Irving Hall

“…The first of a series of six concerts was last night given by the Alleghanians at Irving Hall. This company, whose popularity has been so long continued, is so well known that we need only say of their performances that they were up to the established standard of the Alleghanians.”

“That clever and entertaining company of vocalists and bell-ringers, whose concerts are among the pleasant recollections of long ago—reappeared at Irving Hall last evening; their old-fashioned ballads and unique instrumental performances are quite attractive, and are calculated to renew the lively feelings which were awakened in earlier entertainments.”

“Business is good, considering the warm weather.  “The bell ringing was the great feature of the entertainment, although Mr. Galloway was enthusiastically applauded for his comic singing and obliged to repeat each one of his songs.  As a buffo singer Mr. Galloway is one of the best we have heard for a long time, and he richly deserves all his popularity.  The company consists of five performers, viz: J. M. Boulard, manager and basso; Carrie Hiffert, contralto; G. Galloway, buffo; Amy Jenner, soprano, and A. H. Fernald, tenor.  The artists take their stand behind a table on which is a row of bells numbering over fifty, and from them is produced with dexterity and artistic precision charming quartets and marches.  The ladies have the hardest task imposed on them, as they execute the airs between them, while the gentlemen play the accompaniments.  The performance is very striking, and it is a triumph no less of mechanical skill than of artistic conception.  The music is produced not by striking but by ringing.  The music produced is not only melodious, but pure, tender, sympathetic and expressive.  It matters not what description of composition they perform, whether march, waltz, or Irish and Scotch melodies, they execute them all with equal ease, fluency and grace.  Taken altogether the entertainment is not only first class but one of the most pleasing we have attended for a long time.”

“The Alleghanians and Swiss Bell Ringers have brought their successful tour of 1866-7 to a conclusion with a good nest egg for each to deposit in the ‘old stocking,’ and for a couple of months or so will enjoy their otium cum dig.”