| Main Performers | Ruth Vincent,
Kirkby Lunn,
Alfred Heather,
Robert Radford - vocals,
H L Balfour - organ |
| Set List | 'God Save the King' (The National Anthem),
The National Anthems of the Allies,
'Requiem', Verdi |
| Royal Presence | HM King George V,
HM Queen Mary,
HRH Princess Victoria,
HRH Princess Henry of Battenberg,
HRH Princess Mary,
HRH Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyle |
| Performance Notes | This concert was advertised as a 'Requiem'' for the those that had fallen in the war.
The Observer (6 February 1916, page 13) reported that this was the first time that the King had been seen in public for some time, following his accident in France and long illness. The King arrived in a closed carriage and was greeted by representatives of Kensington Borough Council;
"...A number of wounded soldiers, who were driven to the hall in char-a-bancs and arrived almost simultaneously with the Royal party, stood up on their seats and gave a round of hearty cheers.
The French, Italian, Japanese, and Russian Ambassadors attended as well as representatives from the Belgian and Serbians Legations and from the City Corporations. A number of wounded soldiers were accommodated in the private boxes.
There was a huge audience, and hardly a vacant seat was to be seen. Practically the entire assemblage was in mourning, the only note of colour being supplied by the crimson curtains at the back of the stalls and the white or cream dresses and the red and blue sashes of the female choristers.
During the interval Their Majesties took tea, and the French, Russian, Italian, and Japanese Ambassadors and the Belgian Minister were received by the King."
"It is expected that Queen Alexander, Princess Mary and Princess Victoria will accompany the King and Queen when they attend the Royal Choral Society's performance at the Albert Hall to-morrow afternoon of Verdi's 'Requiem', in memory of those who have fallen during the war. The Ambassadors of the Allied nations and the Belgian and Serbian Minsters will also be present.......Arrangement have been made for the accommodation of a number of wounded soldiers. In the audience will be representatives of the Dominions and many relatives of fallen soldiers."
(The Times, 4 February 1916) |
| Related Archival Material | Programme (RAHE/1/1916/5), Handbill |