Concert Hall

Twice a month, James Vernon presents a selection of classical music. On the second Thursday of each month, a selection of mostly instrumental works is presented, sometimes focusing on a particular composer, other times on a particular relevant theme. On the fourth Thursday of each month, a full work is selected from the world of opera. James has many musical passions, of which classical is only one. He aims to make the listening more interesting by researching the history of the work and presenting a concise introduction, enabling you to listen to the work in its historical context. James also likes venturing off the beaten musical track, so you can expect to hear some unfamiliar music among the perennial favourites. Q. If you could have any job for a day, what would it be? A. Train driver. You don't have to worry about steering the vehicle and get to see a different perspective of Melbourne and Victoria. Q. What's your favourite food? A. Chicken schnitzels Q. What's your favourite band? A. I have many favourites from many different types of music - too many to list here Q. If you could have any three people to dinner, who would they be?  A. Jimmy Shand, Dmitri Shostakovich, William Shakespeare. Q. If you could meet anyone who has passed away, who would it be and why? A. Dante Alighieri - to find out what inspired "The Divine Comedy". Q. What's your best advice for people interested in working on radio? A. Find a community station that will allow you to hone your skills. Find either a musical field or a subject you are passionate about and make programmes based on that (them). If you're doing a music show, give the selection some meaning to hook the listeners. Don't just play CDs - anyone can do that. If you're doing a documentary-style programme, don't talk down to the listeners. Also, leave your ego at the door. Think about the wider picture and not just your place in it. Listeners appreciate someone who is passionate and genuine about the programmes they are making. Q. What event, festival or service would you being to Geelong? A. Suburban trains. Geelong's population is growing very fast and an expanded local public transport service for Geelong would be very useful. Buses would still be part of it, but a Geelong suburban train service could compliment our bus services very nicely, particularly down the Bellarine Peninsula where I live. Q. What song is your guilty pleasure? A. Duncan (by Slim Dusty). It's simple, unsophisticated and totally infectious. Great singalong material.