A POPULAR SINGER

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 54, 28 November 1923, Page 7

A POPULAR SINGER

RETURN OF MR. LEN BARNES. After an absence of over four years in tbe United States and England, Mr. Leu Barnes. the popular baritone vocalist, has returned to Wellington, and will commence singing straight awaY- in fulfilling "Messiah” engagements, in Dunedin. Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland. Mr. Barnes left here for San Francisco in August, 1919. soon after a notably good performance in "Lucia di Lainniermoor” (in concert form). Inside the Golden Gate he had his fair share of good luck. Within two weeks after his arrival he was aoDointed baritone soloist to the First Presbvterian Church. his duty beintr to sing a solo every. Sunday morning. The engagement led to others and his services were demanded for all manner of performances. He sang with one amateur body the High Priest in “Samson and Delilah,” and anneared in "Tbe Strike” (a local eomnosition). He also appeared in “The Yeoman of tbe Guard,” as Sergeant Merrvl. and as Sir Roderick Murgatrovd in “Ruddigore,” with San Francisco amateurs. AVhilst in San Francisco Mr. Barnes studied' under Ida Scott, a nupil of Joan de Reske. and Yeatman Griffith,, and made considerable headYvay. under her able tutorshin. He w-as soloist on one occasion with the Californian Syniplionv Orchestra, and got through so well that he was re-engaged. Mr. Barnes heard many notable singers in San Francisco, including Lionel Warrenrath (a charming light baritone). Arthur Middleton (a heavier one), and Stracciare (Italian operatic baritone). Tn June, last'year. Mr. Barnes went to London, and there had tbe good fortune to meet and study under Ivor Warren, musical director of the Liberal Synagogue, London, one practically unknown to the London world of music, vet whose knowledge was nrofound. and extremely helpful. He met there also John Levien, a vocal teacher of excellent standing, who informed him that he had a brother resident at Lower Hutt, AVellington Mr Levien was a great friend of the late Sir Charles Southey, was with him Yvhen he died, and inherited his fine library of music. Mr. Levien was good enough to present Mr Barnes ivith a copy - of Southey’s, solos in “Elijah.” with all his expression and phrase marks. For five months prior to leaving England. Mr. Barnes Yvas at Shanklin. Isle of AVight, as the member of a concert party, one of the most delightful experiences be has ever had. Mr. Barnes is to sing at Dunedin on December IT and 12. at AYellington on December 15. at Hamilton on-Decem-ber 18. and at Auckland on December 20. Next rear be intends to settle down in AVellincton as a teacher of Y-ocalism in all ita branches.