WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11709, 8 November 1905, Page 7

WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS.

There was aik appreciative audience in the Opera House last evening to hear the above concert party. The blending of the youthful voices with thise of the elder singers in the glees and choruses was perfect, as was evidenced by the number of encores to which the singers were compelled to submit. The entertainment opened with the part song, "The Danco," contributed by four of the gentlemne of the company, which was well received, and was followed by the canzduet's "Down by a River," and "I Saw Lovely Phyllis." The glee party had to return and give as an encore, "1 Love My Love in the Morning.' Mr Percy Coward, a male alto, gave a fine rendition of "The Banks of Allen Water," for which ho was compelled to contribute another item, and gave, "Sally in Our Alley," and then Madame Marie Hooton very prettily sang "An Irish Lullaby," and in response to an enthusiastic recall contributed "Come Lassies, and Laddies." The gentlemen of the party came next, and -were well received for their glee, "Sigh No More, Ladies." Master William Bdgeley received a vociferous encore for his lovely rendering of "When the Heart •is Young," and in response sang "Cherry Ripe," which was followed by the pretty vocal march, "Norwegian Bridal Song," in which the members of the glee party scored a distinct success, and in response to a demand for more rendered, "Come Join in the Dance." The second part of the programme opened with the, anthem "God is a Spirit," followed by "From the Rising of the Sun," both of which were splendid, and received hearty applause. Mr Edward Branscombe's tenor voice was heard to advantage in that old Irish song, "The Irish immigrant," and as encore he contributed "Fore I've Nothing Else to Do." Mr Sterndale Bennett did full justice, with his deep bass voice, to the song (with subdtted chorus), "King. Henry's Song," and two encores were demanded, Mr Bennett responding with "The Dear Little Girl" and "When You Were Seven and I Was Ten." Madame Marie Hoton again appeared, and if anything was heard to more advantage in her lovely rendition of "Green Broom" than in her previous contribution, and for a wellmerited encore she sang "I'm Ower Young to Marry," which the Westminster Boys followed up with the part song "The Mermaids." Mr Dudley Causton sent the audience into constant laughter by his translation of the humourous musical sketch, "The Charity Bazaar," and as an encore his impersonation of a speech on the fiscal question was splendid. The programme was concluded by the party singing the chorus, 'Tin England, Merrie Elngland," followed by "God Save the King." The entertainment throughout was a great success, and anyone desirous of spending "a pleasurable evening could not do •better than attend- the Opera House this evening, when the party will give their final concert, and every J item will be new.