WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12639, 28 October 1905, Page 7

WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS.

Mir Edward Branseombe's Westminster Olee and Concert Painty, and his boy vocalists, co firmly established then* reputation when they visited these colonies ffcwio years ago that t"he announcement that they Hire on.cc more touring New Zealand, and will appear in Wangauui on November 7th and Bth, will ibe hailed with delight 'by all music i'ovens. The Westminster Party have ■proved 'by actual demonstration in all paa-fcs of the world what a, wealth of melody and eo'ng lies in ifahe old English ooanpoei'tilons. To thousands a new sphere of musical art, fresh and inspiring, has been unfolded, 'and a spontaneous enthusiasm called up. Encouiraeed by the success •which, (has awaited upon them whereever they have (been, Mr Edward Bransoombe upon his return to London at the conclusion of ihis last world's tour, reformed his party, inoreßsing its strength both numerically a/nd artistically, and itihe wisdiom of so doing has been exemplified during their (recent visit to South Africa, India, and the Far East, from whence they have travelled by way of China to Australia, during their sojourn in the 'East they have repeated their former triumphs with even intensified success.

The present parity consists of one lady, four iso'lo (soprano boys, and six genitiemen; and as the name of the Company would indicate the resources of the ©eilelhrated Westminster Abbey Choir Shave been largely drawn upon for the various tours, no less than twenty past and present members of that distinguished body (having been associated with the Company. The programmes submitted include examples of unaccompanied part-singing, of the old English adtiool, embracing choruses, ©ongs, glees, old Scotch and Cumberland ballads, old sea songs, quartets, madrigals, partsongs, catches, and (humorous sketches — a musical feast of an uncommon kind.

The scheme of tlhe programme is to give in some measure a "resume" of port-singing, old and modern, and an effort is also made to keep the songs of our old lands well to the front.