THE SCARLET TROUBADOURS.

Waipukurau Press, Issue 321, 15 October 1908, Page 5

THE SCARLET TROUBADOURS.

o Mr Edward Branscombe is accepted in England as one of the highest musical authorities in matters relating to the art of part-singing, and the New Zealand public had ample demonstration and K fully recognised this fact on his visit with the famous Westminster Glee Singers • and Choir Boys. Mr Branscombe’s new English company, the ScarTroubadours, now appearing with, such success at the Town Hall, Wellington, have elected to stop one night at Waipuknrau en route for Napier, and it is owing to necessity of their awaiting the arrival of Show Week in. that town which presents to local residents the opportunity of hearing them on Tuesday evening next at the Town Hall. The Company make a special feature of their concerted vocal numbers, their music, whilst maintaining the highest standard of excellence, being for the most part of a humorous character.

The party consists of six gentlemen and two ladies, who can not only sing but'act, and who present in costume naval, military, hunting, pastoral, and various national scenes which serve as pretty settings. in which to introduce appropriate musical numbers. Much of the music given is quite original, having been especially written for them in London. The fun, in which all participate is headed by Mr Edgar Warwick, who is recognised as one of London’s most versatile and refined society entertainers. Mr Percival Mackenzie, who is described as an art-humorist, can with the aid of coloured chalks and easel illustrate a song or quartette whilst it is being sung ; introduce to you the characters mentioned in his funny stories and lecturettes ; or paint you a landscape in 60 seconds. Two of the vocalists (Messrs Alfred Cunningham and Ford Waltham) were members of the world-famous London Meister Glee Singers : whilst Mr Sydney Mannering (the tenor) w r as for some years playing leading roles with the Moody-Manners Opera Company. All the other artistes enjoy English reputations as good singers. The “ Scarlet Troubadours ” should severely tax the seating capacity of our hall, and patrons would do well to secure their seats early at Mr Annand’s.