A FAMOUS CHOIR.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9619, 12 October 1909, Page 5

A FAMOUS CHOIR.

TO TOUR THE EMPIRE. United Press Association—ByElectric Telegraph Copyright. jxeceived October 11, 8.30 a.m. VANCOUVER, October 11. Dr. Harris, of Ottawa, sailed in the Aorangi in connection with the Imperial Musical Festival of 1911, wich includes a tour of two hundred Yorkshire singers round the world, visiting Australia and New Zealand.

" The Sheffield Musical Union, reinforced by singers from Leeds, Huddersfield. Newcastle and Southport Festival Societies, intend, under the leadership of Dr. Coward and Dr. Harris, to tour the English-speaking world in 1911. Dr. Coward, interviewed at Sheffield, showed the utmost enthusiasm for the scheme. They were going to consolidate Empire, not by the bonds of trade, though those might follow, but by chords which created a union of hearts. Already the scheme was assured of succes?. Dr. Harris had visited South Africa, and leading officials there had given the heartiest approval. In October he would sail for Australia and NewZealand, from which had come pro. inises of the warmest support and cooperation. From the United States there were offers ot' engagements extending over six months. The present intention was to remain about forty days in Canada, thirty-five days in New Zealand and Australia and twenty one days in South Africa. There was the keenest competition among singers to secure places in the party. Over fifty tenors had applied, and other voices in proportion. Altogether more than three hundred applications had already been received, but the chorus would be limited to two hundred.

The tour will open on March 18th, 1911, when the chorus will leave Liverpool or Glasgow for Canada.. Thence they are to cross the Dominion, paying a flying visit to the States, ship to New Zealand and Australia, return by way of Africa,, and arrive at Southampton on September 15tia. More than fifty towns ara to be visited, and £50,000 be spent. In the large cities, where they will have the assistance of a full orchestra, the chorus will stay three or four days and give musical festivals. The works to be performed are "The Messiah," "Elij»h," "The Hymn of Praise," Elgar's "Gerontius" and "The Kingdom," Sullivan's "Golden Legend,"Verdi's "Requieum," Berlioz's "Faust," Bach's "Mass iri B Minor," and motet "Sing Ye," Cliff's "North-east Wind," Stanford's "Revene," Harris" "Pan," and "Sands of Dee," part songs, glees, and madrigals. As a rule eight concerts—six in the evening and two in the afternoon—will be given each week. Where under exceptional circumstances sacre 1 concerts may be necessary mi Su: - day, "The Messiah" or "El'jah" will be performed.