Presented by Frank Stewart
When Frank Stewart formed this ensemble for broadcasting in 1933, the first name he thought of was ' The Interpreters '. He changed it to the Alphas because they were the first to specialise in folk songs and light classical music, as well as melodious music of all types. The combination consists of five strings, piano, and marimba, and four vocalists (two men and two women). Frank Stewart conducts, and his rhythmic solos are a feature of every broadcast.
A little while ago it was mentioned in the Radio Times that another popular broadcaster, Falkman, practises with a canary perched on his shoulder. Stewart goes one better. His cobalt hen budgerigar sits on his violin while he plays, as will be seen in the photograph on this page.