CITIZENS of Worcester turned out excitedly and in large numbers to greet the American "March King" John Philip Sousa when he and his band came to the Faithful City this week a century ago.

Berrow's Journal reported on the much-heralded concert: "There was a large attendance within, and an almost equal attendance without, the Public Hall on Thursday evening to hear Mr J.P. Sousa's famous band.

"Had Mr Sousa been able to collect a capitation toll from the outside crowd his visit would have been an even greater financial success.

"Both sections of the audience found delight in the performance though, to those outside, the music was always subdued. However, in losing the nicer shades of some delicate passages, they did at least escape the sweltering heat of the interior.

"To those inside, Mr Sousa, to the most part, sufficiently moderated the tone of his powerful band, but the best of brass bands is not heard to the greatest advantage in relatively small halls.

"Even so, Mr Sousa's combination, judged by the standard of attainable success, was excellent in all things. The inside audience was very enthusiastic and accorded many encores which were promptly conceded. Mr Sousa's style and method of conducting are decidedly original but far less eccentric than one had been led to believe.

"Among the highlights of the concert were Haydn's Emperor's Hymn, Under the Southern Cross, the Jack Tar March, By the Light of the Polar Star, the grand scene from Giordano's Andrea Chenier, and a series of plantation songs and dances."