Alexander Turnbull Library collection.
William Densem 1858 - 1933
According to the 1905 Cyclopedia of New Zealand (Otago and Southland Provincial Districts) Music Teachers list William Densem was born in Brixham, Devonshire, England being educated there as well as in Barcelona, Spain. It states, ‘he is descended from a talented musical family, and his mother was the leading soprano in the choir of the Rev. Samuel Lyle, composer of the well-known hymn “Abide with me”. Densem arrived in New Zealand in 1876, and initially worked in a commercial environment. In 1892 Densem organised a company known as the Densem, Doyle Operatic Company and with this company made a tour through India, Java and the Straits Settlement. The company was later dissolved. Later on, Densem joined an English tenor called Mr Charles Saunders and with him formed the Saunders, D’Ensem Opera Company. Following this, he was part of another company before becoming stage manager and baritone vocalist for another singer. Later, in 1897 he went to England where he appeared in variety and pantomime shows. Returning to New Zealand in 1902 he began teaching singing and elocution in Dunedin’.
His father was a Master mariner.
Densem later moved to Christchurch where he continued working as a singing and elocution teacher. One of his memorable roles was Gaspard in “Les Cloches de Corneville”.
Fergusson and Mitchell (Firm). Princess Theatre Dunedin. Commencing Monday 13th February 1888 and following nights, Grand production of Planquette's masterpiece, "Les cloches de Corneville; or, The chimes of Normandy" by the Pinafore Opera Company. Fergusson & Mitchell lith [1888]. [Theatre programmes for opera performances in New Zealand. 1880s].. Ref: Eph-B-OPERA-1888-01. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22655700
There is an article in the New Zealand times on the 26th July 1923 concerning Mr William Densem. It states that he is a ‘well-known and successful teacher of elocution and singing in Christchurch’. He had decided to move to Wellington on account of his health. In Christchurch he produced “The Mikado”, in which he performed the role of Ko Ko.
At the end of his life, he was affected by blindness. William Densem died in Wellington on the 25th January 1933. At the time of his death, his son Rupert Densem was living in Christchurch and his daughter was living in Wellington. He is buried in Karori Cemetery, Wellington.
From The Star, 26th January 1933
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