| Main Performers | Laurie Gray,
Anita Castell,
Tuppy Oliver,
Val Merrall,
Klara Kacz,
Leslie Welch,
Isador Goodman,
Janet Davis,
Enrico Nobell,
Sid Millward and The Nitwits with Stinky Stewart,
Lynne Bretonn,
Michael O'Duffy,
Julie Andrews [Unconfirmed]
Boleslawski,
Harry Secombe,
Oscar Natzka - vocals,
Frederic Bayco - organ,
Ivry Gitlis - violin,
Isador Goodman -piano |
| Secondary Performers | Hubert Greenslade,
Ivor Newton - pianos |
| Orchestra or Band | Ray Martin and His Broadcasting Orchestra,
The David Java Trio |
| Performance Notes | "'We Need New Faces!' says Ian Johnson (Interviewed by Stuart S Allen)
The British concert hall badly needs a breath of fresh air. Impressarios are tired of engaging artistes who, because of their big-name prestige, are able to dictate fantastic fees far above their value as performers. Indeed, many so-called star soloists have given such appalling exhibitions in the past year that we have determined to put an end to a situation that is fast becoming prejudicial to the better interests of the concert-going public.
You may think these strong words, but they only emphasise the intense feeling with which promoters view the present state of affairs in the concert world, and were voiced by impressario Ian Johnson in an exclusive interview with 'Musical Express'.
'Since the end of war,' Mr Johnson continued, 'my office has received hundreds of calls by young and unknown artistse, many of them highly talented, all eager to prove their worth on the concert platform once given a chance. Time and again I have had to refuse them since the promotion of concerts is a business and managers must keep their eyes on the box office. Where possible, I usually manage to slip one or two of them into my programmes in order to build them up, but they always have to occupy a position where they will cause no embarrassment to the star attraction. Many star artistes realise that these newcomers can cause them quite considerable embarrassment and wield their influence accordingly. I have seen this happen far too many times but, being a business man, have been unable to do very much about it. Name-artistes bring in the public these days, and without them you are lost. The mere announcement of a work to be performed is not now sufficient to attract an audience, neither does the insertion of an unknown's name, however brilliant he or she may be, make much difference to the box office takings. The idea that the concert-going public is a discriminating one and goes to a show merely out of their love for the music is a fallacy.'
From Ian Johnson we learnt that impressarios are beginning to lose both money and prestige over the big names, and are far from happy about it. He is one who has seen the red light and decided to do something about it. Actions as well as strong words are necessary, and in his Albert Hall concert, aptly named "A Breath of Fresh Air" on January 26, Mr Johnson has taken the bull by the horns and assembled a bill of little-known artistes, all of whom he considers to be first class, and whom he believes are destined for great heights in the entertainment world. ;The time has come' he told us, 'when we need new faces.' 'Many of these youngsters can teach the old timers quite a thing or two, and I am determined that they shall now have that chance.'
For the true music lover it will be an enlightening experience, for Mr Johnson has picked some of the most brilliant talent in this country to represent the serious part of the programme. There is Oscar Natzka, considered to be one of the greatest present-day bass singers, Isador Goodman, whose brilliance as a pianist, has yet to receive from the public the acclaim it has already received from musical authorities. Edward Boleslawski, the new tenor star from the Polish Army Choir, and young 19 year old Janet Davis, whose London debut at Kingsway Hall nine months ago sent the critics and musicians into ecstasies over her wonderful coloratura voice.
In addition to these four there will be Ivry Gitlis, a young Palestinian violinist; Paulette Couty, a French violinist and soprano of exceptional talent discovered by Maurice Chevalier; the David Java Trio; and Julie Andrews, young daughter of Ted and Barbara Andrews, of whose soprano voice singing master George Cunelli remarked 'It's amazing and should be handled with great care. I have never heard anything like it.'
To balance the serious side of the programme, Ian Johnson will also present new talent in the lighter vein. Reginald Burston and his augmented orchestra will support the artistes, and the guest attraction will be Sid Millward and his Nitwits. This outfit has been recognised and is considered to be one of the funniest band acts ever seen - including Spike Jones.
All managers, critics and promoters are invited to this show so that they may judge for themselves the quality of talent lying neglected in this country due to the over emphasis of the importance of big-name artistes, many of whom have long past their prime. Ian Johnson should be given every encouragement and commendation for this enterprising step in the right direction.'
(Accordion Times and Musical Express, 10 January 1947) [Unconfirmed whether this was the correct line up] |
| Related Archival Material | Programme (RAHE/1/1947/25) |