FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18138, 30 July 1924, Page 7

FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

It is over thirty years since tho F.isk Jubilee Singers first came to New Zealand on one of their world tours, and it certainly speaks well for their popularity that they are, like a certain brand of whisky, at.ll going strong. Such a happy condition of affairs would not be possible were the company to be allowed to deteriorate ,'n quality, but as the Melbourne "Age" said of a recent performance: "The new JTiska awakened old memories and made new friends. It was good to see tho old favourite, Miss Belle Gibbons, . still holding her own, and one notes with pleasure that Miss Marjorie Alwyne, H -ry Penn, and Huntley Spencer are still tluue to charm us with their voices. The company has moved with the times, and while retaining a number of tho old plantation melodies they have in some instances adopted new and up to-date methods." In plaintive plantation songs the oompany are flaid to be unsurpassed. Tho Sydney "Sun," spea&ing of a recent performance,■ said: "A house crowded in every part testified to the popularity of these singers, and we would be quite safe in saying that such wonderful choruses, quaint negro melodies and glorious harmonies have seldom been heard ih Sydney." The Sydney "Bulletin" says: "The Fisk Jubilee Singers are glorious and worth going miles to hear. Of the old,, original company of Fisks there still remains Mjsa Belle Gibbons, who, in spite of her aqre, msintains an excellent reputation as the lady baritone of _ the present _ troupe. The programmes, which are delightful blendings of serious' and humorous choruses, octettes quartettes, plantation melodies, negro chants, and the old faithful hymns, such as 'Steal Away,' and the Gospel Train are sung in, the way that only the negroes of the southern States of America can sing them." The ocmpany will open at. the Caledonian Hall on Tuesday next. . The box; plans will open at The Bristol to-morrow morning.