A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Thomas, Lewis

THOMAS, Lewis William, born in Bath, of Welsh parents, learnt singing under Bianchi Taylor, and in 1850, when 24, was appointed lay-clerk in Worcester Cathedral. In 1852 he was made master of the choristers, and during the next few years sang frequently at Birmingham, Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester. In 1854 he made his first appearance in London, at St. Martin's Hall; in 1855 he sang at the Sacred Harmonic, and in 1856 settled in London, with an appointment at St. Paul's. In the following year Mr. Thomas left St. Paul's for the choir of the Temple Church, and in the same year was appointed a gentleman of Her Majesty's Chapel Royal. In 1857 he had lessons of Mr. Randegger, and appeared under his direction on the operatic stage, which however he soon abandoned for the concert-room, where he is chiefly known as a bass singer of oratorio music. During the last few years Mr. Thomas has been a contributor to the press on matters connected with music and art.

[ W. B. S. ]