THE BESSES O' THE BARN BAND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 19 March 1907, Page 2

THE BESSES O' THE BARN BAND.

Arrangements have been definitely completed I'or an open-air perfonitanCv to be j/iven I>y the losses o' th" Han Hand at the Recreation ({round at : o'clock on Saturday afternoon. flu first, of the two evening concert- io.nincuces at the Theatre lioyal on lYiduv ••veiling next. 'Die JJesses are known a? an historical combination of w-'avei:-whose skilled playing has vol! l'or t belli that enviable distinct inn "Champions ol the World.'' As far back as 18:11 (.In'•esses were awarded their lirst prize in eompetition during tbe coronation ceremonies of (Jcorge the Fourth. Tin > stands as the introduclion to a brilliant list ol' victories. In June, IKJ7. at the coronation of (he late Queen Victoria., ihe baud again competed fir the coronation prize, and won it. In twenty vear.-i tin Itcsscs have competed for 1:)') contests, winning ]:il first prizes, :ij second prizes, ami 18 third prizes. During 1S!)2 they won every challenge cup in (ireat Britain. The crowning victory occurred in l!l(i;i, when at the Crvslal I'alace festival (bey won the t"!.V i National Chainpionshi|i tro]ihv against '2lll bands. Dining last year tlw liesf.es by command played before 1131. (he King, and also made a triumphant t >ar of France, where Mr, Owen (conductor) and ill-, lies (manager) were decorated personally by President 1 .on be I. as was the ease when they played before King I'M ward. This remarkable record of suecessfnl achievements is unique in the history of Clival Britain- - Since the bind lias landed in Yew Zealand thev h.i.'c been welcomed everywhere with the greatest enthusiasm,' and their playing ill Chrislchnreh and Dnncdin has been a revelation in brass band playing. Among the many interesting numbers to be heard is a inarch called "Zeabmdia." specially dedicated In Ww Zealand bandsmen by Mr. Owen, whose allai'inienls as a composer has won for hint many laurels in the band world. Sir Joseph Ward, upon hearing Ihe Bcs-.rs play for the lirst. lime when in Christ - church, determined to arrange for l.lii' band to visit as many centres in \.>v Zealand as possible. '"Messrs. .1. and X. ; Tait have therefore fallen in with ilie Prime Minister's wihh, and local vesi duits should not fail to afteud (he concerts to be <jiven here. The bo\ pins for reserved .seal* is now on view at The Dresden, where seats may be kicked for the two evening concerts m ti :; . Theatre.

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