EDNA THOMAS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18397, 2 June 1925, Page 13

EDNA THOMAS.

FAREWELL SEASON. Edna. Thomas, whose fascinating negro spirituals and Creole melodies made a deep impression on Christchurch music lovers during her April season, will give two farewell recitals at the Choral Hali on Thursday and Saturday, Juno 4th and Cth. Mr Ernest Newman, in the "Sunday Times, '* London, said:—"l think the only American artist 1 have heard during the v season- is Alias Edna Thomas, who gives - delightful recitals o; plantation songs. Miss Thomas haw specialised for some yeais in the collection of negro songs, and as her family has belonged to Nc-w Orleans for several generations, sh? has an unusually intimaU nndeistanding o/ the Southern negro in particular. She. nqt only sings the negro songs in :v fine voice and with infectious charm, but makes iu realise how many varieties_of negro there, are. To the average .Briton a plantation song means a comic aff'iir, cousin even where it is meant to be serious as in the spirituals with certain amount of syncopation. Even among son?.? of this type, we learn with experience- to distinguish differences which after al- are not surprising when we remember that the slave? came originally from many parts of Africa.''