THE JUBILEE SINGERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2014, 29 September 1892, Page 35

THE JUBILEE SINGERS.

It is now some four y«sars since the Jubilee Singers were in Dunedin, and there is no doubt that there are few of their old patrons but have very pleasant recollections of their excellent performances, aud all will be delighted to renew their acquaintance. On returning to the United States after their very successful Australasian tour, and at the end of their contracts, the company was practically disbanded, and the present director — Mr Orpheus M'Adoo, whose splendid bass voice and kind, gentlemanly bearing had made him a great favourite with all— decided tc reorganise the company ; and instead of confining it to any particular school or college, the members were selected on account of their musical abilities — the only stipulation being that they should all be descendants of the old-time slaves. Consequently the range of talent to select from was greater, and the name of "Fisk's" was abandoned, as in the present company only two of its members come from the Fisk University; the majority being students at a similar institution—namely, the Hampton College, in Virginia, — who had for some considerable time been touring through the United States as the Virginia Concert Company. This amalgamation was the means of bringing more individual talent into the company, a} no less than eight of its present members are solo singers of great merit, who impart to the programmes more variety in the way of songs than was formerly the case. The programmes are consequently more varied, aud although retaining tho best of the Jubilee choruses, secular aud sacred solos, duots, quartets, and recitation's occupy a livrgo portion of each programme, and have so far met with general approval. The present combination has been travelling for nearly three years in England, Scotland, Africa (where they spent 19 months), Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queenslandappearing always to crowded and delighted audiences — and we would not be surprised to find the Garrison Hall all too small to accommodate their patrons.