Thirteen is meant to be unlucky for some, but not for one legendary ABC presenter. John Cargher is about to broadcast the 2000th edition of Singers of Renown, a program initially commissioned for just a thirteen-week run nearly 40 years ago.
On 17 April 1966, classical music enthusiast John Cargher – a former toolmaker, art gallery director, television producer, cameraman, ballet company manager, theatrical agent, record shop manager and author – selected a number of albums from his extensive collection of 78s and LPs, and entered the studio to present the very first Singers of Renown on ABC Radio’s 3LO (now 774 ABC Melbourne).
The program’s popularity was soon noted and Singers of Renown was transferred to the ABC’s national Radio 2 network (now ABC Radio National) after just ten weeks. Singers of Renown and John Cargher, who in 1984 was awarded the Order of Australia for services to music, are now Australian cultural institutions.
Cargher, who soon turns 87, selects outstanding performances by the world’s best classical singers. The music creates its own magic and Cargher adds the broadcasting fairy dust with a never-ending supply of classical music tales and trivia to lift us into another world.
The style and longevity of Singers of Renown mark it as something of a genteel exception in the frequently brutal cut and thrust of the media. And modern technology means it now has fans as far afield as the UK, New Zealand, Denmark, Singapore, South Africa and across the US via online streaming on ABC Radio National’s website.
In Singers of Renown #2000, broadcast on 10 December at 4pm on ABC Radio National, Cargher reveals the experiences that have turned what was a hobby of many years into a full-time profession. That comes amid an extra special selection of music, including tracks from Rigoletto, Turandot and Paint Your Wagon performed by Domingo, Pavarotti and others.
Some years ago Singers of Renown became ABC Radio’s longest-running program with the same presenter. Long may John continue to extend that record beyond the reach of others.
The 2000th Singers of Renown program will be broadcast on ABC Radio National on Saturday 10 December at 4pm, repeated on Sunday 11 December at 6am.