NBC transmitter (Jan 1943-Sept 1944)

April 1944 7 SAYING IT WITH MUSIC Stations Find There's Merchandising as Well as Public Service Value in Fine Music Programs ROCHESTER, N. Y. A new symphonic hour sponsored by McCurdy and Co., Rochester department store, took to the airways, Tuesday, February 1, introducing to WHAM listeners a new musical organization under the direction of Charles Siverson. Plans for the program call for continuance through the greater part of May. The orchestra is composed of 30 of Rochester’s leading musicians and is of the “little symphony” type. The program features distinguished soloists, drawn from the Eastman School’s faculty and Philharmonic Orchestra. Gilbert McCurdy, in behalf of the sponsor, made a presentation of a $1,000 scholarship to Dr. Howard Hanson, director of the school, to be used as Dr. Hanson sees fit. He said the scholarship w7ould be used to further the education of “talented young musicians” and that later in the series, two of these outstanding students would appear on the program. In his acceptance of the scholarships, Dr. Hanson said: “I am very happy to have the opportunity of saying a few7 words in connection with the first broadcast in this new7 series of little symphony concerts. * * * I have two special and personal interests associated with these broadcasts. In the first place, it seems to me that it is indicative of the constantly increasing interest of the public in good music that the McCurdy Co. is sponsoring this series of important broadcasts in which a little symphony orchestra composed of Rochester's outstanding instrumentalists and featuring distinguished soloists will play for us some of the most charming works of the orchestral repertory. “It is also indicative of the vision of Gilbert McCurdy, president of the McCurdy Co., that in connection with these broadcasts the company is presenting to the Eastman School of Music a number of scholarships which will be used to further the education of talented young musicians, and it is our hope that later in this series one or two young musicians w ho w ill be aided by the McCurdy scholarships will appear as guest soloists on one of these programs. KREISLER ON NBC NEW YORK. — Another major first was scored for NBC when Fritz Kreisler, world-renowned violinist, signed to do five broadcasts on the “Telephone Hour.” Kreisler has been a towering figure in the realm of music for more than 50 years, but he has steadfastly refused to go on the air. Explaining his change of mind Kreisler issued a statement which follows in part: “There are many factors leading up to the decision. Most important to me was the many and increasing number of letters coming from the more isolated places of America, asking me to broadcast. Many of these people have never been able to hear a recital because of lack of money or because they are too far from the cities. Also, now7 with wartime traveling so difficult, I have had to reduce the number of m\ concerts each season.” “Rochester is rapidly becoming known throughout the world as one of America’s important musical centers, and it is most gratifying to me to have a great company like the McCurdy Co. take this active and important part as a public service in the furthering of this development.” MILWAUKEE, WIS. — Wisconsin's young musical artists stand to gain recognition on a new7 WTMJ series. The program. “Starring Young Wisconsin Artists. " features youthful vocalists and musicians who were selected through competitive auditions held in Milw aukee's Radio City. Over 200 contestants were heard in the state-wide auditions. The series of recitals was suggested by The Milwaukee Journal station in an effort to bring forward, previously unrecognized musical talent in the state. It is being presented in close cooperation with the Wisconsin Federation of Music Clubs. This organization, with a membership composed of music clubs, chorus groups, orchestras, singers, musicians, and other musical bodies, w as responsible for choos ing the judges, contacting the talent and generally facilitating the handling of the auditions. The Milwaukee Journal stations, WTMJ and WMFM, established a fund for the federation to use in fees for talent, traveling expenses for out-of-town performers, payment to the judges and all other program costs. PHILADELPHIA, PA.-For the first time in its history, the Curtis Institute of Music is presenting a series of programs on the air with a commercial sponsor over KYW. One of America’s leading banking houses, The Philadelphia Saving Fund Society, is bringing the talents of the students at the widely-known music school into commercial radio. Students at the famed institute are featured in the solo roles and ensemble groups. The entire series, heard Sundays, is under the direction of Efrem Zimbalist. director of the institute. A new series, “Music for Young Listeners ” made its debut over KYW recently. The program features Mrs. Van Doren, who plays selections on the piano, giving at the same time, a running commentary on the music— its origin, the composer and other pertinent educational notes in connection w ith the performance. She is well known in music circles and has conducted performances of this nature at many schools and institutions. CHICAGO. — The Chicago Symphom Orchestra — one of the world’s great musical ensembles— launched a series of five broadcasts over NBC Saturday, March 25, under the baton of Desire Defauw, noted Belgian-born conductor. The five air programs, described as “the festival of symphonic favorites, embrace classics by music masters of past and present. Maestro Defauw returned to familiar network stations. It was with the NBC Symphony Orchestra in 1939 that the Belgian musician made his American debut. And he filled return engagements w ith the orchestra at New7 York’s Radio City studios in three successive seasons.