The Blind Musicians.

Manawatu Herald, 25 October 1898, Page 2

The Blind Musicians.

*- This Company will appear for one w oight only on Thursday . The Com* pany have just completed a most successful tour in the South Island, a<d the Southern press have given

praise to the Blind Musicians -fo; their skill in instrumental and voca music. The Company are eztremelj fortunate in possessing a blinc comedian (Mr Solomon), whose humourous items are always highlj appreciated by the public. Ihe lollowing brief resume of the members of the Company will be interesting :— Miss Annie Drummond lost hei sight when only six weeks, old ":.. through a cold. She was trained at the Royal Victorian Institute for iha - Blind, and has developed a charm ing soprano voice, having made an ' excellent - name for herself on the concert platform. Is also a good . player on violn and piano. Miss Nellie Andrew was bora blind. She bas a pleasant soprano voice and is always well received. Is also a splendid organist and pianist. John Irwiu has been blind from infancy, and his musical ability is of high order. He can play the piano, •axe-horn, viola, and several other instruments. The Auckland Star, referring to his playing of "The Xost Chord" on the saxe-horn, said, • " Some of the audience were moved to tears, and the playing was of a very remarkable character indeed." Mr Irwin also possesses a good tenor votee, and is a certificated piano tuner. Aaron Solomon went blind when ■ix years of age. He retired to rest , one night and woke the next morning to find his sight was gone and the remarkable occurrence has •- never been satisfactorily accounted for. For five years he was employed it the Institute as a music teacher, , and for two years was teaching in theGonlburn Valley district, being at the same time organist of Christ Church, Murohison, and conductor of the Murchison Choral Society. He hat a splendid baritone voice, and his ooinio songs have convulsed many an audience. He is also a master of the piano, cornet, etc., and holds a certificate for piano tuning. Mr Fred Hunter has been blind from birth. He ia without doubt one of the best violin players that ever left the Victorian Blind Institute. He is also a skilful pianist, and holds • certificate for piano tuning. Mr Thomas Andrews (brother of Miss Nellie Andrews) was born blind . He is a beautiful flute player, and the tones be produces are rich in sound and skilfully manipulated. - -A feature of the Blind Musicians' Entertainment is an exhibition of the Braille system of reading and writing for the Blind.