University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

Page 26 text:

A curbstone or a patch of grass is as good a seat as any when the weather is right and the University Symphony Orchestra is giving one of its annual outdoor concerts. Students and townsfolk crowd the Mall during a spring evening for a free listen to some of the world ' s famous music. CAMPUS COUNTERPOINT In an attempt first to illuminate, then to broaden and lastly to please the sensibilities of students and citizens, the University provides Ann Arbor with an opportunity of amazing scope, musically speak- ing. A myriad of programs affords such a choice of musical talent that somewhere within its range any music lover should be able to strike a responsive note, no matter what length is his hair. That a harp- sicord,aswas played in Bach ' s day, would be the featured instrument at Hill one night, and a Stein- way with Erroll Garner in command the next, seems no paradox to the faithful concert-goer. Although he is perhaps a little quicker to criticize than to praise, the student will probably admit to recalling far more enjoyable concerts than the other kind. At any rate he proves his support by braving box office lines and lending an approving hand from seventh heaven. 22 Army singing appearances led to musical careers for members ot the de Paur ' s Infantry Chorus, featured on the concert agenda this year.

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Russell Mclaughlin, drama critic for The Detroit News gives his diagnosis of the ailments The Fabulous Invalid has endured. WE PRKENJ . . . Every year the number and variety of speakers who visit Ann Arbor seems to steadily increase. No department goes lacking for a topic nor a speaker to elaborate on it. Audiences are adequate and often include an interested cross-section of student and town population as well as those who come because of specific interest or requirement. Most formal of these many gatherings is the University Lecture Series whose 1953-54 program offered such well-known personalities as Trygve Lie, Herbert Brownell, and Agnes Moorehead. The Department of Speech sponsors monthly assemblies to give undergrads a chance to hear what impor- tant persons have to say and how they say it. Hardly an afternoon or evening goes by without some lec- ture, or panel in the offing. In addition to teaching, authoress Katherine Anne Porter, resident for the year, answered many demands for extracurricular appearances. 21

Page 27 text:

All of Hill Auditorium is utilized as Fifteen hundred high school choristers led by Prof. Wallace, in the second balcony, join the combined Uni- versity choral groups directed by Prof. Maynard Klein, on stage, in a rare and inspiring performance of the Bach St. Matthew Passion. The members of the Virtuosi di Roma relied on the international lan- guage of music during U. S. concert tour none of them speak English. IFC Sing brings fraternities and sororities under one roof for annual musical competition, here the Betas run through winning selection. 23