Mr Holt
The name Holt or Mr Holt appears in two guises in the 19th century.
Contents
Band leader Frank Holt (or Mr Holt, 18**-1888)
Biography
He was the leader of the Music Corps of the garrison in Cape Town, and also had his own orchestra referred to as Holt's Brass Band (or Holt's Band), a popular orchestra in Cape Town in the period. A relatively well-known composer as well, his locally written works including the Constitution Polka (for the introduction of responsible colonial government for the Cape in 1854) and the Darling Scottische (1858, in honour of Governor Darling).
He died in Cape Town in September, 1888.
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
He was frequently involved in Cape Town entertainments, for example participating as band-leader in the productions put on by Sefton Parry, including the gala opening of the Harrington Street Theatre on 14 September, 1857.
Singer and performer Mr Holt
A soldier and singer simply listed as Mr Holt is mentioned in connection with the Lanarkshire Dramatic Club (1868 and 1869) by F.C.L. Bosman (1980:p.263). He may have been the Frank Holt mentioned above.
Sources
F.C.L. Bosman. 1980. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel II, 1856-1912. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik: pp.56-7,
William Groom. 1899-1900. Drama in Cape Town. Cape Illustrated Magazine, 10(4): 478-481, 517-520, 547-552, 580-584, 640-643, 670-672, 706-708.
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