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John
Ross - Liverpool Musician
This
was sent in by Paul Evans from Liverpool.
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| Comic
Christmas Pantomime - performed on Monday 23rd December 1878
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My
wife's great grandfather John Ross was a Liverpool man - born in
the Kirkdale district - and after a career which took him to the
Covent Garden theatre in London and the Theatre Royal in Glasgow,
he became musical director at the Alexandra Theatre - forerunner
to The Empire Theatre on Lime Street.
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| The
school of music was originated by John Ross - but where was
it situated? |
When
John Ross retired as musical director, he devoted himself to musical
tuition and was proprietor of the Liverpool School of Music est.1880
This
is a picture of the have the copper plate from the front door of
the premises (we still have the original) although we don't know
where in the city it was located!
From
his time at the Alexandra, we now have a copy of the cover of a
programme dated 23rd December 1878 for a "new and original comic
Christmas pantomime ( to be performed at the theatre ) entitled
Robinson Crusoe - or Friday and his funny family " - the programme
cost one penny; the original is in the Museum of Liverpool Life
at the Albert Dock.
John
Ross was musical director for this production and a copy was made
for me a couple of years ago to complement research I had done into
this prominent local Victorian musician - we have several photos
of John Ross and his family ; all the boys were distinguished musicians;
one became a celebrated performer throughout Europe, another was
a favourite pupil of Joachim.
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| John
Ross's obituary appeared in the Liverpool Courier on Tuesday
23rd November 1897 - where he was refered to as a 'Composer
of no small merit' |
There
is also a copy of an obituary notice ( researched through Liverpool
Central Library archives ) which appeared in the Liverpool Courier
at the time of his death in November 1897.
It
speaks highly of John Ross and his musicianship, mentioning his
links with the Alexandra Theatre specifically and the "most brilliant
pantomimes that have ever been produced in the provinces".
听
One
of our treasured heirlooms is an illuminated address presented to
John Ross in April 1885-signed by his friends and admirers in appreciation
of his talent ( this testimonial was also mentioned in the obituary
notice ).The
testimonial reads:
To
John Ross Esq, 听
Dear
Sir, In asking your acceptance of this illuminated address our desire
is to place in your hands a permanent record of the esteem in which
we hold you personally and the admiration with which we regard the
talents that have raised you to a high position in the Art of Music.
We are happy in the belief that the feelings to which we now give
expression are shared by the Public of Liverpool.
We are, yours very faithfully....
( signed by 25 people )听
Dated April 15th 1885.
听
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