This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Seymour Siegel welcomes the audience to the opening day of the American Music Festival at Town Hall. He notes that WNYC stresses the importance of fine music to the radio listener. The festival is the result of the cooperation between concert halls around the city, various performance organizations, listeners, and staff of the Municipal Radio Station.

Mayor Vincent R. Impellitteri speaks of the importance of culture in a society. He notes that the festival turns a light on to all the cultural endeavors taking place in the United States.

The Collegiate Chorale under the direction of William Jonson performs next:

"Hallelujah"
"Let Down the Bars o' Death" by Samuel Barber
"Te Deum" by William Schuman
"My Lord What A Morning" by William Dawson
"Soon Ah Will Be Done" by William Dawson


Helen Thigpen performs works by Howard Swanson:

"Second Prelude", based on the poem by T.S. Elliot
"The Valley" based on Edwin Markham
"The Negro Speaks of Rivers" based on the poem by Langston Hughes
"Still Life" based on Carl Sandburg's poem
"Night Song" based on the poem by Langston Hughes
"The Junk Man," based on poem by Carl Sandburg
"Joy" based on the poem by Langston Hughes


Helimi Trio:

Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano (Hugo Kauder)

Next, baritone Robert Weede performs.

Finally, The Helimi Trio returns to perform a piece by Robert Russell Bennett.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 72617
Municipal archives id: LT4472