Concert for the Glasgow Necessitous Children’s Holiday Camp Fund, in the Paramount Theatre, Renfield Street, on Sunday the 22nd of March, 1936: Count John McCormack and Miss Betty Humby

An article on page eleven of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 23rd of March, 1936, reads:

 

“CONCERT FOR CITY CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY FUND

 

Count John McCormack, the famous tenor, and Miss Betty Humby, solo pianist, last night

performed in the Paramount Theatre, Glasgow, at a concert held in aid of the Glasgow

Necessitous Children’s Holiday Camp Fund. Almost every seat was occupied, and encores

were demanded to practically every item. Mr John Stewart, the Lord Provost of Glasgow,

attended along with other members of Glasgow Corporation.

 

During the concert a Scots terrier was presented to Count McCormack, who had travelled

to Glasgow to fulfil a promise made two years ago that he would return and sing at a concert

for the Necessitous Children’s Holiday Fund.”

 

 

 

John McCormack (1884-1945) was born in Athlone, Ireland, to parents who were from

Galashiels, in Scotland. He was renowned for his performances of operatic and popular

songs, and also for his diction and breath control. Among the many honours and decorations

he received, was the title of Papal Count, for his work for Catholic charities.

 

Betty Humby (1908-58), at ten, was the youngest person ever to win a scholarship to the

Royal Academy of Music. An accomplished concert pianist, she subsequently married

Sir Thomas Beecham (1879-1961).