The British Musical Biography

[E] Thomas, Lewis William, bass vocalist,
born at Bath, of Welsh parentage, April, 1826.
He was brought up as a wood-carver, but
developing a fine bass voice, he studied
singing under Bianchi Taylor. In 1850 he
was appointed lay-clerk in Worcester Cathe-
dral, and, in 1852, master of the choristers.

[+] For some years he assisted at the Three
Choirs' and Birmingham Festivals. He was
a great favourite in Birmingliam, and sang at
the Festival Choral and other concerts for
many years. He first appeared in London
at St. Martin's Hall, December 20, 1854, in
"The Messiah," at Mr. Hullah's concerts,
and sang at the Sacred Harmonic concerts
for the first time, November 23, 1855. The
next year he settled in London, and was in
the choir of St. Paul's Cathedral. This
appointment he left in 1857 for the Temple
Church, and about the same time was appointed
a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal. He sang
at the Temple Church until 1885, and resigned
his position at the Chapel Royal in 1887.
For a short time, about 1857, he sang in
opera. During Mr. Joseph Bennett's visit to
America, 1884-5, Lewis Thomas undertook
his musical duties on the Daily Telegraph,
and later was placed on the staff of that paper.
From 1886 he edited The Lute for some time.
He died, after a lingering illness, in London,
June 13, 1896.

entry id: 409-R-57