EDNA THOMAS,

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 29 April 1925, Page 5

EDNA THOMAS,

NEGRO SPIRITUALS

Seldom lias such keen interest been shown in the approaching visit of a musical artist as that manifested in tho .appearance of Miss Edna Thomas, under the direction of Mr E. J. Carroll, at the Theatre Royal on Ma ! y sth and Oth. Edna Thomas is an American mezzo-soprano, who sings plantation songs, negi'o spirituals, and the like, in early Victorian costume, with an effect which is quite irresistible. This is duo, in part, to a very rich and sympathetic voice, which she uses most •skilfully, but even more, perhaps, to her very charming and magnetic personality. Miss Edna 'Thomas is admirable, not only as an entertainer, but as ,a. musician, because technically, tho critics state, her singing is of impeccable quality.' Negro Spirituals are, in a sense, the rage of the moment. Miss Thomas introduces other varieties of negro music—Creole, songs, and street songs from New Orleans. ,and as she sings one can almost sec the sunbaked streets of New Orleans, and the cottohficlds of the south. Each number seems alive with a real individuality of its own. Miss Thomas arrives in Timaru on Tuesday next , where she will be socially and professionally welcomed. Plans will be at the Bristol on Monday morning.