IDSIC 



In the interpretation of some of the finer 

 classics of the world's greatest composers, the Allan Hancock 

 Ensemble has won international recognition. An organization 

 founded upon an ideal, this musical group has not stopped short 

 of mastery of any task undertaken. 



Few artists have practiced more earnestly to improve technique 

 and to secure fidelity of interpretation. Their zeal mirrors the 

 character of the man who founded the ensemble and has fostered 

 its work. In every project he has undertaken, Captain Hancock 

 has himself worked tirelessly to achieve maximum results. In 

 music, anything less than the best has not been good enough. 



Beneath the towering blue gum trees on old Rancho La Brea 

 where he spent most of his youth, he used to sit in the shade and 

 play on a little twenty-five cent harmonica. From the reed mouth 

 organ he turned to the silvery-toned cornet. Finally he chose the 

 'cello and studied under some of the best teachers in the west. 



Captain Hancock's mother remembered his talent for music 

 when she searched Europe for art treasures. She brought home a 

 fine violoncello. The gift inspired more serious musical study. Per- 

 sistent practice was more pure enjoyment and recreation than a 

 chore. He often joined local orchestras, playing at dances and in 

 concerts, for practice. As he acquired greater skill, he was invited 

 to play with the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra, the Philhar- 

 monic Orchestra and in Hollywood Bowl. He was privileged to 

 play under some of the world's greatest symphonic conductors. 



A natural preference for the smaller, more intimate musical 

 group, caused him to settle some years ago upon an ensemble of 

 eight. The ensemble contributed a long series of radio broadcasts 

 to the air waves over nationwide networks during past seasons and 

 has been called upon repeatedly to enlarge the scope of its presenta- 

 tions. At times the concerts have been broadcast over as many as 

 seventy-two major stations simultaneously, and on occasion they 

 have been rebroadcast over foreign stations. 



The ensemble has played to hundreds of audiences in schools, 

 clubs and churches throughout California, sometimes appearing 

 as often as five times a week. Concerts always are open to the public. 

 Captain Hancock never has permitted commercialization of his 

 musical avocation. go 



