VISITING MUSICIANS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1626, 29 April 1903, Page 30

VISITING MUSICIANS

MR BRANSCOMBE AND HIS GLEE PARTY. Mr Edward Branscombe. Avhose Westminster Abbey Glee and Concert Party have given such excellent concerts in Wellington, has had a long career as a solo tenor singer in England. Born in London, .and trained at the Royal College of Music, Avherc he gained an exhibition scholarship, ho Avas as a boy a solo singer for some years. His first appointment on coining to man’s estate Avas that of organist and choirmaster at St. Paul’s, West Brixton; later on lie Avent as solo tenor to St. AndreAv’s, Wells street, at that time celebrated as the only church in London Avhich had a full cathedral service tAvice a day. Sir Joseph Barnby Avas organist there, and it Avas at this church that some of the works of Gounod were. produced for the first time. From St. Andrew's Mr Branscombe Avent to Westminster Abbey and Temained there, holding the position of lay vicar, until he left England for his colonial tour. His long period of Avork at the Abbey Las included fourteen services a AA'eek, a fact Avhich indicates that the position of lay vicar there lias its onerous duties. Mr Branscombe Avas one of the singers at the Coronation, Avhen the choir of Westminster Abbey was assisted by all of the best singers who could be obtained in London at that time. Mr Percy CoAA’ard, another of the Glee Party, is from tlie Abbey, and tlie remaining members are from the Coronation choir.' The idea of the present tour, Mr Branscombe told a representative of the “NeAV Zealand Mail,” Avas the outcome of a short trip to Canada, Avhich proved so successful that the scope of travel was extended, and hence the Glee Party is in this part of tho world. Three distinct tours have been undertaken, and <ni the last one, before coming to New Zealand, the party travelled through the entire country from N e wf o u n d lan d to Vancouver, and gave no feAvor than 173 concerts in succession. “Notwithstanding our success in Canada,” said Mr Branscombe, “that in NeAV Zealand is even greater, and shoAvs unmistakeably the existence of an innate musical- feeling in this country. In things musical .Canada is very young,

especially in regard to part-singing of every description. We have been greatly impressed in New Zealand with tho likeness of the life here to that existing in England. Tho maimers and customs or the people are very much like those o-f the people at home. Tile hospitable treatment avg have received here also has made this seem to us tho most pleasant country we have travelled in.”. Madame Marie Hooton (Mrs Branscombe) is a well-known singer of oratorio music at home. She was trained at- the Royal Academy of Music, Avhcre she Avon the highest prize offered for singing—the \\ estmoreiand sciioiarship. She also gained the Parepa Rosa gold medal for singing. Madame Hooton is a native of Derbyshire. Those who sang at the Coronation received bronze commemoration medals from Buckingham Palace at the command of the king, accompanied by letters from the keeper of the Privy Purse. The Coronation medal bears on the obverse side the profiles of their majesties the king and Queen, and on. the reverse the Royal monogram. The medal is bordered Avith a Avreath and surmounted with the Royal crown. Mr Percy Coward has also in his possession a silver medal struck in honour of the jubilee of the late Queen Victoria, and inscribed Avitli his name. He Avas for 25 years at the Chapel Royal and at St. George’s, Windsor, and Avas a favourite singer of Queen Victoria. Mr Percy Hilton, another member of tho Gloo Party, was assistant organist to tho King at Sandringham. He Avas trained at the Royal Acadeisf of Music, Avhero he Avon a scholarship for singing.