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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Mr. Robert Bradford Williams
Mr. Robert Bradford Williams, B.A. Leader of the Choir at Wesley Church, has been prominent in, musical circles since settling in the Empire City. Born in 1862 in the United States of America, and educated at Yale University, where he giaduated as Bachelor of Arts in 1885, he joined the Jubilee Singers, who made such an impression in the Colony a few years ago. The company travelled throughout Great Britain and on the Continent of Europe, meeting with success wherever they performed. About the end of 1886 the Jubilee Singers came to the colonies. They toured through Australia from Thursday Island in the north to the most southerly point of South Australia, and twice they went through New Zealand. Their success in these southern lands was phenomenal, no such part-singing having been previously heard. When the troupe went to India, Mr. Williams elected to stay behind, having decided to remain in Wellington. This was in January, 1890. For the first two years after his arrival, the subject of this notice was ever ready as a tenor singer to assist any worthy object, and there were very few concerts in which he did not take part. In connection with the Wellington Harmonic Society he took the principal tenor parts in such works as the Messiah, Mendelssohn's Lobgesang, etc. Although Mr. Williams has been unable, owing to the demands of his profession—the law—to appear as often in public for the past three years, he still conducts one of the largest City choirs. He has ever since his arrival been asscciated as leader of important choirs; first at St. Mark's, Sussex Square, afterwards at the Terrace Congregational Church, and presently at Wesley Church, Taranaki Street. Mr. Williams has always been an honorary member of the Wellington Leidertafel, and has lately become an active member. Under his management Wesley Church choir is likely to become more than ever attractive. Further particulars will be found under the heading “Legal.”