KATANNING
Sponsored by the Adult Education Board, three concert artists presented a delightful programme of great appeal at the Katanning Town Hall on Tuesday. Miss Stephanie James, who is well known in Katanning and who recently returned from further studying abroad, is regarded as one of the most promising pianists in Western Australia. Complementary with the other artists, Miss James showed her skill as a component artist and, as a soloist, played with great sensitivity and understanding Miss Pamela Flower’s chief quality was the delicate and restrained manner in which she handled the work she had chosen. Her stage presence was remarkable for one so young. Jack Harrison has had a meteoric rise to fame as a clarinet virtuoso and gave an unusual selection which was greatly appreciated. The choice of programme was ideally suited for the audience to which it was presented and evidence of its appeal was obvious through out. PIANO NEEDED IN KATANNING At the conclusion of the “presentation, Mr. B. Newton of the Adult Education Board, expressed the appreciation of the artists for the reception they had received at Katanning. He thanked particularly Miss Rae Ricket, and those who had assisted her, for making the local arrangements for the concert and for stage decorations. In thanking Miss Russell, headmistress of “Kobeelya,” for the loan of a piano, Mr. Newton considered it possible that presentations of Adult Education concerts at Katanning might increase in the future, in which case a good piano would he required at the Town Hall. He stated that a small local authority, not very far from Katanning, had recently purchased for its town hall a £900 instrument.
The Great Southern Herald (Katanning) Friday 3 November 1950 page 2
PINGELLY WEDNESDAY NOV 1 and NOV 2 1950
Miss Pamela Flower (soprano), this year’s W.A. finalist in the Mobil Quest competition; Jack Harrison, Clarinettist (finalist in the A.B.C. vocal and concerto competition), Miss Stephanie James, pianist (just returned from studies aboard), are to visit Pingelly under the auspices of the Adult Education Board). The Pingelly Committee finalised arrangements early this week for the visit of these outstanding artists, who are to combine in a Music-Song Recital in the Pingelly Town Hall on Wednesday evening, November 1, and a special programme for district school children, on Thursday morning, November 2. Residents of Pingelly, Brookton and surrounding districts will learn with pleasure of this visit by such well-known and highly rated artists and -at the same time will accord a measure of appreciation to those resi- dents responsible for the arrangements. The box plan will open shortly at the Pingelly Newsagency and further details will be given later.
Pingelly Brookton Leader Thursday 5 October 1950 page 2
Pingelly Adult Education Board – Visit of Outstanding Artists. – Wednesday 1st NOVEMBER
It must have been a disappointment to those residents responsible for the visit to this centre on Wednesday evening of last week three such brilliant artists as Miss Stephanie James (pianist), Miss Pamela) Flower (soprano), and Mr. Jack Harrison (clarionetist), that the Everyman’s Music Recital in which these three artists took part should have been accorded such relatively poor patronage. The Adult Education Board, under the auspices of which the recital was made possible, is commended for its efforts in bringing top ranking artists to rural centres and when a town of the size of Pingelly is privileged to participate in these tours, it is regrettable that the audience is not as large as it should be. Those who attended Wednesday evening’s concert were indeed fortunate, for the performance of the artists was really excellent and thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Mr. Jack Harrison fully retained, if not enhanced, his reputation with delightful renditions on his clarionet.
Pingelly – Brookton Leader Thursday 9 November 1950 page 2
ADULT EDUCATION CONCERT ENJOYED – Wednesday 1st NOVEMBER
Although the attendance at the Everyman’s Music Recital on Wednesday night last, was perhaps, a little disappointing, those who went along thoroughly enjoyed the program submitted by the three Adult Education Board artistes. Fortunately, there were sufficient patrons present to warrant a return at a later date of a similar program, which according to the manager, Mr. E. Newton, would be available in the near future. Many people attended, thinking that all the, music played would be of a classical level well above the heads of the ordinary layman. They were, however, very-agreeably surprised, to find that the majority of the program was well known and those songs which were not so well known were so well presented that they were usually as well enjoyed. Mr. Jack Harrison, who commenced the program with Concertino On. 26 by Weber literally thrilled his listeners with his uncanny technique and control of his clarinet. The rich mellow tone which he so effortlessly produced from this tube of wood and metal won him instant favour. Trios comprising piano, voice and clarinet obligato were exceptionally well presented and proved very popular.
Blackwood – Warren Sentinel Thursday 2 November 1950 page 6
The tour ended after schools’ performances the morning of Thursday 2nd November in Pingelly, a two hour drive from Perth.
Person
ROBERTSON, Margot
1958
Once again, the State finals of the Concerto and Vocal Competition on June 12 showed the strength of talent in young Western Australian musicians. The finalists were WA Symphony Orchestra violinist Robert Ingram, tenor Lloyd Masel, pianists Michael Bertram and Josephine McKimmie, sopranos Elayne Sibritt, Margot Robertson and Lynette Howieson and violinist Geoffrey Michaels.
1959
Margot Robertson was the soloist when the West Australian Symphony Orchestra travelled south in March, returning in time to take part in the Shell Aria Contest held in Canberra. In the eisteddfod held in conjunction with the main contest, Margot won champion lady’s solo. In June 1959, Margot and pianist Alan Speer won their sections in the state finals of the Concerto and Vocal Competition.
Margot Robertson married viola player John Dean.
1960
The usual nervous tension was in evidence for the State Finals of the Concerto and Vocal Competition. A thirteen-year-old pianist who was later to make a name for himself was highly commended for his rendition of Ravel’s Concerto in G. His name was David Helfgott. Other competitors were pianists Noelle Johns and Michael Cole, violinist Brian Hanly and soprano Lesley Perrin. The winners were pianist Pauline Rowe and soprano Margot Robertson, who was successful for a third time.
1961
Thursday May 11 1961 – ABW TO SCREEN BIRTHDAY SHOW – By Keith Flanagan
ABW Channel 2 will tonight present its biggest live show yet, to celebrate its first birthday. There will be singers, dancers, a 25 piece orchestra and an invited audience of 200 for the two hour show.
Jock Millett will produce the cabaret style show in the Kirk Memorial Studio in the radio building – the biggest studio the A.B.C. has here. The record library will be taken over as a makeup room for the 44 people who will come before the cameras. Lighting in the studio will be equivalent to 1000 60 watt globes.
Jim Fisher, Earl Reeve and Diana Ward will compere the show, to run from 8pm to 10.30pm, with a half hour break from 9 for the American documentary “Our Man in Space”. Verdon Williams has formed a 25 piece orchestra for the show. Artists to appear are the Four Notes, Margot Robertson, Tony Federici, Carmen Arenas, Adriano Angelucci, Doris Dodd, Garry Smith and Derna Sluik, Jack Harrison, the Wrightsons, Lorna Sydney, Gerrard Sibbritt and Terri Charlesworth, Andre Tio, Peter Piccini and a demonstration ballroom group. The West Australian Thursday May 11 1961
1964
1967
MUSIC – A CONCERT – By Peter Hellstrom
Saturday August 5th 1967 8pm
An unusual and exciting concert will be given in Winthrop Hall on August 5 in aid of the building fund of St Columba the new university men’s residential college. Called “Concert Extraordinary”, the varied program will involve more than 300 performers including several leading W.A. musicians, all of whom will donate their services to the appeal. Directed by John Hind, the Bach Society Choir will sing Benjamin Britain’s “Hymn to St Cecilia” and the Perth Madrigal Singers will sing ”The Daniel Jazz” by Herbert Chappell. The University’s A Cappella Choir conducted by David Tunley, will sing English madrigals. The University Choral Society will join combined choirs in performances of works by Mozart and Handel which will be conducted by Professor Frank Callaway. The program will open with university organist, John Hind, playing Bach’s great “Toccata and Fugue in D minor”. Violinist Vaughan Hanly will play Saint-Saen’s “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso” with pianist Stephen Dornan who will also be heard with soprano Margot Robertson and clarinettist Jack Harrison in Schubert’s “The Shepherd on The Rock”. Jack Harrison will also play harmonica solos.
CONCERT IS A PERTH MUSIC “HAPPENING”
By Sally Trethowan
The “straight” items included popular classics such as… Schubert’s “The Shepherd on The Rock” with pianist Stephen Dornan, soprano Margot Robertson and clarinettist Jack Harrison.
1972
Margot studied in London with Paul Hamburger.
1984
Person
SHORTLAND-JONES, Nell
Known as Auntie Nell, Nell Shortland-Jones was a singer and freelance radio personality. She was a hugely popular radio artist in W.A., was frequently in demand by sponsors and particularly well known for the Children’s Sessions.
Nell was born in 1906 in Subiaco and was educated at Perth Girls High School. She was prominent in National and Commercial radio as an announcer, singer and compere from 1934 until 1972. Nell received a B.E.M in 1968.
1942
News of People from Here and There
“WAS speaking to Mrs. Shortland-Jones t’other day. She is a very busy woman these days-not that being busy is any novelty to this energetic president of the Children’s Hospital Women’s Auxiliary. But since the new year Mrs. Jones and her band of workers have been hard at it preparing emergency stocks of linen for the hospital. A “call to arms” sent out to the auxiliary was answered with such promptness than within ONE hour many garments were cut out and six machines were in operation. By the end of January, 376 articles had been completed!
Incidentally, Mrs. Jones was telling me latest news of daughter Nell who, it seems is due back in our midst next week. Nell has been in Melbourne for the past six months. . . and has had few spare moments be-tween radio engagements with the well-known commercial stations. One of the highlights of her broadcasts was the State-wide radio appeal for the New Sydney Fund. Over £13,000 was raised in one night. Nell was timed to go on the air at 10 p.m., but there were so many donations to be acknowledged that listeners did not have an opportunity of hearing her voice until after 1 a.m.! I’m told that 6IX listeners will soon have the opportunity of hearing some of Nell’s Melbourne broadcasts. She featured in the popular “Yells-a-Poppin’ ” which is to be released here by that station.
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 – 1954), Thursday 5 February 1942, page 20
Some of the Participants In last week’s “Passing Show” (6WN) were E. Paulasto, P. Foweraker, F. Paulasto, Miss E. Moran, Jack Harrison and Miss N. Shortland Jones. The ABC Weekly Vol 4 No. 22 May 30 1942
SUNDAY CONCERT. “The workings of the Police Boys Clubs” is the subject of Constable W. Scott has chosen for his address tomorrow afternoon at the seventh Pleasant Sunday Afternoon in the North Perth Town Hall. Concert will commence at 3 p.m., includes items by Miss Nell Shortland-Jones, the Y.A.L. Band, Mr Bill Talbot, Master, Jackie Harrison, the Mace String Quartette, Mrs Marjorie Cook, Miss Hannah Colley. Accompanist will be Miss Stephanie Nash. Proceeds will go to the Northern Suburbs Police Boys’ Club. The Daily News Saturday 3 October 1942 page 12
Pleasant Sunday. Tomorrow (Sunday), commencing at 3 p.m., In the Maylands Town Hall, a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon, arranged by Cr. W. L. Menkens, will take place. It will be in aid of the Perth Road Board Red Cross Prisoners of War Fund (Maylands ward committee). The chair will be taken by Mr. H. V. Shearn, M.L.A., and the speaker Mr. R. Lloyd Thomas, whose subject will be ‘Planning World Peace.’ An excellent musical programme will be contributed to by Miss Nell Shortland – Jones, Miss Marjorie Payne, Miss Joy Hobley, Miss Hannah Colley, Mr. David Lyle, Mr. Will Savage, Master Jackie Harrison, with Miss Stephanie Nash as accompanist. Mirror, Saturday November 7 1942 page 19
1943
HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE GRAND COMMUNITY CONCERT ON SUNDAY EVENING NEXT. The Most Startling Array of Community Singing and International and Local Entertainers, featuring: THE DUTCH CHOIR AND SOLOISTS – SPECAL EXCLUSIVE APPEARANCE OF AMAZING VOICES, JACKIE HARRISON, Mouth Organ Virtuoso; PAULASTO BROS., Entertainers; THE LITTLE DIGGER. Entertainer: GLADYS HOPE. Pianiste THE TWO DIGGERS, Instrumentalists; KEITH CULLEN, Boy Soprano; NELL SHORTLAND-JONES, Soprano; EILEEN MORAN, Entertainer. TRIALS FOR MEMBERS OF THE FORCES. Conductor: Councillor E. CADDY. Compere: JOHN SULLIVAN. RESERVES AT NICHOLSONS. The West Australian Thursday 10 June 1943 page 5
SUNDAY CONCERTS. An Army concert party presented a bright and varied entertainment at His Majesty’s Theatre last night. The show. which was compered by Des. Turner, of the ABC. Sydney, contained many good individual numbers by such artists as Pat Harrop, Hughie Hay, George Lewis, Fergy Rose, Tom Urquhart, Henry Cochrane’s Novelty Swing Boys and the “Sky Rocket Lovelies Ballet” also contributed to the programme. A concert in aid of Castledare Orphanage was held at the Capitol Theatre last night under the patronage of the Lord Mayor (Dr Meagher). John Sullivan was compere and the programme opened with “Advance Australia Fair” and ‘The Star-spangled Banner” sung by a boys choir from the orphanage. A U.S. band gave a number of enjoyable items and the assisting artists were Carmel Burrows, Nell Shortland-Jones, May Pilgrim. Claude Saunders and Jackie Harrison. The 11th of a series of Sunday afternoon Concerts held at the North Perth Town Hall yesterday afternoon realised over £15 for the Kindergarten Union of WA. It was arranged by Mrs W. L. Menkens. Mr A. Houston was chairman and the speakers were Chaplain C. R. Phillips. who spoke on “Service or Profit.” Mr A. King and the president of the union (Lady Birley). The musical programme was given by the North Perth Senior State School Choir under the baton of Miss R. Adam, assisted by Mrs J. Dean, Misses E. M. Stone, Pat Hill, Edna Hollett and Nancy Wilson. The accompanists were Mrs E. Everitt, Miss V. Tulk and Mr J. Dean. The West Australian Mon 27 September 1943 page 5
1944
From somewhere in camp: ABC ON PARADE. Devised, arranged and produced by Dave Howard, with the ABC Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Ernest J. Roberts and including the following artists: Joe Brennan and Ida Newton, Sunny Day (Elsie Connoly), Olive Dunton, Jack Harrison, Eileen Moran, Vernon Sellars, Maurice Jaffey, Nell Shortland-Jones, The Paulasto Brothers. (Bob Trew 14th June) Compered by Cyril Leighton. The Broadcaster Thursday February 24, Thursday April 20, June 14 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), Nell 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 US 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
PATRIOTIC EFFORTS.
Concert for P.O.W. Funds. A concert will be held tonight at the Assembly Hall. Pier-stret. at which the. solo artists will include ACW Hannah L. Colley (trumpeter). “Levato” (child trick. cyclist) and Jack Anstey’s Singing Group.: The concert will be produced and compered by Nell Shortland-Jones and the proceeds will aid the POW fund.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Tuesday 5 December 1944, page 6
1945
Women’s Auxiliaries – STATE EXECUTIVE
The last executive meeting of 1944 was held on December 15, all members being pre sent. Mrs. McKinlay (State President) presided. The agenda this meeting was a full one, which dealt mostly with Christmas cheer for present and exservice men and women. On December 20 at Anzac House a luncheon and afternoon tea was given to 100 convalescent service men and women from Hollywood, Lady Mitchell and John Nicholson Homes. An excellent luncheon was prepared by members of the executive. Official visitors were Mr. Anderson (State President R.S.L.), Mr. Benson (State Secretary), Mr. Leslie, M.L.A., and Mr. Yeates, O.B.B. A programme of music was arranged by Miss Nell Shortland Jones, assisting artists being Miss Merrimee Holt (piano), and A. C. W. Colley (trumpet). This function was made available by a very generous donation from Southern Cross Auxiliary.
Listening Post (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1954), Monday 1 January 1945, page 21
1945
P.O.W. WELCOMED. First of a Series of Dances. The first of the monthly series of the POW Relatives’ Association’s “welcome home” dances proved so popular last night that by 9 o’clock the doors of the Town Hall had to be closed. Crowds of ex-POW and their friends crowded the ball while many more looked on from the balcony. The GOC, Western Command (Major-General A. J. Boase) was present. The chairman of the association (Rev C. E. Taylor) welcomed the men and pointed out that the dances were intended for renewals of friendships and a chance for servicemen to get together. He said that the association intended to hold a dance on the last Tuesday of every month and hoped it would not be long before many of the POW in Japanese hands would be able to be present, Nell Shortland-Jones was in charge of the programme while the music was supplied by Sylvia Caporn.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Wednesday 1 August 1945, page 7
1947
TOODYAY – Relax Community Concert – A very popular team of guest artists journeyed from Perth Friday evening of last week to present another Relax Community Concert. Concert was sponsored by Westralian Soaps Ltd., and was broadcast over 6AM-6PM from 8.45 p.m. till 10.45 p.m. All door takings and donations were in aid of the school library fund organised by the Parents and Citizens’ Association of Toodyay. Local entrants for the £50 Search for Talent, proved to be most successful and very well received. Guest artists appearing were Paulasto Bros, Faith Court, Nell Shortland- Jones and Madame Holt, as “We Three”; Jack Harrison and Myer Fitzgerald with Lettie Hoskins at the piano and Mr. Les Adams as compere. Winner of the Search for Talent competition in Toodyay was Mrs. Mick Floyd who sang “Wait and See,” with Mrs. Bert Chitty. In second place and Mrs. Phillip Chitty as third. To these three singers we convey our best wishes for the future trials In which they will be competing. Toodyay Herald Friday 11 July 1947 page 2
“1947 Miss Radio” Gloria Swain. First Function on Sunday – The first function in aid of the candidature of “Miss Radio” in the “Miss Australia” contest will be held on Sunday night. A community concert timed to start at 8.45 o’clock will be conducted in the Capitol Theatre. Artists who have offered to appear include Letty Hosking (pianist), Chris Christensen (wizard of the zither), Coral Gunning (personality girl), Jack Harrison (mouth organist), Irene Stancliffe (soprano), Maurice Jaffy (tenor), Dave Howard (saxophonist), Nell Shortland-Jones (soprano), Ted MacDonald (entertainer) and visiting stars Joe Brennan and Ida Newton. The community singing will be conducted by John Juan and Ted Kean.
Mirth and Music – ARTISTS
Members of Dave Howard’s Mirth and Music Show met last week and extended best wishes to Miss Betty Bahen, one of its members, prior to her marriage to Mr. Geoff Hammond. On behalf of the troupe, Miss Nell Shortland-Jones presented Miss Bahen with a wedding gift. Those present were Miss Betty Whittaker, Miss Olwyn Thomas, Miss Rhoda Allen, Miss Sylvia Caporn, Mr. Ernest Paulasto, Mr. Fred Paulasto, Mr. Albert Chappelle, Mr. Harry Bluck, Mr. Dave Howard, Mr. Geoff Wilbur, Mr. Ralph Filmer, Mr. Bill Hendrie, Mr. Harold Malcolm, Mr. James Congdon, Mr. Jack Harrison, Mr. Billy Edwards and Mr. Harry Graham.
Western Mail Thursday 9 December 1948 page 37
Open Air Theatre Built A big, floodlit open-air theatre has been built for tonight’s Radio Star Show at lower Supreme Court Gardens. The largest of its kind ever to be erected in Perth, the stage has been built among the trees, shrubs and flowers. Among those who will appear are Roy (‘Mo’) Rene, Hal Lashwood, Theo Walters and Jack Burgess. Gates will open at 7 p.m. — an hour before the concert is scheduled to start. Special squads of police will patrol the fences. Motor cycle police will escort the entertainers to the grounds when they arrive here by tonight’s A.N.A. Skymaster. The local artists include Wally Hadley, Ante Soljanic, Nell Shortland-Jones and Chris Gosper and his orchestra. Reserved seats are 6/6 each. Other seats are 3/ each. Money raised by tonight’s concert will aid the Australian Surf Life Saving Association and will boost the Miss Australia Surf Girl contest.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Saturday 31 January 1948, page 18
1952
OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW SERVICE STATION
Strangers coming into Merredin on Thursday last were a little bewildered as to what was going on. It was not a public holiday or gala day anywhere in the State as far as they knew, but something unusual was certainly going on in the Eastern Wheatbelt capital. Coming into town from the west, the eye met flags flying in Memorial Park, miniature flower beds with flowers of every variety blooming in profusion, which would be the envy of any gardener; fountains with statuettes emitting aqua purra for the goldfish, all this being surrounded by lawns giving a most picturesque effect.
From an improvised platform, the compere, Mr. Ian Millbank invited the company to partake of the good things provided, and then introduced some A.B.C. talent in Sylvia Caporn (pianist), Nea Sharpe (violinist), and Nell Shortland-Jones (soprano) who would entertain during the afternoon. Nell, who is so popular throughout Western Australia, set things moving from the right foot by her superb rendering of the soprano solo, “Because of You,” and as a demand encore “Be My Love.” Other renditions during the afternoon increased this artists popularity. Sylvia Caporn also pleased with piano solos, and Nea Sharpe’s artistic handling of the violin was captivating. A local artist to face the mike was our own Mrs. Chadwick, who as a prelude to her song, “Kimona,” described how when bathing at the coast without bathers, they lost their kimonas and found themselves in an awkward predicament. This brought forth rounds of applause and cries for more, which was willingly given. Then the roof almost lifted when Mr. Bill Kennedy, Dalgety’s rep., was announced as the next artist. Bill has a deep bass-baritone voice which he uses with telling effect in light and shade passages such as are necessary in his selection of the popular ballad, “Klondyke Kate.” The applause had hardly subsided when it broke out afresh at the appearance of Bill Sheridan, Bill’s rival, who was determined not to be outdone and to keep Elder’s flag flying by rendering “Will She Ever Come Back to Me”, a number that gave him plenty of scope to use his beautiful lyric-tenor voice to the best advantage and if there happened to be a wager on this competition we would give it as a photo finish.
Merredin Mercury (WA : 1912 – 1958), Thursday 19 June 1952, page 3
Western Australian Television and Radio
REMEMBERING NELL SHORTLAND-JONES by Ken Mc Kay
https://www.facebook.com/groups/watvhistory/posts/27310423551978479/
1979 ORAL HISTORY:
Nell Shortland-Jones talks about her mother’s family history and how she came to be involved in the Children’s Hospital women’s Auxiliary. Nell discusses how the auxiliary started as the Cheer-up society and the fundraising and donating that the auxiliary was involved with. She recalls how popular the Christmas pudding was and the use of boiling pots and hospital staff to stir the ingredients. She talks about the impromptu concerts that were put on for the children on the ward balconies and how her mother became the first woman on the hospital board.
https://collectionswa.net.au/items/03c76459-fc56-4abb-80e4-ccbfd253ce42
Person
MACLIVER, Sara
MACLIVER, Sara
Sara Macliver is an Australian soprano singer, born and raised in Perth, Western Australia. Macliver is one of Australia’s most popular and versatile artists, appearing in operas, concert and recital performances and on numerous recordings. She is regarded as one of the leading exponents of Baroque repertoire in Australia, and lectures in Voice at the UWA Conservatorium of Music.[1]
She trained in Perth, where she was a pupil of Molly McGurk and was a Young Artist with the West Australian Opera Company. Her roles for the company have included Micaela (Carmen), Papagena (The Magic Flute), Giannetta (L’elisir d’amore), Morgana (Alcina), Ida (Die Fledermaus), Nannetta (Falstaff) and Vespetta (Pimpinone). In 2007, she created the roles of Echo/Aphrodite in Richard Mills‘ opera The Love of the Nightingale. She sang Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro with the company in 2009.
Sara Macliver regularly performs with Symphony Australia Orchestras, Musica Viva, Melbourne Chorale, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Australia Bach Ensemble and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. She has a particular association with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, with whom she recorded her first CD, If Love’s a Sweet Passion, which was a finalist for the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) Award for Best Classical Release in 2000.
She has performed in Japan, Italy, New Zealand and Hong Kong. She has performed with Pinchgut Opera in The Fairy-Queen, toured with Musica Viva, Australia Bach Ensemble and worked with Richard Egarr on Joseph Haydn‘s The Creation in Perth. Other projects include a program based on the life of Jane Austen, with pianist Bernadette Balkus and Musica Viva. She also appeared in Pinchgut Opera’s production of Monteverdi‘s L’Orfeo to great critical acclaim.
Sara Macliver has made a number of recordings for ABC Classics including Gabriel Fauré‘s Requiem and The Birth of Venus, Carl Orff‘s Carmina Burana, the title track for a trilogy of Christmas albums and a CD of Haydn arias with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ola Rudner. In 2002, she completed a recording of Handel‘s Messiah for a joint ABC Classics and ABC Television production. This has been released on CD and DVD, and screened several times on national television. ABC Classics have released a disc of Bach arias and duets with Sara Macliver and mezzo-soprano Sally-Anne Russell and the Orchestra of the Antipodes conducted by Antony Walker. This quickly became a best seller and was nominated for an ARIA award. This was followed by a disc of the Pergolesi Stabat Mater (ABC Classics) and other baroque duets, which won the inaugural ABC Classic FM listener’s choice award in 2005. She also appeared in Pinchgut Opera’s production of Charpentier‘s David et Jonathas H.490 in 2009.
She has received an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the University of Western Australia, in whose School of Music she completed her undergraduate studies.
Although resident for some years in Sydney, she has now returned to Perth.
Person
CHAYTER, Marcia
MARCIA CHAYTER married Jack Harrison
Marcia Chayter was born on 18th January 1934 in Brisbane to 26 year old chemist Henry William “Rollo” Chayter and 24 year old Norma Helena Emily (nee Henley) and lived at 36 Hamilton Street, Corinda, Brisbane.
CHAYTER On Jan 18th to Mr and Mrs H.W. Chayter Mackie St Moorooka – a daughter (Marcia).
The Courier-Mail Brisbane 20 Jan 1934 pg 12.
Marcia was baptised on 28th October 1934 at St Aiden’s Church, Clifton Hill, Brisbane, Queensland. Her Godparents were Doris Alice Guy, Marie Chayter (Rollo’s sister), Clifford Henley (Norma’s brother).
In 1937 aged three, Marcia’s life changed forever. With jobs scarce due to the Depression, her father, a fully qualified chemist, accepted the prize offer of managership of the Felton, Grimwade and Bickford chemical factory.
In March 1937, their Brisbane belongings, Beale upright piano and all, were duly secured with them on a ship called the “Duntroon”.
Their passage to Perth was so rough that their cases slipped from under one bed to another like greasy snaggers in a frypan. The accompanying sea sickness knew no bounds. Norma and the three year old Marcia were so ill, they disembarked in Adelaide and completed the voyage by train.
On their arrival in Perth they were met by a Mr Maxwell who was the manager of the business side of Feltons.
A flat in Mount Street central Perth had been organised for them and soon after in they then rented a brand new house at 28 Woodroyd Street, Mt Lawley that had sand for a garden.
In 1939 Marcia attended “Braemar” Kindergarten and subprimary in St Giles Hall at 65 Lawley Crescent,
In 1940, Marcia started primary school at Lawley Ladies’ College, a small private school at the end of Longroyd Street, travelling towards Walcott St, Mt Lawley.
On May 17th 1941 Norma and Rollo had another daughter, Nerida.
Marcia was eight in 1942 when Lawley Ladies’ College was evacuated to the country and the only alternative was Inglewood State School with Mr. Chandler as headmaster. Marcia was put up from grade 2 to grade 3.
There was a “rough” element at Inglewood school and Norma continued to dress Marcia in her Lawley Ladies’ College uniform for which Marcia was bullied and had stones thrown at her being called a “College Snob”. She often used to run home as she was so frightened.
In 1943 Marcia was accepted into the Perth College intermediate school aged 9.
Marcia left Perth College at the age of 14 gaining her Junior Certificate for which she sat in November 1948. The Perth College nuns were not keen to give an end of year dance, so the PC girls arranged one for themselves.
The parents of one of Marcia’s class, Adrienne Silbert, owned a reception Centre in Mount Lawley called “Tannerville” and so a dance was organised there. There, Marcia met the band’s clarinettist Jack Harrison.
The University of Western Australia Public Examinations Board awarded the Junior Certificates which Marcia Chayter received in February 1949 passing English, French, Physics, Arithmetic and Algebra, Geography and Latin. Rollo had hoped Marcia might have excelled at chemistry, but she did not!
When Nerida was 7, Marcia finished her Junior year in 1948 and the Chayter family returned to Queensland for a holiday. It was 11 years since Norma had seen her sister and brothers and her mother had died while we were in Perth.
Marcia studied ballet up until the age of 16.
In early 1949 Marcia was employed at the accounting firm of Weir and Broderick in St George’s Terrace. Marcia was the office girl in charge of the mail, tea making, message delivering and other dull jobs. They were very kind, allowing her to do her shorthand homework and typing practice once all her work had been completed. Mr Broderick was a generous boss and at Christmas he gave her a lovely dress length of material as well as toiletries.
She often met up with her mates in the city in her lunch break.
At this stage Marcia still only had two dresses. One was plain blue and Norma had embroidered Marcia’s name on it. The other was made of tablecloth seersucker material that Norma had found. Any money Marcia had over after bus fares and paying Norma board she saved towards improving her meagre wardrobe. Balls and dances were frequent and Marcia for which Marcia would creatively try and embellish her few outfits with fresh flowers of a new sash.
In 1949 Marcia also started a Junior Secretarial Course studying shorthand and typing at night school twice a week. Getting to Perth from Mt Lawley by public transport would have involved catching buses and trams.
The Mount Lawley Tennis Club dances held every second Friday was the place to go and Marcia’s Mt Lawley “gang” including the Nevards, Coombs, Berwyn Allen and Marcia would walk to those dances and met Jack Harrison and his twin sister Jill and brother Ray who supplied the music. Everyone knew everyone else everyone danced every dance. There was no alcohol and the man at the door made sure everyone was safe.
Kings Park Tennis Club held a similar type dance every alternate Saturday with the same band and the same people. Berwyn and Marcia caught a tram and a trolley bus to attend. Bob Pope who lived a few streets away often came as well this time.
From the diary Marcia Chayter started on Thursday 22 December 1949, it is clear that she is following Jack Harrison’s dance gigs around.
The mention of “the chev” and Jack’s pictures with Marcia (matching her dresses) imply they were going out prior to Marcia’s 1949 diary.
Most Sundays Marcia Chayter’s “gang” would meet at North Cottesloe Beach. After Jack and Marcia had started to date, Jack would not join them until the afternoon as he had to practise in the morning and eat a roast dinner for lunch prior to meeting up with his friends!
Jack’s car (“the chev”) allowed him the freedom to visit Marcia in Mt Lawley and also provide opportunities for fun excursions and day trips.
In August 1950, Jack was invited to join the South Australian Symphony Orchestra as second clarinet by conductor Henry Krips. He accepted the position starting in November.
In October 1950 Marcia was employed in the typing pool at the ABC in the Schools’ Broadcast Department working at Broadcast House.
Prior to leaving for Adelaide, Jack had many commitments including a 10 day country tour in late October with the Adult Education Board. It must have been heart breaking for both he and Marcia who had been seriously dating for over a year.
Marcia stared dating Max Reilly, thinking Jack had left for good.
After only three months in the South Australian Symphony Orchestra, Jack returned to Perth on 8th February 1951 to fill the second clarinet position with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.
Marcia continued working at the A.B.C. making lifelong friends, including Judy Mitchell, who later would become her daughter Jody’s Godmother.
For Easter, Marcia and Jack holidayed on Rottnest.
Jack announced his engagement to Marcia on 12th August 1952 – his 21st birthday – and they were married on 14th December 1953.
Jack and Marcia commissioned Iwan Iwanoff to design their family home at 11 Dodonia Gardens City Beach where they lived from 1953 until 1993.
Marcia, married aged 19, immediately lost her adored ABC job (Government rules of the time dictating that married women could not be employed) and in 1954, this intelligent, social woman found herself living on a lonely sand dune.
In 1954, Marcia’s best friend Berwyn Kathleen Allen got married to Keith “Dig” Raymond Milner and Marcia was a bridesmaid.
They fell pregnant at the same time and had sons one day apart in March 1955.
In between bringing up three children and Jack, Marcia managed to take singing lessons with Sylvia Biddle and was a member of the chorus of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society.
Marcia furthered her education, obtaining her TAE and then completing a Bachelor of Applied Science with a double major in History and Librarian Studies at Curtin University (then W.A.I.T.). She was employed as librarian at St Columba Theological Library until she retired in 1993.
1993
In 1993, Marcia became a grandmother.
In 1999 Marcia began writing the history of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra Celebrating 75 Years which was published in 2003.
In 2003, Jack and Marcia celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
They had three children:
Jay Raymond (born 17.3.1959)
Kimberley Scott (born 23.1.1959)
Jody April (born 23.9.1963)
Marcia Chayter was married to Jack for 51 years.
In November 2004 Jay was married.
The the photo in the article above was the last photograph taken of Marcia.
Marcia died unexpectedly of a massive stroke on 9th April 2005 aged 71.
2011 Blackwood
Iain Grandage, Kevin Gillam, Brendon Darby
Composed by Iain Grandage, libretto by Kevin Gillam. Commissioned for and performed by Sara Macliver (soprano), Allan Meyer (clarinet) and Graeme Gilling (piano). Paintings by Brendon Darby (courtesy of Janet Holmes a Court). Commissioned and acquitted by Jody Harrison (Director, Solo to Symphony) through funds by the Australia Council.
In 2005 Blackwood was commissioned by Jody Harrison assisted by a grant through the Australia Council.
Growing up listening to her father Jack perform Schubert’s Shepherd on the Rock gave the initial inspiration for Jody’s desire to add to the limited repertoire for clarinet, soprano and piano. This genesis of an idea grew into the inclusion of a broader inclusion of artists to create this uniquely West Australian project.
Iain Grandage said “These are structurally formal poems, yet they contain deeply expressive language. In setting them to music I have attempted to reflect this duality – syllabic structures of the poems are reflected formally in the metres of the musical settings while the melodic lines inhabit a far more lyrical domain. Similarly, the expansion inherent in both the river’s growth and our own personal journey is reflected in a gradual expansion of musical intervals through the course of the work from 2nds in arterials through to octaves in then sea.
Clarinettist Allan Meyer, soprano Sara Macliver and pianist Graeme Gilling were the selected artists. Composer Iain Grandage envisaged a song cycle and accepted the commission as did poet, Kevin Gillam.
Iain and Kevin discussed a life and love story entwined with the journey of the Blackwood River from the South West to the ocean, linking with the black wood of the clarinet.
Kevin said “I see major value in a work such as this in fusing the art forms of music and poetry with the more general theme of landscape.” Knowing that West Australian artist Brendon Darby built a studio on the banks of the Blackwood River and had spent many hours painting “that beautiful river” Jody approached Brendon to contribute paintings as a backdrop to the performance. Darby said he felt “great affinity” with the Blackwood River and was the ultimate addition to the Blackwood team.
The clarinet (the woodwind family’s own black wood) alternatively plays the roles of lover and landscape – Messiaen-like birdsong and watery figurations on occasion make way for duets with the voice, most notably in the two love songs that delineate the work’s tripartite structure.
The first of these love songs (some nights there are no words) marks the end of the first section of the work and the second (Seine) occurs at the beginning of the final section. Throughout the central section of the cycle, an ever-darkening series of settings incorporate expanding musical means (including a quote from Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire) and end with a clarinet solo – a reflection on the text ‘how great the diameter of solitude’.
Blackwood was premiered on Sunday 13th February 2011 at Government House Ballroom presented by the Perth International Arts Festival and Tura New Music. Janet Holmes à Court added to her art collection Brendon Darby’s diptych Blackwood Song during the interval of this performance and generously allows the art to be included in all performances. Brendon meticulously incorporated parts of Kevin’s poetry into the paintings.
Iain said “My joy in writing this work was that it was in fact not an act of solitude. I was writing for dear friends and colleagues – musicians of the highest order whom I have had the pleasure of making music with for many years. I would like to thanks Sara, Allan and Graeme for their patience, facility and unfailing generosity whilst the piece emerged, Jody Harrison for commissioning it (with assistance from the Music Board of the Australia Council) and of course Kevin for his wonderful words that help transport us all to our own places of calm and deep contentment.”
Iain Grandage 2010
Iain Grandage programme notes (2011):
Text:
The texts of the song cycle Blackwood track the course of the Blackwood River in the South-West of Western Australia from its head to the Indian Ocean. However on another, more personal level they track a very human tale of birth, love and transcendence. The tension between the expanse of landscape and the intimacy of the human being within it is, for me, integrally connected to our sense of Australian identity. It has long been an inspiration to me, as it has many Australian composers.
Reviews:
“This is a uniquely West Australian project inspired by the Blackwood River. It is a beautiful work for voice, clarinet and piano, the unique combinations of which produce several wonderful moments during the work. It is a very engaging piece with great unity from movement to movement leaving the listener often unaware of the change until later.”
APRA/AMC Classical Music Awards Judging Panel
TEXT
prelude
how great the diameter of solitude?
(i) arterials
across the back of this land,
across knots and bones
thin rivulets of leaving
thoughts that fall then join in flow
at gravity’s whim
across the back of this land
and throat’s of crow and logic’s
smooth stones mark these veins,
thin rivulets of leaving
long sentences curling with
sibilance whisper
across the back of this land
(iii) three rivers
(i) the afternoon river
is patient and
festooned with kookaburra
and full up on winter and
the colour
of my shoe with
white froth from upstream
and through old glass are
tuarts on the
far bank
and inwardly rippled with the
worryings of larvae
as a duck cuts
against flow and
seeps into the old stool
lying, half in
half out
and ignores the rusted
sculptings of black cockatoos-
knows sunset is due
many attempts at the one
breath, all bleeding, these
thin rivulets of leaving
as wet bracken gifts to the
distant pull of brine,
across the back of this land
thin rivulets of leaving
(ii) some nights there are no words
some nights there are no words,
just an undressing,
a gradual nakedness
the Blackwood ripples, swarms
and we breathe it in,
us born-agains lying sweet and fragile
by its side,
lingering,
hypnotised by the river’s lick
of wounded land.
marooned beneath the sooty sky
shrubs play chinese whispers
but settle longer now,
luxuriating, shivering a little
as frost too seeks a skin
on which to shrink,
us two freckled blue,
smeared,
but patient, pushing thought
through unbuttoned sleeves
some nights there are no words
(ii) today’s river
like religion, drowning
the old stool,
like new pewter,
knows of rain
(iii) the last river
the last river was before the
last river is old glass the
last river is raven and green
oil drum the last river is
story unseen the last river
knew two ducks the last
river has taken more land the
last river beyond sunlight
the last river before moon the
last river is gnarled bones
of tuart the last river too
dark for dreams the last river
won’t be written down
(iv) night river
gums stand in second-
hand moonlight, river
dark, murmuring its
creed, somewhere close, metallic
notes of night
parrot, frogs ’wooden
reply, careless slap
of wet syllables
(vii) then sea
before mouth, green pearl,
river’s offering
or just forgotten?
moon indifferent
river offering
gush of fresh in brine
moon indifferent
frogs throating their known
against the pylons
of jetty. under-growth servers the purpose
of prayer cushion. how
great the diameter of solitude?
(v) (instrumental)
gush of fresh in brine
wind shaves banks to dune
frogs throating their known
wind shaves banks to dune
but, not forgotten
before mouth, green pearl
(vi) Seine
so we took us to stream, you swum.
I did not. we watched haze of late day
smudge in the banks, you spoke. I did not.
a man with road and line and fly
sewed and burred the murked skin. You dozed.
I did not. We drank, just a bit, sips,
wine your Aunt left a long time back, a
crisp white which tugged us to now. you
moved close. I did too. It could have been
the wine, the time, the way the sun
slunk back to wait ‘til dawn, could have been
the light, how white and hope and ash
and loss etched and webbed and made us taut
but slack and small and one, could have
been the choir of frogs that bumphed and burped
to each and all from the rocks and
scree near the dam. it was, we think, all
of these things. You asked. I said yes
Poems © Kevin Gillam.
Reproduced here with permission of the author.
https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/work/grandage-iain-blackwood
Blackwood is available on Spotify.