MR PHILIP NEWBURY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22779, 15 January 1936, Page 7

MR PHILIP NEWBURY

DEATH ANNOUNCED (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) NEW YORK, January 13. (Received Jan. 14, at 10.30 p.m.) Philip Newbury died to-day, only a fortnight after the death of his wife, Madame Emily Spada. Mr Newbury, who was formerly well known in Dunedin, was recognised as the greatest tenor New Zealand has ever produced and enjoyed a reputation that extended far beyond these shores. Born in 1863 in Jersey, Channel Islands, he came to Dunedin in 1874, and for some years assisted his father, who established a pastrycook firm with shops in Georgeand Princes streets. Eie commenced his musical career at the age -of 17 years, when his yet unbroken voice attracted much favourable attention in Dunedin musical circles. Later, when his voice developed its tenor quality, he was in great demand at concerts in the city. In his younger days he took a keen interest in sport, notably Rugby football, cricket and swimming, in all of which he was a good performer. At the age of 21 Mr Newbury went to Europe to further his musical studies, and received tuition at notable studios in Milan, Germany, and London. While in Italy he sang in operatic works with such success that he was asked to remain in Italy and take out naturalisation papers. Leading musicians of the land considered that if he stayed under their tuition the name of “ Ncwburini ” would become famous throughout the world. He remained for several years in Europe, where he married Madame Emily Spada, whose death occurred about 10 days ago. He received great recognition in England, where Sullivan, of the famous Savoy combination, engaged him to sing the leading tenor part in his work, “ The Golden LegCnd,” Madame Spada being engaged to sing the soprano part with him. When Sims Reeves,, the worldfamous tenor, retired he paid Mr Newbury the high tribute of proclaiming the New Zealander as his successor. Mr Newbury also had the honour of "singing before three generations of English royalty. On Ms return to New Zealand he sang in numerous concerts for the Dunedin Choral and Orchestral Societies and in oratorios, his oratorio work being of a particularly outstanding character. His rich tenor voice,, strong, clear and flexible, and with a tone as pure_ as crystal, was adapted to a wide variety of music, ranging from oratorio and grand opera to ballad singing, and is still recalled with pleasure by all who heard this notable vocalist at Ms best. After successful tours through the Dominion Mr Newbury joined Messrs Fullers’ Circuit. He later sang in Australia, and a number of years ago went to America. Of later years he and Ms wife had conducted a school of singing in New York, but recently both had suffered from ill-health. Mr Newbury is survived by four brothers —Messrs Maxwell, Walter and Bertram Newbury, all of Dunedin, and Mr Archibald Newbury, who is travelling.