PHILIP NEWBURY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 8 February 1936, Page 4

PHILIP NEWBURY

GREATEST SINGER FROM NEW ZEALAND

RANKED AMONG WORLD TENORS

Of all the singers who have hailed from New Zealand, Philip Newbury became the most prominent. Indeed, there were all the possibilities when he left his native Dunedin of his ranking with such great tenors as Edward Lloyd and Ben Davies. He went to England at almost the same time as Melba, and before long his robust and graceful voice'was busy in oratorio and concert work. POPULAR IN AUSTRALIA When the eminent contralto, Madame Belle Cole, made her tour of Australia, and New > Zealand in 1894, Newbury and his wife, the American soprano, Emily Spada, were engaged to support her. Among other appearances in Melbourne was one with the Philharmonic Society. ' Newbury’s style, which was classic, and also had a special beauty in the soft voice; was much appreciated. An unfortunate misunderstanding with the influential Madame Belle Cole led to their parting company for the New Zealand tour, and further pre-. judiced him on his eventual return to England. He and his wife remained here for some years, and the Newbury popular concerts in Sydney, and later in Melbourne, became features, of the musical life of both cities.

Berlin: A check on.the<attendances at picture theatres throughout Ger : many revealed that since June b'usi-j ness has been 20 per cent, higher than the. same period last year.