The British Musical Biography

[E] Cole, Charlotte, and Susanna, vocalists,
formerly know}a in the musical world as the
Misses Cole, were born at Tarrington, Hereford-
shire. Their father came of a musical family,
and was for many years organist of the parish
church, choir trainer, and teacher of music.
The children, from their infancy, were brought
up in a musical atmosphere, and were familiar
with the works of the great masters. At the
R.A.M. they studied under Manuel Garcia,
and both were elected Associates of that
Institution. Charlotte, the elder, a soprano,
was a leading member of the students' choir
in Hanover Chapel, Regent Street ; and of the
semi-chorus of the Concerts of Ancient Music.
She sang in the double quartet in " Elijah "
at the Hereford Festival of 1849, and Mr. J.
W. Davison at that time hearing the sisters
sing Mendelssohn's two-part songs, advised
them to appear in London as duet singers.
Their debut took place at Exeter Hall, in the
Wednesday Concerts, November 14, 1849 ;
and for years afterwards they were in great
request, succeeding the Misses Williams in
public favour. They sang at the Crystal Pal-
ace in 1855, and at the principal London and
provincial concerts. In 1853 Charlotte Cole
married Mr. Alfeed Gilbert (g.t'.), and
after singing at his concerts for some years,
devoted her attention chiefly to teaching
singing. She is an Associate of the Philhar-
raonic Society, and the composer of some
tasteful songs, etc. Susanna, whoso voice was
a mezzo-soprano of beautiful quality, contin-
ued to sing both in opera and concerts ; but
she also married, and now is engaged in teach-
ing singing, both for the stage and concert
room.

entry id: 96-L-15