In this age of computers, the digital restoration of sound is now at a level of sophistication and musicality that was unimagined in the days when such notable names as Violi, Smith, Seltsam and Seward (no particular order here!) shepherded over dusty old tapes and discs and cylinders, in an effort to bring old, lost performances to new life for the collector. What Seth Winner can now do with such material, for example, is of course light-years ahead of the days of yore, when even the mere transcription of these recordings onto LP and newly-minted 78 was an accomplishment worth noting, and hopefully (!!!) worth purchasing.

A member since the very early 1980s, George Henderson has given numerous programs over the years, starting in 1983, and a few “old” items from these will be taken back out, in their newly-restored form, for our enjoyment. Added to these, there will be performances of some glorious music-made-new from never-played “78s” (of whatever speed!), a short but electrifying and brilliantly performed Strauss lied that no one seems to “get”, a wonderful performance of a very intricate tenor aria recorded long before Mr. Florez monopolized the repertoire, and some nearly-unissued Lanza, with perhaps the highest note he ever sang on disc. Other artists to be heard, to name but a few, include Ebba Wilton, Mabel Garrison, Beverly Wolff, Dimitri Smirnoff, Josef Metternich, Marcel Journet and Joseph Schwarz. Even Hollywood will make a brief appearance!

George Henderson is well known to many in our group, especially as an audiophile, ever on that quest for better sound. As a performing musician, his activities include singing, playing the organ and piano, directing the Church choir, and accompanying singers in recitals. He also does live recording of opera, recital and choral events. Restoring the sound for CD compilations of “music that belongs together” – both popular and classical – is his favorite hobby.

Do plan to be with us for another of George Henderson’s BS evenings (“Bounteous Sonorities”, of course; what were you thinking?).