Alexander “Alec” Carl Black was born in January 1912 in Northam and had a brother Edward and sister Hilda who were both prominent pianists in Perth’s music scene.
Alec married Rona Wedgwood in 1941 and they had four sons, Geoffrey (who was a violinist int the WASO), Russell, Douglas and Neville.
Alec played viola in the very early days of the Perth Symphony Orchestra, later WASO. He was also an accomplished pianist and doubled on celeste when necessary. He was also a professional music copiest.
1933
KYLIE MUSIC CLUB – October’s Varied Programme
The first part of the programme at the October meeting of the Kylie Music Club on Saturday afternoon was devoted to Brahms, but works by Dvorak, Liszt, Leschetisky and some Hungarian folk songs gave variety after the interval. The most important work performed was the fine piano quintet in F minor (Opus. 34), The four movements snow Brahms in his strongest and most challenging moods, rather than in his gentler moments, and even the beautiful slow movement is remarkable more for strength than for delicacy. The players were Mr. Lio Chase and Miss Margaret Sharp (first and second violin), Mr. Alec Black (viola), Mr. Val Robertson (‘cello) and Mr. Edward Black (piano), the last named giving a brilliant performance throughout, and the ensemble work being admirably maintained. The concluding number was a Dvorak Sonatina in G major, played by Mr. Leo Chase, with Mr. Edward Black at the piano, and was also very interesting.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Monday 23 October 1933, page 8
1934
Music Club at Home.
The president (Mrs. Cecil Mason) and members of the L.A.B. Music Club entertained at an at home at the Karrakatta Club Hall on Saturday night. It was the club’s first social function this season, and proved most enjoyable. The president received the guests wearing a frock of parchment satin with iridescent sequin trim ming, and a scarlet pleated satin shoulder cape. She was assisted in entertaining by the newly-appointed secretary, Miss Marjory Southwood, and some of the members. Madame Madalah Masson and Miss Mona Nugent, who are at present in Perth from the Eastern States, were among the guests of the evening. Madame Masson wore a charming frock of Wedgwood blue georgette, and Miss Nugent chose white silk marocain patterned in a rich red floral design. Mrs. Mason, in a brief speech, extended a cordial welcome to the guests and also to Dr. Crisp, the newly-elected vice president, and expressed pleasure at the number of friends from kindred organisations present. In the course of her remarks she gave a short resume of the club’s activities during the past year, among them being the entertainment of distinguished visitors from the musical world overseas and examiners from London. The hall was arranged with a gay floral decorative scheme, including dahlias, roses, tecomas, carnations, grasses and palms, which produced a galaxy of colour. The programme of music presented was keenly appreciated. Among those contributing items were: — Miss Margaret Sharp. Mr. David Powell, and Miss Hilda Black (a trio by Bach), Miss Edna Curtis (song), Miss June Epstein (piano), Mrs. Dorothy Arnold, and Miss Ivy Stevenson (vocal duet), Messrs. Edward Black, Lio Chase, Alec Black, and Sid Morley (string quartet, Brahms), Miss Marcia Hodges (songs), Miss Gwen Greaves (piano), and the L.A.B. Music Club Choir, who, under the conductorship of Miss Gladys Cunliffe, sang several part songs. In a short interlude in the programme a scene from a Period play (arranged by Mrs. Le Tessier), presented by Misses Sylvia George, Gertrude Cowell, Marjorie Knight, Phyllis Caporn. Anita Fitzgerald, and Mr. Arthur Hardman added to the pleasure of the evening. Supper, handed round in pleasant informal fashion by members of the L.A.B. Club, and en oyed to a babel of cheery conversation, brought the evening’s entertainment to a close. The guests included: — Madame Madalah Masson and Miss Mona Nugent, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Sandover, Mr. and Mrs Basil Kirke, Rabbi and Mrs. Freedman, Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Leckie, Dr. and Mrs. Boyd. Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Crisp, Mr. and Mrs. A. Knapp. Mr. and Mrs. G. Reid, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Southwood, Mr and Mrs. Frank Robertson, Mr. E. J. and Miss G. Watkin. Mr. and Mrs. Fordham, Mr. and Mrs. A. Raphael, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Binney, Mr. and Mrs. E. Dodd, Mr. and Mrs Frank Davies. Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Treadgold, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Austin, Mr. and Mrs. K. Raphael. Mr. and Mrs. 6. J. Paterson. Mr. and Mrs. Ottaway; Mesdames W. H. Vincent, Dudley Ward, Howard Birt, Dean, Westcott, Le Tessier, J. H. Main, Clear, A. Arnold. Gilles and Miss Kitty Gilles. Cooper, James Withnell, J. Price, Ick, Pellam Webb; Misses E. Hamilton, Zoe Lenegan, J. L. Young, Molly Ick, Gertrude Wal ton, Kitty Gillies, Gertrude Hutton, Ida Geddes. Flora Bunning, Robson, Anderson, Willets, Meta Pickering, A. Thomas, Skinner, Cranfield. Low den. O’Halloran, Sylvia George, Gertrude Cowell, Marjorie Knight, Phyllis Caporn, Alnwick, L. Howell, Ida Roberts, B. Mitchell, F. Hodd. D. Main, T. Rees, E. Egan, M. Humphry, N. Jack son, M. Cunningham, B. Bockelberg G. Carey. G. Donovan, A. Urquhart. G. Greaves, W. Hamilton, E. and F. Purselove, N. Cullen, J. Rossiter, M. Southwood, V. Kenniwell, Joy Fordham K. Sherlock. M. Hudleston. B. Gravenall, M Millar E. Johns, J. Kennedy. M. Narrett, E. Carmichael, M. Devine. E. Arnold, K. Wilson. P Tweedie, Ida Roberts, I. Parker, G. Cunliffe, E. Curtis, H. Black, P Brennan, J. Tullidge, L. Culligan, Ethel Ewins; Messrs. Cecil Mason, Lio Chase, Arthur Hardman, Edward Black, G Clifton T C. Miller. K. Devenish, Bill and Eric Southwood, Alec Black, and S. Morley.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 12 March 1934, page 8
SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT – Anzac House Fund to Benefit.
The third of a series of ‘Pleasant Sunday afternoon’ concerts arranged by Mr. W. L. Menkens, was held at the North Perth Town Hall yesterday. The Ven. Archdeacon C.L. Riley gave an address on some phases of the Returned Soldiers’ League. He was supported by the State Secretary of the league (Mr. D. M. Benson). The collection was in aid of the Anzac House building fund. Among those present were Senator H. B. Collett and Mr. William Watson, M.H.R. Mr. R. E. Clothier, M.L.A., was in the chair. An enjoyable programme of community singing (conducted by Mr. E. R. Berry), and musical and elocutionary items were given. Mrs. Florence Dain’s speaking choir presented a number of items, including ‘The Welcome’ (Nettie Palmer), ‘The Slip-rails and the Spur’ (Henry Lawson), ‘Frogs in Chorus’ (A. B. Patterson), ‘Sea Fever’ (John Masefield). ‘Car-goes’ (John Masefield) and ‘An Unfinished Picture’ (Norman Gale). A vocal duet, ‘Break, Diviner Light’ (Allitsen), was sung by Air. and Mrs. Jack Trethowan. Solos were given by Mrs. Jack Trethowan, Misses Mary Batey and Rhoda Ash, and Messrs. C. B. Sims, E. J. Brickhill and Jack Trethowan. A violin solo was played by Mr. Alec Black and an instrumental duet (piano and violin), ‘Sonata’ (Mozart), was given by Miss Hilda Black and Mr. Alec Black. Miss Elsie McCallum recited ‘Roses in Rain’ (W. Greaves). A pianoforte solo, ‘Etude’ (Chopin) was played by Miss Thelma E. Berry, who also acted as accompanist. The next ‘pleasant Sunday afternoon’ of the series will be held at the North Perth Town Hall on June 3, at 3 o’clock.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 21 May 1934, page 4
1935
The Kylie Music Club.
A Delightful musical programme was arranged by Mr. David Powell for the monthly meeting of the Kylie Music Club, which took place at the Karrakatta Club hall on Saturday afternoon. The president, Mrs. W. H. Vincent, received the guests at the entrance to the hall wearing a becoming frock of navy blue marocain patterned in white. There was a good attendance and members much enjoyed the programme presented. The following artists contributed items: Nora Coalstad, piano solos by Bach Busoni, Debussy and Ravel; (Mr.) E. N. Moran songs by Bach, Godard, and Coleridge Taylor; Horace Dean, violin solos by Bach and Veracini (accompanied by N. E. Moran); Marcia Hodges, songs by Bach and Brahms; and Flora Bunning and Nora Coalstad, compositions by Bach-Phillip on two pianos. Among those present were:
Mr. and Mrs. T. Meugens, Mr. and Mrs. E. Black, Mrs. N. Balaton and Misses Mary and Dorothy Balston; Mesdames H.C F. Keall, Noel Cuthbert, N. Cowan, Russell-Smith, Raphael, A. Sherwood, Despciessis, C. L. Clifton, Walton. Robert Bunning, R. P. Vincent, E. H. B. Lefroy, K. Hodge, Vine, G. B. Brown, Percy White, Muir, Abbott, R. Crisp; Misses G. Rennie, C. Shenton, H. Coalstad, Hilda Black, Gladys Cunliffe, Gertrude Hutton, Ida Geddes, Joy Fordham, Meta Pickering, Lucy Howell, Gladys Pendred, Veronica Kenniwell, Madge King, Flora Bunning, G. Bunning, Lefroy, V. Lake, Marcia Hodges; Messrs. Rietze, Horace Dean, David Powell, Alec Black and N. E. Meran.
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 – 1954), Thursday 21 February 1935, page 30
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, ?.
Music Teachers Gather In Force
THE W.A. Music Teachers Association held its monthly meeting in the Assembly Hall last Saturday night. Despite the cold and wet weather, a large gathering of members and friends was present. They were received by Mr. R. J. Bastian President) and Miss J. L.nYoung (honorary secretary). The hall was prettily decorated with wattle and palms, and on the small supper tables were vases of yellow and white daisies and gold and orange marigolds. Varied Music A delightful programme of choral and instrumental music was presented by members of the association, those taking part being: Mr Frank Robertson’s Ladies’ Choir, in part songs, by Sweeting, Harrison, Pery Buck, Walter Davies and Dr. Rigby; Madame Layton Gaubert, two Brahms’ songs with viola accompaniment by Mr. David Powell; Miss Olga Willson, pianoforte solo, ‘The Lark’ (Glinka); Messrs. A. Black, A. Gamba and S. T. Morley, string trio, ‘Serenade’ (Dohnanyi); Mrs. W. McRostie, two monologues, accompanied by Mr. H. Black; Messrs. A. Gamba’and E. S. Craft, viola and piano duet, ‘Sonate’ (Gorke Bowen): Miss Evelyn Shotter and Mr. David Powell, violin and viola, Mozart Sonata. At the conclusion of the programme a hearty vote of thanks’to the performers was moved by Mr. Dean and seconded by Mr. A. R. Wood. An enjoyable supper concluded the evening. Among The Assembly Those present included Mr. R.J. Bastian (president), Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Leckie, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Mason, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Craft, Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Wood, Mr. and Mrs. H. Dean, Professor P. H. and Mrs. Fraenkel. Mr. and Mrs. N. E. Moran, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Hamilton, Mr. and Mrs. F. Tate, Mr. and Mrs. R. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. R. Mooney, Mr. J. Clifton, Mesdames Layton Gaubert, Howard Birt, E. M. McRostie, M. Nicholas, M. Ferres, J. Sheppard. L. Richardson, P. Boesser, E. J. McMonagle and B. N. Hinewood; Misses Trixie Shephard, Meta Pickering, Joy Fordham, Barbara Leckie, G. Thornbury, E. J. Purcell, D. S. Gray, M. Frape, A. P. Ringer, L. Howell, Adela Harris, Evelyn Robson, Jean Hamilton, M. Grigg, Ella Peterson, Joy Saunders, P. Willows, M. and D. Boesser, D. Warrick, L.. L.. Shenton, N. . Henfrey, Ena Corser, W. Seddon, A. MacAndrew, J. Hord, R. Birkhead. Phyllis Daly, Edna Warren; Messrs. J. Clifton, Frank L. Robertson, S. T. Morley. David Powell, A. R. Wood. Alec Black, C. Warren, C. Gamba and Keith Devenish.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Wednesday 8 July 1936, page 8
1939
Royal Schools Music Club. LARGE bowls of poinsettias, tinted banksia, chrysanthemums and roses made an attractive decorative scheme at the Karrakatta Club Hall when the Royal Schools’ Music Club entertained many guests and members on Saturday evening. The president (Mrs. Cecil Mason) received at the entrance to the hall, and chose for the occasion a frock of jade green chiffon with touches of silver. She was assisted by the secretary (Miss Gwenyth Greaves), who wore a frock of eau de nil georgette with corsage spray in violet tonings, and the assistant secretary (Miss Marjorie Wyndham), who chose a frock of delphinium blue taffeta patterned in gold and silver. Mrs. Mason extended a cordial welcome to the guests, and in doing so referred to the fact that Miss Wyndham had been notified that as a result of the recent examinations she had been successful in gaining the diploma of Fellowship of the Trinity College of Music, London, and took the opportunity of extending to Miss Wyndham and her teacher, Miss Ida Roberts (who is also a member), the club’s congratulations on this achievement. The programme of entertainment arranged by Miss Wyndham opened with an interesting paper on “Sir James Barrie,” by Miss Dorothy Mark. This was followed by one of Sir James Barrie’s plays, “Seven Women,” which was presented by the following cast:~Misses Joyce Mortlock and Dorothy Mark, and Messrs. Harold Harvey and Frank O’Grady. A musical programme was also enjoyed, to which the following artists contributed:-Miss Jean Robinson (piano solo), Miss Hilda Black and Mr. Alec Black (sonata for violin and piano), Miss Dorothy Arnold (vocal soli, accompanied by Miss Margaret Cunningham), Miss Joyce Glasson (piano sol), Misses Elvie Arnold and Elvie Rodstedd (vocal duets accompanied by Miss Yvonne Rees), and Misses Mina Chapman and Jean Robinson (sonata for violin and piano). Supper served by the committee brought the evening to a close.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Tuesday 16 May 1939, page 3
1941
Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Black entertained on Wednesday evening at their home in West Leederville, in honour of Miss Rona Wedgwood’s approaching marriage to Mr. Alec Black. The party took the form of a miscellaneous tea, and many attractive gifts were received. Competitions and games helped to pass the evening.
Among the guests were Mr. and Mrs. Tregoweth, Mr. and Mrs. Maschmedt, Mrs. Noel Pros-er; Misses Beryl Wedgwood, Lexie Wigmore, Kathleen Slapp, May Haigh, Gwen Gamble, Ottilie and Amanda Strempel, Tess McCaul, Edith Doel, Bid Bounsell, Amy Tunstall, Eileen Tregoweth, Freda Stevens, Messrs. John Townsend and Roy Collinson.
Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 – 1955), Sunday 18 May 1941, page 18
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 Hcdd. 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
Music Club Entertains. Members of the Royal Schools Music Club entertained last Saturday evening at the Karrakatta Club hall. The president (Mrs. Cecil Mason), who received the guests, wore a black satin figured skirt with white satin bodice and coral accessories. The programme was arranged by Miss Marjorie Wyndham and assisting artists included Mr. and Mrs. Alec Black (violin and piano), Myrel Frape (songs accompanied by Marjorie Wyndham), Joyce Glasson (piano) and Lottie Dean (songs, accompanied by Mr. Dean). Misses Joyce Marshall and Mina Chapman were the winners of a competition arranged by Marjorie Wyndham.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Thursday 14 August 1941, page 3
1950
Thursday, Oct. 5th – Capitol Theatre at 8pm – 1950’s GREATEST MUSICAL SHOW
Bruce Carroll presents – Symphony In Swing
With Harry Bluck’s Concert Orchestra and Dance Band, Over 50 Leading Musicians and Radio Artists, Wendy Nash — 12-year-old Virtuoso Pianiste, Jack Harrison — Clarinet Star of the West, Ossie Sanderson — 16-year old ‘London Fantasia’ Soloist, Phyllis Frost — International Broadcasting Vocaliste, Ronald Pollastrini — W.A.’s Outstanding Lyric Tenor, Tritoff’s Trio — First appearance of Radio Vocal Trio, Kath Bass — Star Rhythm Vocaliste, Alan Golding — Leading Exponent of Hammond Electric Organ, Peter Clinch trio — Wizards of Swing, Dave Howard — and His Golden Voiced Saxophone (By Courtesy A. B.C.), Keith Connolly — Sophisticated Humorist, Laurie Croissette — Tho ‘Different’ Western Entertainer ,Symphony and Swing Club’s Entertainment Unit with West Coast Dixielanders — State’s smartest Jazz Ensemble, John Todd — 14-year-old Star Piano Accordionist, Rhythm Spinners — State’s leading Male Modern Vocal Group, Robyn Harwood — Boogie Woogie Specialiste, Beverly Beckwith — Co-Compere of S. and S. Club Group. Compere: Geoff Manion. Stage Production: Dave Howard By Courtesy A. B.C. PRICES : 3/- 4/- 5/- (plus tax). Box Plan at Nicholsons Limited. The Daily News Monday 25 September 1950 page 12
October 5 1950 Symphony In Swing
On October 5, a concert entitled “Symphony in Swing” will be presented in the Capitol Theatre. Produced by Harry Bluck, whose concert orchestra and dance band will give a number of items, the programme will include varied numbers by local artists, many of whom are under 20 years of age. The 12-year-old pianist, Wendy Nash, will give a classical group, Jack Harrison, the young clarinettist will give the first West Australian performance of a number entitled “Clarinet a la King,” and the 16-year-old pianist Ossie Sanderson, will present “London Fantasia.” Other artists will be Ronald Pollastrini, tenor, and a new vocal group, the Tritoffs, who will be making their first public appearance. They will be associated with Phyllis Frost, the blind vocalist. There will be many other singers and instrumentalists. Western Mail Thursday 28 September 1950 page 23
Harrison, Marcia, West Australian Symphony Orchestra Celebrating 75 Years, (WASO Holdings Pty Ltd, 2003). P.22
1967
Alec played in the viola section of WASO for over 40 years up until at least 1976.
Alec died in December 2000 aged 88.
