Melbourne Town Hall, Tom Lehrer, 1960s, Performance, program
Summary
Programme for Tom Lehrer's performance at Melbourne Town Hall on 21 March, 1960. Lehrer was a successful mathematician as well as a satirical and comedy singer. His songs, such as 'Be prepared' and the 'Masochism Tango', were often censored by governments and police, who attempted to prevent the distribution of songbooks, and limit his presence on radio and television.
This programme is one of over 300 Town Hall music programmes held in the collection. Dating from the 1920s until the 21st Century, these programmes document performances by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir, the annual Sun Aria Competition, as well as the performances of visiting soloists and conductors from around the world. The advertisements within the programmes are equally fascinating, featuring adverts for TAA Airlines, Berlei, Benson and Hedges cigarettes, and local Melbourne businesses selling everything from records to furs.
