(An abridged version of the history of the Townsville Liedertafel held in the archives of PAHST)
Monday 1 June 1885
First meeting of Liedertafel.
NQT Tues 2 June 1885
Twenty five were present at a meeting at Cramp’s Excelsior Hotel last night to form a Liedertafel. W. A. Ackers, President; E. N. McIlwaine and J. Rooney, Vice-Presidents; E. Bevan Secretary; J. McDougall, Treasurer; Committee:- R. Tiddy, D. J. Dillon, H. M. Tiddy, H. Shaw, J. Carnaby, and Professor J. G. Benson R.A.M., conductor. First practice next Monday.
NQT Tues 9 June 1885
Liedertafel had their first practice night. Professor Benson to tutor the Liedertafel.
(ref. L2143/85)
In existance by 1885. It had 20 gentlemen singing members and an orchestra of fourteen. The conductor was Professor Benson whilst Mr. J. Rooney conducted the Orchestra. Mr E. Bevan was the Treasurer.
NQT Tues 28 July 1885
Liedertafel to hold first grand concert at the School of Arts on the 5 Aug. Prices 4/-, 2/-.
NQT Thurs 6 Aug 1885
Full House – Grand ????
Programme:
The Bells (gallop) – Orchestra & Company
The Gauntlet – H. Tiddy
Pianoforte Solo, encore – Miss Carnaby – taught by Professor Benson
Tell Me Mary How to Woo Thee, encore – McDougall
Good Night the Lot – Chorus
To The Front, encore – Ackers and Chorus
Separation March (written and conducted by Professor Benson) thunderous applause – repeated Second Half
Orchestra Selection
Thou Art so Near, encore – Lennon
Pretty Jane – Lennon
Duet by McDougall and Findlay, encore
Song – Lloyd, encore
Wed 21 Oct 1885
Second Grand Concert
NQT Thurs 22 Oct 1885
Account of last night’s Second Grand Concert
NQT Fri 13 Nov 1885
Liedertafel to hold a Moonlight Promenade at the Acacia Vale Gardens on 19th November
NQT Mon 16Nov 1885
Gardens to be illuminated with Chinese lanterns, fireworks, and Greek Fire occasionally. Admission 2/6. Cab Fare 2/6 return. Cabs and Buses to leave the Town Hall at 7.15pm.
NQT Fri 20 Nov 1885
350 attended the Moonlight Concert. Music not the best on account of the dew.
The Brisbane Courier Fri 27 Nov 1885
TOWNSVILLE.
(FROM OUR OWN C0RRESPONDENT )
November 23.
One of the most enjoyable evening entertainments that Townsville people have had the opportunity of participating was that provided by the Townsville Liedertafel last Thursday. It took the form of a moonlight concert in the Acacia Vale Gardens. Hundreds of people drove out early in the evening, and listened in rapture to the “concord of sweet sounds'” created by the band, which is composed of gentlemen of education and great musical talent, under the leadership of Professor Benson, R.A.M. The gardens were brilliantly illuminated with Chinese lanterns and lights of various tints, which enabled one to discover new beauties amongst the wealth of foliage which these gardens wear. For Townsville the entertainment was unique, and its success was even greater than had been anticipated.
Dr Rodney Sullivan – Lecture at City Library Townsville Sept 2008
William Lennon – In August 1885 he sang ‘Thou Art So Near’ at a Townsville Liedertafel Concert to such effect that he was required to sing ‘Pretty Jane’ as an encore.
NQT Mon 21 Dec 1885
Liedertafel Band practice in the Town Hall.
NQT Tues 22 Dec 1885
Mention made of a Liedertafel Band.
TELE 4 Jan 1886
Liedertafel Band to assist at the Benefit for the Dorunda victims.
(Pugh 1886)
TOWNSVILLE LIEDERTAFEL – President: W. A. Ackers; Vice-Presidents: Messrs John Rooney, E. N. Macllwaine; Committee of six; 20 gentlemen members; Orchestra 14; Conductor: Professor Benton; Conductor of Orchestra: Mr. J. Rooney; Hon. Secretary: Mr E. Bevan (ref L2143/85); Treasurer: Mr. McDougall.
TH 13 April 1889
Meeting held on 5 April in Queensland Hotel to re-form the Townsville Liedertafel. Wotton secretary.
Cairns Post Sat 15 Oct 1892
An effort, that appears likely to be crowned with success, is being made in Townsville to form a Liedertafel on the lines laid down by the Cairns and Melbourne Societies. Two gentlemen formerly connected with Cairns Liedertafel will be asked to hold office, viz., Mr. Weston, conductor, and Mr. Marsland, hon. sec.
NQH 19 Oct 1892
Twenty meet on Mon 17 October to form a Townsville Liedertafel. A code of rules based on Cairns/Melbourne adopted. President: J.C. MacDonald; Vice-Presidents: Messrs Barlow, Chubb, Gauld, Walsh, Hodges, North, W. Lennon, Kirten, and O’Malley. Secretary: B. Marsland: Librarian: M. O’Callaghan: Conductor: M. Weston; Treasurer: J. R. Crane; 30 gentlemen to meet every Thursday at 7.45pm.
NQH 24 Dec 1892
To rehearse at School of Arts, Concert on 10 Jan 1893, School of Arts, in aid of the Townsville Hospital.
Tues 10 Jan 1893
TOWNSVILLE LIEDERTAFEL
THE FIRST GRAND CONCERT
OF THE
TOWNSVILLE LIEDERTAFEL
will be given in the
SCHOOL OF ARTS, on TUESDAY, the
10th Instant, in aid of the TOWNSVILLE HOSPITAL
PROGRAMME
Part 1
1. Overture – “Grand March” ….Blake
Orchestra
2. Part Song – “Two Roses”…. Werner
Liedertafel
3. Song – “The Gauntlet”…… —–
Mr J. D. Burns
4. Tenor Solo and Chorus – “Image of The Rose” … Reichardt
Mr B. Marsland and Liedertafel
5. Song – “Beauty’s Eyes” ….Tveti
Mr J. R. Crane
6. Song – “The Gallants of England”….—-
Mr T. M. Martin
7. Chorus – “ Soldier’s Chorus”…. —-
Liedertafel and Orchestra
Part 2
8. Waltz – “Nachtewarner”…. —-
Orchestra
9. Part Song – “Tyrolese Hunter’s Song”….
Liedertafel and Orchestra
10. Instrumental Trio – Allegro, Andante, Allegro, Melte (Op.23)
Messrs A. Simpson, K. Knapp, and J. R. Castling.
11. Part Song – “Oft When Eve Has Rest Bestowed”
Liedertafel
12. Song – “Remember”
Mr B. Marslands
13. Vocal Waltz – “Joy Waltz”
Liedertafel and Orchestra
“God Save The Queen”
Tickets – Reserved Seats 3s; Second Seats 2s. May be obtained from the Hospital Committee, and Seats reserved at Pollard & Co.
(ref Pugh) 1899
In 1899 the society was being reconstituted
The North Queensland Register Mon 18 March 1901
The Townsville Liedertafel, which is now in an exceedingly prosperous condition hold a smoke concert at the Liedertafel Hall, Sturt-street, on Saturday evening next.
The Brisbane Courier Mon 8 July 1901
TOWNSVILLE, July 7.
Madame Dolores gave her first concert here on Saturday evening, and was serenaded afterwards by the Townsville Liedertafel. The event drew great crowds of spectators at the Queen’s Hotel.
The Queenslander (Brisbane) Sat 14 June 1902
NORTHERN SOCIAL GOSSIP.
TOWNSVILLE, June 2.
The Townsville Liedertafel held their third concert for this season in the Theatre Royal on Thursday evening last. There were over 300 people present. Herr Widmer, as conductor, made his first appearance in public in Townsville, and under his baton the Liedertafel have made tremendous improvement. One of their numbers was a pretty composition by Herr Widmer, entitled ” A Sailor’s Song.” The soloists were Mesdames Hobbs and Wakeford, Messrs. Wakeford, Macswaine, and Talbot.
The North Queensland Register Mon 24 Nov 1902
TOWNSVILLE, November 20.
The Liedertafel concert was very largely attended to-night. A special feature were the numbers given by the Townsville Orchestral Society, which were encored. Mrs. J. D. Knipe, of Charters Towers, was down for two numbers, “Sing Sweet Bird’ and “Poor Wandering One,” and rendered them splendidly, making a decided hit. Mrs. T. Whalley was in fine voice, and was warmly encored. Mr. Brandt was also encored for his clarionet solo. The Liedertafel gave several numbers, the most appreciated being ‘The Retreat” and “The Vocal Combat.”
TOWNSVILLE SOCIAL ITEMS
On Thursday the Liedertafel gave their second grand concert of the season, when they were assisted by Mesdames Knipe and Whalley ; Misses R. Hanran, and P. Hartley, Messrs R.A. Wakeford, A. C- Fewtrell, R. K. Hobbs, B. Marsland, G. Ralston, R. Rees, A. E. Trueman, H. Williams; H. Brandt, and the Townsville Orchestral Society.
North Queensland Register Sat 4 April 1903
“It is rumoured in musical circles that shortly a grand concert with the combined Charters Towers and Townsville Liedertafels will eventuate in aid of the Townsville Relief Fund” (says the Charters Towers Mining Standard). In the same year the annual subscription was ten shillings and sixpence – the lowest in Australia. Concert was held on 29th May 1903.
The Brisbane Courier Fri 31 July 1903
The Charters Towers Liedertafel have engaged Miss May Collins to sing at their concert on 5th September, and the Townsville Liedertafel have also engaged her to sing at their concert on 10th September.
The Brisbane Courier Sat 12 Sept 1903
A wire received from Mr. Riess, hon. secretary of the Townsville Liedertafel, states that at the Liedertafel concert given in Townsville on Thursday night Miss May Collins had a great reception, receiving double encores, and having to sing five times, to satisfy the demands of the audience. She also was presented with some lovely bouquets. On Monday night she will sing at the Charters Towers Liedertafel concert.
The North Queensland Register Mon 25 April 1904
TELEGRAMS.
TOWNSVILLE, April 22.
His Excellency the Governor Sir H. C. Chermside arrived in Cleveland Bay to-day. He was met by the Mayor, Alderman Smyth, and others. His Excellency will remain on the boat to-night, and will be entertained to-morrow (Saturday) night. He goes North at midnight.
TOWNSVILLE, April 24.
The Governor landed on Saturday, and walked through the streets; he attended a lawn tennis tea in the Gardens on Saturday afternoon, and was a visitor to a highly successful concert given by the Liedertafel on Saturday evening. He left at midnight for the North.
(Ref L446/04)
The Liedertafel performed at the Grammar School on the 23rd April before the Governor, Sir Herbert Chermside.
The North Queensland Register (Townsville) Mon 29 Aug 1904
PERSONAL
The reception tendered to Mrs Gilbert Wilson at the Queen’s Hotel, Townsville, on Tuesday afternoon, by the Townsville Liedertafel, was a very great success. Mrs H. F. Henlein acted as hostess for the Liedertafel, and there was a very large attendance of ladies. The Orchestra played several selections during the function. Mrs Wilson sings at the Townsville Liedertafel Concert this evening.
The Northern Miner (Charters Towers) Fri 25 Nov 1904
TELEGRAMS,
TOWNSVILLE. November 21.
There was a big house at the Liedertafel concert to-night, Miss Wolinski who has a charming mezzo-soprano voice, was twice encored.
Queensland Figaro (Brisbane) Thurs 7 Sept 1905
Miss Mabel Woolcock, formerly of Gladstone Road, South Brisbane, now of Charters Towers, will be one of the stars at the Townsville Liedertafel Concert.
Townsville Daily Bulletin Mon 1 July 1907
BESSES O’ TH’ BARN BAND.
TOWNSVILLE LIEDERTAFEL.
As was anticipated, the concert to be given by the Townsville Liedertafel and the Royal Besses o’ th’ Barn Band at the Show Grounds on Wednesday next has attracted a considerable amount of attention, and everything points to the performance being a magnificent success. The opportunity thus presented of hearing once more and maybe for the last time the world-famed Besses o’ th’ Barn Band should not be allowed to slip by those who did not avail themselves of hearing the premier band of the British Empire. In itself the band is an exceptional treat and will no doubt be the means of attracting large crowds who might not otherwise feel inclined to visit the Show Grounds, but in addition there has been a most attractive programme of music arranged, which will be rendered by the Liedertafel and orchestra. Miss Florence Linde, a well-known Sydney vocalist, has also been engaged. The committee of the Liedertafel have spared no pains to make the concert one of the features of the carnival week. The Show Grounds will be illuminated with gas, while a stage will be erected, from which the music will be given. Abundance of seating accommodation will be provided, and Townsville people for once will be treated to an entertainment similar to, if not better in quality than, those which are now so common in the larger cities. The box plan being now open, subscribers and the general public would do well to secure their seats as with the influx of large numbers of people from the country a very large attendance is expected. In the event of the weather being unpropitious for an open-air concert arrangements have been made for the whole performance to be given in the Theatre Royal without alteration of the box plan.
Townsville Daily Bulletin Thurs 1 Aug 1907
The second grand concert of the Townsville Liedertafel Society is announced to be held in the Theatre Royal on Tuesday, 27th inst., the principal artist being Miss Rosina Buckmann, of New Zealand, she having been specially engaged by the Society. A high-class programme has been prepared, and lovers of music may depend upon the Society’s efforts on this occasion being productive, as before, of a good musical performance.
Townsville Daily Bulletin Mon 26 Aug 1907
TOWNSVILLE LIEDERTAFEL.
A FULL REHEARSAL for Choir and Orchestra will be held TO-NIGHT (Monday), at the Theatre. 8 o’clock sharp.
P. J. Comans
Hon. Sec.
TOWNSVILLE LIEDERTAFEL.
NINTH SEASON.
SECOND GRAND CONCERT.
Theatre Royal,
TUESDAY EVENING, 27th 1NST.
PROGRAMME.
PART 1.
1. Overture— ‘ La Souveraine ‘ (Herman) … Liedertafel Orchestra
2. Part Song—‘The Village Blacksmith’ (Hatton) .. The Liedertafel
3. Song—’ Tears! Idle Tears ‘ from Tennyson’s ‘ Prlncess ‘ (Sullivan),
MISS EMILY MARKS (Sydney).
4. Part Song—’ Farewell. Thou Lovely Forest Glade’ ,(Abt) … The Liedertafel.
5. Violin Solo—‘ Mlgnon ‘ (Sarasate),..Miss Eileen Smyth.
6. Song—’ The Wanderer ‘ (Schubert) … Mr R. T. McClelland.
7. Waltz Chorus—’ Love Reigneth Over All,’ with orchestral accompaniment (Elsasser)
The Liedertafel
INTERVAL.
PART II.
1. Entracte— ‘ Happy Days In Dixie ‘ (Bidgood) … Liedertafel Orchestra
2. Part Song— ‘My Lovely Fishermaiden ‘ (Stritzke) … The Liedertafel.
3. Songs—’ O My Beloved ‘ (Ellen Wright)… Mr C. P. Lennon.
4. Part Song—‘Robin Adair’ (arranged by Lewis)… The Liedertafel.
5. Song— (a) ‘When Lovers Meet Again’ (Parry); (b) ‘If Thou Wert Blind’ (Johnson).
MISS EMILY MARK’S.
6. Male Chorus— ‘ Tyrolese Hunter’ s March’ with orchestral accompaniment (by request) The Liedertafel.
‘GOD SAVE THE KING.
Box Plan now open at McCullagh’s.
Booking Fee, 6d.
P. J. COMANS, Hon. Sec.
Townsville Daily Bulletin Wed 27 Nov 1907
TOWNSVILLE LIEDERTAFEL.
THEATRE ROYAL,
THURSDAY, 28th NOVEMBER, 1907.
THIRD GRAND CONCERT.
NINTH SEASON.
PROGRAMME.
1. March—’Abschied der Gladiatoren’…Orchestra.
2. Part Song — ‘The Beleaguered,”…Choir.
3. Song— ‘The Swallows,’
MISS M. CALLINAN.
4. Part Song — ‘ Sunset and Night.”…Choir.
5. Bass Solo — ‘ Honor and Arms ‘ (Samson)…Mr H. M. Trower.
6. Chorus — ‘Comrades in Arms,’…Choir.
INTERVAL.
7. Selection — ‘ Americana ‘…Orchestra
8. Part Song—’ The Soldier’s Farewell’…Choir.
9. Song—’ Let Me Love Thee,’…Mr E. C. Norris.
10. Pianoforte Solo — (a) ‘ Humoresque, No. 2, Op. 6 (Grelg);
(b) ‘The Earl King ‘ (Schubert-Listz) …Miss B. White.
11. Song—’ Blossoms,
MISS M. CALLINAN.
12. Song—’ The Two Grenadiers,’…Mr H. M. Trower.
13. Chorus— ‘The Martyrs of the Arena’…Choir
“GOD SAVE THE KING”
P. J. COMANS,
Hon. Sec.
The Brisbane Courier Tues 2 June 1908
Signor Lardelli, of Sydney, has arranged to settle in Townsville and take over the conductorship of the Liedertafel.
Townsville Daily Bulletin Tues 16 June 1908
Amusements.
TOWNSVILLE LIEDERTAFEL.
TENTH SEASON
FIRST GRAND CONCERT
TO-NIGHT (Tuesday), JUNE 16th,
THEATRE ROYAL,
Under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency Lord Chelmsford, K.C.M.G., and Suite.
— PROGRAMME.–
Overture—’ La Belle de Nuit ‘ (A. Herman)…Liedertafel Orchestra
Glee—’ The Young Musician ‘ (Gwilm Gwemt)…The Liedertafel
Song—’Lo, Here the Gentle Lark ‘ (H. R. Bishop),
MISS LOTTIE RICHTER.
Flute Obligate…Mr R. A. Talbot.
Song— ‘The Song of Thanksgiving’ (Alitson)… Mr E. C. Norris
Violin Solo — ‘ Mazurkade Concert ‘ (Ovide Musio.).. Miss Aileen Smyth
Part Song— ‘O’er Moss and Fell’ (H. R. Bishop)..The Liedertafel With Orchestra Accompaniment.
Soprano Solo, Miss Lottie Richler.
INTERVAL.
Descriptive Fantasia — ‘Gipsy Life’ (Charles Le Thiers), Liedertafel Orchestra.
Part Song (Humming Chorus)—’ The Winds that Waft My Signs to Thee ‘ (Vincent Wallace) ..The Liedertafel
Tenor Solo,… Mr. J. Flynn.
Song—’ Thy Sentinel am I’ (Michael Watson) …. Mr R. T. McClelland
Song—’ The Nightingale’s Trill ?? (Wilhelm Ganz),
MISS LOTTIE RICHTER.
Duet— ‘ Watchman, What of the Night?’.. Messrs R. A. Wakeford and H. M. Trower.
Part Song—’ On the Dewy Breath of Eden ‘ (Franz AM),…The Liedertafel.
GOD SAVE THE KING.
Dress Circle and Stalls, 3./-; Gallery, 1/-.
Box Plan open now at McCullagh’s Music Warehouse.
Booking, 6d extra.
J. D. FULLERTON,
P.O. Box 79.
Hon. Sec.
Townsville Daily Bulletin Mon 14 Sept 1908
Amusements
TOWNSVILLE LIEDERTAFEL.
TENTH SEASON.
SECOND GRAND CONCERT.
TO-MORROW (Tuesday) in THEATRE ROYAL,
Commencing at 8 p.m.
— PROGRAMME.—
Overture— ‘Crown Diamonds’ (Auber)…Liedertafel Orchestra.
Part Song— (a) ‘In Absence’ (Dudley Buck);
(b) ‘When Evening’s Twilight ‘ (Hatton),…The Liedertafel.
Recit and Aria—’ Ritorna Vincitor,’ from the Opera ‘ Aida ‘ (Verdi),
MADAME CAMILLE CORNWELL.
Part Song—’ The Long Day Closes ‘ (Sullivan)…The Liedertafel
Song—’ Hymn to the Sun ‘ (Lardelli)… Mr E. C. Norrls (with Liedertafel accompaniment).
Intermezzo— ‘ Onkel Fichte ‘ (Lineke): Valso do Salom. ‘ Feminina ‘ (Lablache)…Liedertafel Orchestra
(a) Gavotte ‘Der Weg Zum Herzen’ (Lincke); (b) Indian romance. “Hobonoko ‘ (Reeves)
Liedertafel Orchestra.
Part Song:—’ Calm is the Lake ‘ (Abt)…The Liedertafel.
Songs— (a) ‘ Obstination ‘ (Fantenailles); (b) ‘ Summer Winds’ (Bischoff),
MADAME CAMILLE CORNWALL.
Part Song—’ Farewell Thou Lovely Forest Glade’ (Abt)…The Liedertafel.
Song—’ ‘Neath the Rolling Tide ‘ (Jude)… Mr H. T. McCIelland.
Air de Ballet— ‘ Suzette ‘ (Von Bruck): Entri Acte, ‘ Piccolo Piccolo ‘ (Oscar Straus)…Liedertafel Orchestra “GOD SAVE THE KING.”
Dress Circle and Stalls, 3/- ; Gallery. 1/-.
Box Plan now open at Phillips’s (late McCullagh’s) Music Warehouse.
Booking, 6d extra.
J. H. SHAW, Hon. Secretary.
TOWNSVILLE LIEDERTAFEL
PERFORMING MEMBERS are notified that a FINAL REHEARSAL will be held at the Theatre Royal THIS (Monday) NIGHT, at 8 o’clock sharp.
A full attendance is desired
J. H. SHAW. Hon. Secretary.
Townsville Daily Bulletin Tues 8 Dec 1908
Amusements
TOWNSVILLE LIEDERTAFEL.
TENTH SEASON.
THIRD GRAND CONCERT.
THEATRE ROYAL. TO-NIGHT.
Overture at 8 o’clock.
PROGRAMME.
Overture — ‘Cheval de Bronze ‘ (Auber)…Liedertafel Orchestra
Part Songs— (a) ‘ O Peaceful Night ‘ (Edward German); (b) ‘She is Mine ‘ (Dudley Buck)…The Liedertafel.
Song— ‘The Jewel Song’ (‘Faust’) (Gonnod),
MISS EILEEN O’BRIEN.
Operatic Chorus — ‘ Huntsmen’s ‘ Chorus’ (Weber)…Liedertafel and Orchestra.
Vocal Duet—’ Una, Sera d’Amere ‘ (Campana). (a) ‘ Serenade d’Amour ‘ (Von Bion):
(b) Polka March— ‘Amour Noir n Blanc’ (Christina Halet)….Liedertafel Orchestra.
PART II.
Overture—’ Light Cavalry ‘ (Von Suppe) … Liedertafel Orchestra
Part Songs— (a) ‘The Departure’ (Abt): (b) ‘A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea ‘ (C. H. Lloyd)….The Liedertafel.
Song— ‘ Villanelle’ (Del Aqua).
MISS EILEEN O’BRIEN.
Operatic Chorus—’ Rataplan, Rataplan ‘ (Donizetti)….Liedertafel and Orchestra.
Song— (a) ‘O Star of Eve’ (Wagner): (b) ‘To Anthea ” Hatton)….Mr Clive Armati and Liedertafel Orchestra. (a) ‘Danse Pastorale’ (M.E.): (b) ‘Strauss March’ (E. Mezzncnpe)….Liedertafel Orchestra.
‘GOD SAVE THE KING.’
R. W. HARTLEY, Hon. Sec.
Townsville Daily Bulletin Tues 23 Feb 1909
TOWNSVILLE LIEDERTAFEL ORCHESTRA.
Members are notified REHEARSALS will be RESUMED in the Society’s Rooms, Sturt-street, TO –NIGHT the 23rd inst. New Members cordially invited to enrol.
