Samuel Harrison (singer)

George III, hearing him at one of the Queen's musical parties, had him engaged for the Handel Commemoration of 1784, where he sang "Rend' il sereno al ciglio" from Sosarme, and the opening recitative and air from Messiah; he thus sprang into the notice of musicians and fashionable people.

In London he was a member of the Noblemen and Gentlemen's Catch Club, and he performed at the Professional Concerts from about 1783, and at the Society of Sacred Music from 1785 until 1790, when Michael Kelly succeeded him.

The first was given on 11 February 1792 at Willis's Rooms, and they continued until 1794, when they had ceased to attract; Harrison and the chief promoters of the enterprise then returned to the Antient Concerts.

In 1801 the Vocal Concerts were revived on a larger scale, with an orchestra, and were very successful until newer musical attractions drew the public away.

[1][2] Harrison's voice was described in The Harmonicon in 1830: "In tone it was at once the weakest and the most pure and equal that has, perhaps, ever been heard in England – its very existence was a proof of how far determination and perseverance can triumph over natural deficiencies.... Voice (we speak of the natural organ) he had really little; it was the high polish, the minute and exquisite finish of his style, that made the charm...."[3] Attribution