SAPPER ALBERT TORZILLO
1393 – 2nd Tunnelling Company / 4th Division Headquarters
Pasquale Torzillo emigrated from Viggiano in the south of Italy, inland from Sorrento. Viggiano is in the
mountains, but it is in the province of Potenza.
Many families of Viggiano between 1700 and 1900, in different ways, were interested and involved by
the phenomenon of street musicians: this phenomenon existed also in other regions, for example Liguria,
in the provinces of Parma and Piacenza, in Ciociaria. Musicians from Viggiano played in the streets and
in the squares, like other street musicians, they emigrated and underwent very long journeys; but they
used different instruments. They did not use mechanical instruments, preferred by the others (these kinds
of instruments did not need any talent). They preferred to use violins, flutes, and harps. The choice of the
harp was very uncommon in national and international music world. The musicians built a small diatonic
harp with less than twenty strings.
In 1876 Pasquale, a noted harpist, married Frances Emily Becke, daughter of Frederick and Caroline
Becke. The couple lived in Sydney and had six children in the following years; Guiseppe, known as
Joseph born in 1877; Frederico Cecilio born in 1878; Angelina born in 1879; Franceschina Caroline born
in 1881; Alberti, known as Albert or Bert, born in 1883 and Francesca Leonie born 1885.
Albert ‘Bert’ Torzillo, along with his brother Joseph, inherited their parents’ musical talents and were to
become musicians entertaining the public at concerts throughout their lives. Bert played the harp under
the stagename of Signor Torzillo and Joseph became an orchestra conductor. Their uncle was Louis
Becke, (a brother to their mother) who was a celebrated writer of stories of the South Sea Islands.
Both parents played the harp, with Bert having artistic musicality with this instrument. When he was
twenty-seven years of age the Signor’s name first appeared in advertisements in his home town of Sydney
for a solo appearance in Miss Eileen Boyd’s Concert at the Sydney Town Hall on May 3, 1910, although
he is noted to have toured with companies before then.
Throughout the pre-war years he would appear in many concerts, sacred, seasonal or entertaining,
working with or under the direction of Mr Nicholas Gehde, Miss Aida George, Madame Cecelia Waldron
and Mr Arthur Goodwin. Nearly all were performed at the Town Hall but he also is reported to have
played at other Sydney venues of the Adelphi Theatre and St James’s Hall. He also toured the country in
between these performances in Sydney.
The following is the last concert advertisement in the Sydney Morning Herald that mentions him by name
appearing in the Matinee on July 24, 1915 before he enlisted:
He enlisted for active service abroad on November 4, 1915 and passed the medical examination at the
Board of Health Recruiting Depot in Sydney. The thirty-one and a half year old returned on December 10
and completed Attestation Forms. Personal details taken show he was 164cms (5ft 4½ins) tall, weighed
63.6kgs (140lbs) with a chest measurement of 93cms (36½ins).
Complexion was fresh with hazel eyes that tested to having good vision and dark brown hair. Religious
faith was Church of England. He nominated as Next-of-Kin was his brother Mr J. Torzillo of 254
Liverpool Street, Sydney, NSW. He was sworn in the same day. Training took place with ‘A Coy’ 19th
Battalion until December 29, 1915 and on January 1, 1916 he was transferred to the Mining Corps’
Training camp at Casula, near Liverpool, NSW.
Albert was assigned to the No.1 Company 1st Reinforcements, Mining Corp, with the rank of Sapper and
the regimental number 1393.
At a civic parade in the Domain, Sydney on Saturday February 19, 1916, a large crowd of relations and
friends of the departing Miners lined the four sides of the parade ground. Sixty police and 100 Garrison
Military Police were on hand to keep the crowds within bounds. The scene was an inspiriting one. On the
extreme right flank, facing the saluting base, were companies of the Rifle Club School; next came a
detachment of the 4th King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, then the bands of the Light Horse, Liverpool
Depot, and the Miners’ on the left, rank upon rank, the Miners’ Battalion.
Sapper Torzillo was one of 1,248 members of the Corps who boarded HMAT A38 Ulysses in Sydney,
NSW on February 20 and sailed for the European theatre. Arriving in Melbourne, Victoria on February
22 the Miners camped at Broadmeadows for a stay of 7 days while further cargo was loaded.
Another parade was held at the Broadmeadows camp on March 1, the Miners’ Corps being inspected by
the Governor-General, as Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth military forces.
Leaving Melbourne on March 1, Ulysses arrived at Fremantle, Western Australia on March 7 where a
further 53 members were taken on board. On Wednesday March 8, 1916 the whole force, with their band
and equipment, paraded at Fremantle prior to leaving Victoria Quay at 9.30 o’clock. The ship hit a reef
when leaving Fremantle harbour, stripping the plates for 40 feet and, although there was a gap in the
outside plate, the inner bilge plates were not punctured. The men on board nicknamed her ‘Useless’. The
Miners were off-loaded and sent to the Blackboy Hill Camp where further training was conducted.
Finally departing Fremantle on April 1, Ulysses voyaged via Suez, Port Said and Alexandria in Egypt.
The Captain of the ship was reluctant to take Ulysses out of the Suez Canal because he felt the weight of
the ship made it impossible to manoeuvre in the situation of a submarine attack.
The troops were transhipped to HM Transport B.1 Ansonia, then on to Valetta, Malta before
disembarking at Marseilles, France on May 5, 1916. As a unit they entrained at Marseilles on May 7 and
detrained on May 11 at Hazebrouck. Soon after arrival, the Australian Mining Corps ceased to exist as a
whole and was redesignated into three Tunnelling Companies which were dispersed where the British
Armies required them immediately.
In his letter home dated May / June, 1916 to his wife, Lance Sergeant Penleigh Boyd mentions briefly the
vast changes life of a soldier is compared to civil occupations and gives Torzillo as an example. He
wrote:
It’s rather like ornary civilian life except that I’ve never kept store books in ornary life & other chaps
from the Blacksmith striker who is a Sydney orchestra player or something in civilian life to Torzillo
the guard and general fatigue hand, lately earning about £40 a week as a harpist, are almost doing
jobs that they’ve never done before.
On May 22, 1916 Sapper Torzillo was attached for duty in the field with the 177th Tunnelling Company,
Royal Engineers, probably in the Railway Wood area where the Company was working at the time.
On July 11, 1916 he went to the 12th Casualty Clearing Station and was sent a day later to the 25th
General Hospital at Hardelot suffering with abrasions to his right knee. He was discharged to Base
Details at the 1st Aust Divisional Base Depot in Etaples on August 6 and rejoined his unit on August 29,
1916.
He was transferred to the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company (2ATC) on October 7, 1916 and taken on
strength three days later and remained with the company. 2ATC relieved the 172nd Tunnelling Company,
RE, in May 1916 in the Neuville St Vaast/Vimy area. The Company then relieved the Canadians at the
Bluff in January 1917 and moved to Nieuport in the same month, to construct subways for Operation
Hush. They were involved in an enemy attack - Operation Strandfest - in this coastal sector in July 1917,
referred to in C.E.W. Beans Official History as ‘The Affair at Nieuport Bains’.
While on leave in London a year later the following misdemeanour was dealt with:
Offence:
A.W.L. 7.30 a.m. 20/9/17 until 10.30 p.m. 28/9/17
Award:
Forfeits 18 days pay.
Total forfeiture:
27 days pay.
On November 29, 1917 he went sick to the 98th Field Ambulance and was admitted with P.U.O. (Pyrexia
(Fever) of uncertain origin.) then transferred to the 96th Field Ambulance following to the 3a Casualty
Clearing Station.
Six days later he was conveyed to the 8th Stationary Hospital at Wimereux until December 20, 1917.
From there he departed on the hospital ship St David to England, entering the following day the Bath War
Hospital in Bath with Trench Fever.
A month later on January 21, 1918 he was discharged to the 3rd Aust Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford and
four days later was released to the No.3 Command Depot at Hurdcott. Base Records notified his brother
on January 25, 1919 that he was in hospital.
On February 21, while at the Depot, Albert went to the Brigade Hospital suffering with boils, returning on
March 2, 1918.
On April 17, 1918 he marched into the Overseas Training Camp at Deverill and proceeded from
Southampton to France on April 26 arriving at the A.G.B.D. at Rouelles the day after. On May 4 he went
as a musician to the 4th District Headquarters and was then transferred to the field and taken on strength
as a member of the 4th Australian Division two days later.
Albert was one of 8 members of the Tunnelling companies who had listed ‘musician’ as the trade or
profession. All embarked on Ulysses on 20 February 1916, and all served on the Western Front in Front
Line units.
The photograph below shows the “Smart Set” Concert Party, of the 4th Division, at their improvised
concert hall in a barn, discussing fresh plans, after the hall had been partially wrecked by an explosion of
two high-velocity shells. Eight-seven casualties were sustained by the 14th Battalion personnel, portion
of whom were billeted in another portion of the barn, which the shells hit direct at 2 a.m.
Left to right are: Private C. O'Brien; 10815 Corporal G. E. Castles; 10867 Lance Corporal (L Cpl)
Howitt, AAP; unidentified; unidentified (standing); unidentified; unidentified; Captain C. D. Leake
(wearing cap); 13088 L Cpl W. L. Chisholm (side of face); 8118 L Cpl R. R. Rowe; 17565 Pte Charles
Thomas Holt; unidentified; Sapper A. Torzillo (back to camera); 3225 Pte R. E. Summers. [AWM Image ID
E02467]
Note: 10815 Cpl G.E. Castles is George Edward Castles of Victoria who listed ‘vocalist’ as trade when enlisting in
February 1916. George was the younger brother of Amy Castles.
Albert was granted leave to the United Kingdom on August 6, rejoining his unit twenty days later.
When Peace was declared he was still with his unit and on February 24, 1919 was counted in an audit of
the company.
On March 22, 1919 he was admitted to the Canadian Hospital at de Gravelle, Belgium with Diphtheria
and discharged to Base on April 4, 1919. His duty at the Base was to organise a Concert Party.
He crossed the English Channel on May 5, 1919 to Folkstone with orders to report to London
Headquarters. Leave was granted by the Furlough Department and he was to report to Headquarters on
May 13 but was granted an extension for an extra day. He went to the No.4 Depot at Hurdcott the next
day.
The H.T. Miltiades departed Plymouth, England on June 19, 1919 with Sapper Torzillo on board for the
voyage home.
On June 26, he was admitted to the ship’s hospital for treatment of Scabies and discharged on July 1,
1919. Base Records advised his brother on July 15 he was returning.
The ship docked briefly in Melbourne, Victoria (3rd M.D.) on August 6 and arrived in Sydney, NSW
(2nd M.D.) on August 8, 1919.
Albert Torzillo was discharged from the A.I.F. in Sydney, NSW on September 30, 1919, entitled to wear
the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
In February 1920 Signor Torzillo is the headline act billed as the Great Harpist at Cowen’s Spring
Cantata:
Sydney Morning Herald Saturday February 21 1920:
AMUSEMENTS
COWEN’S SPRING CANTATA
“ROSE GARDEN”
And Popular Concert Items
The Great Harpist, Signor Torzillo, Ruby Cole’s Students in Costume. Principals: Soprano, Lizzie Chapple,
contralto, Emma Ellen, tenor, Sid Macdonald; baritone, William Hunter Alfred Johnson, Rupert Stevenson, and
Choruses by Large Choir.
Silver Collection at door for Music Fund.
Former soldiers created a show called ‘The Dinkum Aussie Diggers’ which toured the country after the
war in 1920. The following is an advertisement for their Melbourne shows:
The Argus (Melbourne) Tuesday May 4, 1920
AMUSEMENTS
THE PLAY HOUSE
Commencing
Saturday, May 15
THE GREATEST and THE LATEST
Of
ALL THE DIGGER SHOWS
THE SMART SET DIGGERS
In
A MUSICAL BARRAGE
THE DIGGERS DREAM
Of
LONDON and PARIS
EVERY SOLDIER an ARTIST
EVERY ARTIST a SOLDIER
THE DINKUM AUSSIE DIGGERS
What a formidable array of talent
AINSELL WINSTONE
Violinist, 4th Div Pioneers
ROY CAPPA
Baritone, 30th Batt. 5th Div.
IVOR WEIR
Composer Pianist, NZ Rifles Brigade
JACK TREHERNE
‘An Original Anzac’ 1st Div.
GEORGE CASTLES
Tenor, 3rd Div Training
ALBERT TORZILLO
Harpist, 4th Div. Tunnellers
LAWRENCE HARPER
Baritone, 11th Batt 1st Div.
KITCH BUTLER
Rag-time singer, 8th Batt, 5th Fld Art
JOCK THOMPSON
Baritone, 42nd Batt, 3rd Div.
ERNEST CROSBY
Comedian, 45th Batt, 4th Div
FREDERICK WHITLOW
Entertainer, 27th Coy, 4th div
REG. McLAUGHLAN
Dancer, 1st A.L.H., 2nd Div
RALPH SAWYER
Danseuse, 7th Fld Ambulance
‘TIKI’ CARPENTER
Danseuse, 18th Batt, 5th div
ROBBIE ROBERTS
Comedienne, 8th F.A. 5th Div
CHARLES HOLT
Impersonator, 13th F.A. 4th Div
The British War Medal (34170) and the Victory Medal (33736) were received by Sapper 1393 Albert
Torzillo, 2nd Tunnelling Company / 4th Aust. Division for serving his country.
In 1924 he was part of the act ‘The Voice and the Harp’ in which he partnered the brilliant Australian
tenor voice of George Castles, a fellow veteran of the war, and gave many concerts across Australia
including a season at the Tivoli Theatre, Sydney.
Bert was one of the mourners at the funeral of his brother Joseph which was reported in the Sydney
Morning Herald on Monday October 18, 1926:
OBITUARY
MR J. TORZILLO
Mr Joseph Torzillo, a well-known musician, died on Thursday, at the age of 49 years, after a short
illness. A few years ago he conducted the Vice-Regal Orchestra, and was a leader of other Orchestras
at various times, including the Tivoli orchestra. He was a nephew of Louis Becke, and is survived by
Mrs Torzillo, two sons and a daughter. The funeral took place on Friday, the remains being interred in
the Waverley Cemetery.
The principal mourners were Messrs Jack and Max Torzillo (sons), A. Torzillo (brother), A Nicholls
(nephew), W. Wynn and F. Stratton (brothers-in-law). The Professional Musicians’ Union was
represented by Messrs P. Davies, Tremaine, G. Boyle, J. Rogan, N. White, C. Batalia, F. Groundwell,
J. Richardson, R. Nixon, W. Laird and J. Norman.
He received newsletters from and participated at the Tunnellers’ Anzac Day Reunion and their register
has him listed from 1928 at 14 Searl Street, Petersham; the Capitol Theatre, Hay Street, Sydney; the
Prince Edward Theatre, Sydney and Queens Road, Five Dock, Sydney.
In advertisements for concerts in 1929 and in 1931 he is mentioned still performing as a harpist. At the
Irish National Concert on St Patrick’s Day in March, 1932 gave his rendition of “The Harp That Once
through Tara’s Hall.”
He married Sarah Rose Naughton at Five Dock, Sydney in 1930. Bert and Sarah were residing at 4
Royston Court, Royston Street, Darlinghurst in 1933 with the occupation of musician and in 1937 lived at
138 Brougham Street, Darlinghurst.
His performance in August 1937 at the Apollo Club in the Conservatorium’s Concert entertained guests
with his harp obligatio “Breathe, My Harp” by Sir H.R. Bishop. He also did radio concerts which were
broadcast throughout the radio network.
Alberto / Alberti ‘Bert’ Torzillo passed away on Saturday June 18, 1938 in the Prince Albert Hospital,
Sydney aged 55 years. The Sydney Morning Herald on Monday and Tuesday published the following
notices:
Monday June 20, 1938
FUNERALS
TORZILLO—The Relatives and Friends of the late ALBERTI TORZILLO are advised that his Funeral will
leave our private chapel, 604-606 Crown Street, Sydney, THIS MORNING, at 10.30 o’clock, for the Eastern
Suburbs Crematorium, Botany.
LABOR MOTOR FUNERALS LIMITED.
604-606 Crown Street,
Phone F2422
Sydney
TORZILLO—MUSICIANS’ UNION—The Members of the above Union are kindly invited to attend the
Funeral of their late Comrade, ALBERTI (BERT) TORZILLO. For particulars see above Notice.
F. KITSON, Sec.
LABOR MOTOR FUNERALS LIMITED.
Tuesday June 21, 1938
DEATHS
TORZILLO—June 18, 1938, at Prince Alfred Hospital, Alberti (Bert) Torzillo. Privately Cremated 20st inst.
The following article appeared in the RSLs Reveille magazine:
BERT TORZILLO PASSES
Noted Harpist
Fingers that twined around the Harp,
With rare music that gave pulse to our Heart,
Have been stilled by Death,
But memory lives on old Friend.
Crossed the Great Divide at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, on June 18, 1393, Pte. A. (Bert) Torzillo,
4th D. Hqrs., A.I.F.
Of their active service days, Diggers retain affectionate remembrance of their concert parties, including “The
Smart Set,” with which Torzillo was the noted harpist.
Many a heart he lightened during the dark and heavy fighting days when troops were out for a spell. His
brilliant playing of that rare instrument – the Harp – was ever a musical treat to war-weary Diggers.
He will be missed by all Sydney music lovers who learned to appreciate his brilliant talents while he was a
member of the Prince Edward Theatre orchestra and in earlier days of the Capitol Theatre. So has passed
another comrade, one who helped to keep up the spirits of the old A.I.F. during and since the war. – Pat
Doonan, Theatrical Sub-branch, R.S.S.I.L.A.
Bert Torzillo as a boy “did” the camps of Western Australia, Carrying his harp on a camel. When he enlisted
with the Engineers he took a harp to France with him. This was captured with many other band instruments.
Wounded at Messines, this gifted musician subsequently formed the 4th Division Concert Party. The proud
purchaser of a new harp played the accompaniment to George Castles’ “Ave Maria” (Gounod) and “Te Deum”
at Amiens Cathedral the Sunday after the Armistice. Eight thousand civilians were present, together with
Foch, Pershing, and Rawlinson. When not touring with Amy Castles, Bert frequently did vaudeville and
picture turns with George.
The article was accompanied by the photo at right. Article & photo, and the photo of Bert below, courtesy
Paul Torzillo, great nephew of Albert Torzillo.
A similar article, accompanied by the same photo, appeared
in ‘The Capitol News’ :
MEET THE BAND
This delightful harpist who has been delighting audiences at
the Capitol Theatre, is Sydney born of Italian-Australian
parents.
He has the distinction of being a harpist in the Philharmonic
Society at the age of 12. He was solo harpist for Dame
Nellie Melba, Amy Castles and Blanche Arral.
Just prior to the War, Mr. Torzillo was playing
accompaniments for Mischa Elman and Clara Butt.
It is interesting to note that the harp used by Mr. Torzillo
now was presented to him by the A.I.F. in France. On this
harp he celebrated the Armistice in the famous Amiens
Cathedral.
Prior to joining Mr. Henkel at the Capitol, Mr. Torzillo was
touring with miss Amy Castles.
Alberts’ nephew Joseph John, known as Jack, also enjoyed a distinguished musical career, encapsulated
in the article which appeared in the Music Unions publication of December 1984:
VALE JACK TORZILLO
Recently, the Union lost one of its oldest members, violinist, Jack Torzillo.
Jack was not only a first class musician, but also one of the finest men it has been my privilege to know and
work with.
He began his career in the silent picture days during which he received a complete grounding and a thorough
knowledge of all musical styles. From this early experience came an ability to sight-read which, I believe, was
second to none.
I first met Jack and worked with him during the early 1950’s when I joined the Tivoli Theatre orchestra where
he was the leader.
I was a raw beginner as far as professional playing was concerned. But Jack took me under his wing, and I shall
never forget the help and advice he gave me during those years.
Apart from theatres, Jack did a lot of radio work in those early days. Later, when television started he worked
in that medium, as well as doing ‘mini-musicals’ at the Menzies Hotel, and backing many visiting artists at such
venues as Chequers and the Chevron Hotel.
Jack was one of the Old School; a well trained, well rounded professional.
But most of all I think he will be remembered for being a Gentleman of the Old School: and a kind and
considerate human being.
John Lyle
President
© Donna Baldey 2010/2012
with the assistance of Heather Goodall, NSW.
www.tunnellers.net
THESE ARE A FEW OF THE NUMEROUS NEWSPAPER ARTICLES ADVERTISING CONCERTS
OF SIGNOR A. TORZILLO’S PERFORMANCES
Sydney Morning Herald May 3, 1910
AMUSEMENTS
MISS EILEEN BOYD’S CONCERT
At her concert at the Town Hall this evening, Miss Eileen Boyd will sing “There is a Green Hill”, “The
Enchantress” and “Ave Maria,” by Dr Chas W. McCarthy, and an aria by Doniletti. The concert should prove
attractive in other directions, as the young contralto will be assisted by Miss Thelma Hanlon, Messrs Hopkins
Jones, J.R. Marsden, W.H.R. Woods, Carl Budden, W Greaves, Signor Torzillo and Miss Lenore Vera Barnett
(accompanist). The plan is at Nicholson’s.
Sydney Morning Herald December 10, 1910
AMUSEMENTS
MR N.J. GEHDE’S SUNDAY CONCERT
Mr N.J. Gehde’s sacred concert at the Town Hall tomorrow afternoon will include Misses Elsie B. Peerless, Renee
Lees, Irene McPherson, Ella Abbott, Hazel Doyle, Messrs Eugene Osslpoff, (farewell), Maurice Chenoweth, J.
Moizer, Warwick McKenzie, Signor A. Torzillo, and the Gibson Mandolin Sextette.
Sydney Morning Herald December 24, 1910
AMUSEMENTS
MR GEDHE’S CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
Mr N.J. Gedhe’s will direct tow sacred concerts at the Town Hall to-morrow. In the afternoon Misses Elsie B.
Peerless, Irene M’Pherson, Signor A. Torzillo (harpist), Messrs Roy Allen and W.R. Marsden, Masters E. Martin
Waddington (boy cornetist), and Jack Hendley and the Metropolitan Band, will assist.
In the evening Misses Elsie Peerless, Ivy Allen (violinist), Muriel Hinchey, Florence Grant, May Couch, Signor
Torzillo, Herr S.M. Moskwin, Messrs Roy Allen, Chas Wood, M. Chenoweth, the Gibson Mandolin Quintette and
the Meistersingers’ Male Quartette will contribute to an attractive programme of sacred songs.
Sydney Morning Herald September 9, 1911
AMUSEMENTS
MR GEDHE’S SUNDAY CONCERT
Mr Nicholas J. Gedhe’s concert at the Town Hall to-morrow afternoon will be the last for a considerable period.
Miss Elsie B. Peerless will sing Pastor Cooper’s “Ave Maria,” (with violin obbligato) and Gounod’s “O Redeemer
Divine,” and an attractive programme will include Misses Ivy Allen, Ella Abbott, Messrs Maurice Chenoweth, Roy
Allen, A.R. Richards, A. Torzillo, Master Charlie Hayes (cornetist), the Meistersingers’ Male Quartet and the
Cathedral Choristers.
Sydney Morning Herald October 14, 1911
AMUSEMENTS
ADELPHI THEATRE CONCERT
At the Adelphi Theatre tomorrow night Mr A. O’Brien will conduct the Sydney Professional Band in selections
from “Faust,” “Sampson & Delilah,” “Maritara,” and Fackeltany, Signor Torzillo will assist, and Messrs Griffin,
Purdon, Fellows and Daly will play a trombone quartet.
Sydney Morning Herald March 4, 1912
AMUSEMENTS
MISS AIDA GEORGE’S CONCERT
On Wednesday March 27, in the Town Hall under the direction of Nicholson and Co, Ltd, Miss Aida George, a
soprano from the studio of Signor Stelland will give a farewell concert prior to her departure for Paris for further
study under famous masters. The assisting artists will St Cecelia’s Ladies Choir (conductor Hector O. Flemming),
Signor A. Torzillo, Messrs Charles Laiven, W. du Boulay, W. Warrington Reynolds. The plans (and invitations)
are available at Nicholson’s.
Sydney Morning Herald May 25, 1912
AMUSEMENTS
MADAME CECELIA WALDRON’S CONCERT
An invitation concert will be given in the Town Hall on Thursday June 20, by Madame Cecelia Waldron, to
introduce her soprano pupil Miss Kitty Jones. The assisting artists will be Miss Constance Brandon-Usher, Mr
Bryce Carter, Mr Laurence Phillip, Signor Torzillo, Mr Seafor Heaton, and Mr Arthur Upjohn (monologues).
Invitations at Nicholson’s, where plans will open shortly.
Sydney Morning Herald May 24, 1913
AMUSEMENTS
MR NICHOLAS GEHDE’S MATINEE
Mr Nicholas J. Gedhe will direct a concert at the Town Hall to-morrow afternoon, when an attractive programme
will be contributed to by Misses Elsie B. Peerless and Ivy Allen, A. Torzillo, Messrs Ernest Archer, Harold Hazel,
Walter J. Stent, Master Royden Williams, the Gibson Mandolin Septette, and the Cathedral Chorister Boys.
Sydney Morning Herald June 21, 1913
AMUSEMENTS
MR NICHOLAS GEDHE’S MATINEE
Mr Nicholas J. Gedhe announces a concert at the Town Hall for to-morrow afternoon when Misses Elsie B.
Peerless, Ivy Allen and Thelma Henderson, Signor A. Torzillo, Mr Harold Hazell, Master Royden Williams, and
the Cathedral Chorister Boys will contribute to an attractive programme.
Sydney Morning Herald June 28, 1913
AMUSEMENTS
MR NICHOLAS GEDHE’S MATINEE
Mr Nicholas Gedhe announces a concert at the Town Hall for to-morrow afternoon, when an attractive programme
will be contributed to by Misses Elsie B. Peerless and Ivy Allen, Signor A. Torzillo, Mr Harold Hazell, Masters
Eric Wessel and E. Harrison and the Cathedral Chorister Boys. Several selections will be rendered on the Andelus
piano player.
Sydney Morning Herald July 26, 1913
AMUSEMENTS
GEDHE’S FINAL MATINEE
As Above.
Sydney Morning Herald September 13, 1913
AMUSEMENTS
MR GEDHE’S FINAL MATINEE
Mr Nicholas J. Gedhe announced the final concert of the season at the Town Hall for to-morrow afternoon when
Misses Elsie B. Peerless and Ivy Allen, Signor A. Torzillo, Messrs Ernest Archer, Harold Hazell, Roy Allen, A.R.
Richards and A.E. Benham, Masters Royden, Williams and Eric Wessel, the Cathedral Chorister Boys and the
Meistersingers’ Male Quartet will assist. There will be selections on the Andelus piano player.
Sydney Morning Herald June 13, 1914.
AMUSEMENTS
MR N.J. GEDHE’S MATINEE
To-morrow afternoon Mr Gedhe will direct his usual concert, Miss Elsie B. Peerless will sing the “Polacca” from
“Mignon” and Irish folk song. Mr Fred Smith will sing “But Who May Abide” (“Messiah”) and “Cavatina” from
“Faust.” Master Roy Williams, Mr E. Archer, Miss Mary Allen, and Signor Torzillo will assist.
Sydney Morning Herald August 8. 1914
AMUSEMENTS
MR GEDHE’S MATINEE
Mr Gedhe will direct his usual concert at the Town Hall to-morrow afternoon. Miss Peerless, Mr Fred Smith, Mr
Tom Lamond (tenor), Masters R. Willliams and Huxley, and Signor Torzillo and Miss Ivy Allen will assist.
Sydney Morning Herald August 15, 1914
AMUSEMENTS
MR GOODWIN’S CONCERT
Mr Arthur Goodwin (baritone) will give a concert at St James’s Hall next Friday evening, August 22. Assisting
artists will be Miss Mabel Bachelor, Mr Sid Macdonald, Mr Cyril Monk, Signor Torzillo, and Mr Charles Philip.
The plan is at Palings.
Sydney Morning Herald August 22, 1914
AMUSEMENTS
MR ARTHUR GOODWIN’S CONCERT
This evening Mr Arthur Goodwin will give a concert at St James’s Hall, where he will sing favourite ballad
numbers. Miss Mabel Bachelor, Messrs Sid Macdonald, Cyril Monk, Torzillo and Charles Phillip, will assist. The
plan is at Palings.
Sydney Morning Herald July 24, 1915
AMUSEMENTS
N.J. GEDHE’S MATINEE
Tomorrow afternoon at the Town Hall Mr Gedhe will direct a sacred and operatic programme. Miss Elsie B.
Peerless will sing Ah, Fors lui (Traviata) and the Miserere scene from “Trocatore,” the tenor part sung by Sig.
Martinelli. Miss Doris Williams will recite. Eugene Ossipoff (Russian baritone) will sing the prologue from
“Pagliacci” and the Russian National Anthem. The trio (“Holy Angels”) (Faust) will be sung by Miss Peerless,
Sig. Martinelli, and Eugene Ossipoff. Sig. Torzillo, Master R. Williams, Eric Wessel, A.B. Brown and Mr Arthur
Summons will also assist.
Sydney Morning Herald Sat February 21 1920
AMUSEMENTS
COWEN’S SPRING CANTATA
“ROSE GARDEN”
And Popular Concert Items
The Great Harpist, Signor Torzillo, Ruby Cole’s Students in Costume. Principals: Soprano, Lizzie Chapple,
contralto, Emma Ellen, tenor, Sid Macdonald; baritone, William Hunter Alfred Johnson, Rupert Stevenson, and
Choruses by Large Choir.
Silver Collection at door for Music Fund.
The Argus (Melbourne) Tuesday May 4, 1920
AMUSEMENTS
THE PLAY HOUSE
Commencing
Saturday, May 15
THE GREATEST and THE LATEST
Of
ALL THE DIGGER SHOWS
THE SMART SET DIGGERS
In
A MUSICAL BARRAGE
THE DIGGERS DREAM
Of
LONDON and PARIS
EVERY SOLDIER an ARTIST
EVERY ARTIST a SOLDIER
THE DINKUM AUSSIE DIGGERS
What a formidable array of talent
AINSELL WINSTONE
Violinist, 4th Div Pioneers
ROY CAPPA
Baritone, 30th Batt. 5th Div.
IVOR WEIR
Composer Pianist NZ Rifles Brigade
JACK TREHERNE
‘An Original Anzac’ 1st Div.
GEORGE CASTLES
3rd Div Training
ALBERT TORZILLO
Harpist, 4th Div. Tunnellers
LAWRENCE HARPER
Baritone, 11th Batt 1st Div.
KITCH BUTLER
Rag-time singer, 8th Batt, 5th Fld Art
JOCK THOMPSON
Baritone 42nd Batt, 3rd Div.
ERNEST CROSBY
Comedian 45th Batt, 4th Div
FREDERICK WHITLOW
Entertainer 27th Coy, 4th div
REG. McLAUGHLAN
Dancer, 1st A.L.H., 2nd Div
RALPH SAWYER
Danseuse, 7th Field Ambulance
‘TIKI’ CARPENTER
Danseuse, 18th Batt, 5th div
ROBBIE ROBERTS
Comedienne 8th F.A. 5th Div
CHARLES HOLT
Impersonator, 13th F.A. 4th Div
In 1924 he partnered with the Brilliant Australian tenor George Castles and they had many concerts across the
country including a season at the Tivoli theatre.
The West Australian May 14, 1924
AMUSEMENTS
PRINCESS THEATRE, FREMANTLE
With Musgrove Celebrities Vaudeville
TORZILLO and CASTLES
(Harpist)
(Tenor)
Australia’s Greatest Musical Duo
Western Argus (Kalgoorlie) Tuesday 3 June, 1924
PERSONAL ITEMS
Signor Torzillo and Mr George Castles, who brought an unprecedentedly successful season of five nights to a close
at the Kalgoorlie Town Hall on Saturday, when hundreds of people were unable to obtain admission, took their
departure for Melbourne by the trans-Australian train Sunday. They go to the Victorian Capital to fulfil a month’s
engagement at one of the leading theatres. It is interesting to observe that the signor is a nephew of Louis Becks,
his mother being sister to the celebrated writer of stories of the South Sea Islands. His father and mother were both
harp players so he has inherited from them his extraordinary gift of instrumentation. Signor Torzillo was harpist
for the “French Maid” Company, whose performances were given in Kalgoorlie some 20 years ago at the old Tivoli
Theatre. He was also here two years ago with Miss Amy Castles. Mr George Castles is a brother to that
distinguished song artist, Miss Amy Castles. He himself is of no mean order of merit both as a dramatic and lyrical
tenor. Although he scored a big success here last week he was not heard at his best, for he contracted a bad cold
directly after his arrival.
1929 still giving performances with his harp.
1931 Concerts
1932 at the Irish National Concert on St Patrick’s Day he rendered “The Harp That Once through Tara’s Hall”
1937 At the Sydney Apollo Club’s Conservatorium Concert he played a beautiful rendition of “Breathe, My Harp”
by Sir H.R. Bishop with harp obligatio. He also did radio concerts which were broadcast throughout the radio
network.