Israel Beilin (later to become Irving Berlin) was born in abject poverty in Russia and didn’t arrive in America until 1893 when he was five years old. By the time he died, at the age of 101, he had written thousands of beautiful, often witty, songs inspiring the much younger George Gershwin to describe him as ‘the greatest songwriter who ever lived’. He wrote White Christmas for the film Holiday Inn, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song; famously recorded by Bing Crosby, it became one of the most popular and best-selling songs of all time. Accredited Lecturer Pip Burley takes a closer look at the story behind White Christmas.
EXTRA CONTENT - CHRISTMAS QUIZ
We've asked Lizzie Darbyshire, Chair of the North East Area Support Team and recently retired Accredited Lecturer to create a special Christmas Quiz. You can open the Quiz here. For the Answers click here.
Given the lovely comments we've being receiving today, we thought we'd better add that Artvent isn't over yet!
We originally planned 24 items for Artvent but we found we had so much that we wished to share that we've extended it for another 7 days to 31st December.
So watch out for our emails over the coming week!
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Our Societies support hundreds of local arts and heritage projects. Each day we highlight a grant given in 2021.
The Arts Society Midhurst have recently given a grant to Easebourne Primary School, a primary school at the heart of the community, which will fund a whole school art installation project.
All donations from the Artvent Calendar will go towards The Arts Society’s grant giving fund, which awards grants to help preserve our artistic heritage, support the skills of artists and makers, and improve access to the arts for all.
Please click here to support projects like this one by making a Donation.
Comments
What a fascinating insight, thanks
Thank you Pip for the poignant story behind White Christmas.
A superlative mini-lecture by a charming and knowledgeable speaker on a brilliant songwriter. Perfect! Again, many thanks. And a merry Christmas.
Thank you - a memorable talk which I will remember when I hear `White Christmas' - beautifully presented too - a delight to watch.
What a wonderful talk for Christmas Eve. Thank you Pip for shining a light on the man as well as the song. Happy Christmas to everyone.
What a warm, sincere message for this Christmas! May all these Christmases be bright! Thank you Pip, I loved your singing on this foggy day!
Very sensitively delivered story, especially appropriate for today. Thank you to all concerned for the excellent Artvent info. I’m really enjoying everyday!
Merry Christmas!
A really fascinating and beautifully delivered talk. Happy Christmas everyone!
So enjoyable and thoughtful.
A fascinating talk so well presented. Thank you. Just right for Christmas Eve.