The presence of a really good company of singers is a rare o¢- erence -in Shanghai, and no lest rare were the qualities of musical excellence. displayed by the" Westminster Singers at their first pei formance at the Embassy Theatre February 8." It was. not ly a privilege, it was a joy to Tisten to, the clear, liquid sound of the boys' voices and the perfection of harm riy that was attained by the The programme was varied and well-arranged, witha" judicious combination of light and serious of encores. The clear purity of Donald Reid's alto voice gave ditional beauty to that familiar yet ever-welcome "song "Drink to me only with thine eyes," and "Minuet" was a delightful interpretation of the dance. As a contrast James Barber, bass, sang two solos "A Border Ballad" and the famous hunting song "John Peel." His voice was. full-toned and well modulated, and in his less serious moments he gave an humorous touch to his singing that was greatly appreciated by the audience. There is something in the bell-like tone of boy's voice that is sure to captivate any audience and the beautiful ing of the boy sopranos was cer exception, rendering of "The last Re mer" showed an unusual and mellow quality of tone.
Greene supplied the humour in the Programme and showed a consider
bined with a delightful able talent for acting, which ho exmvoice. "The snowly-breasted po an Irish song, sung by Ernest Me~ Kinly was undoubtedly among the favourites, and Robert Scott's tenor snog received a well-deserved encore.
The programme included so many delightful numbers that itis difficult to pick out any particular one, but it is fairly safe to say that "The Bell's of St. Michnel's Tower" by the whole company was the finest example <f harmony... one could factually hear the booming of the great bells, so realistic was their inging. Widdicombe Fair fully served the burst of applause that greeted it, and gave an opportunity to the singers to inteduce with great success some humorous acting into their singing, 'The Westminster Singers are giving a different programme with formance, and no one in ynghai should' miss the portunity of hearing these wond ful singers. Folk songs, carols, sea-shanties, national airs—every kind of song is included in their varied repertoire; na truer criticism could written of their singing than their own words "Sweeter than the Chimes of the abbey."—M.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.