Article on the New York Philharmonic and its new president

"The Philharmonic Society, the oldest and most influential organization of its kind in the country, has departed from its custom, and elected Prof. DOREMUS, instead of a member of the musical profession, we believe, is to bring into that important position more of practical business ability, and a wider popular influence than are usually to be found among professional musicians. Prof. DOREMUS has signified his acceptance of the post, and has spent no small part of the time devoted to a European tour, from which he has but just returned, in making himself familiar with the operations and plans of similar Societies abroad. He was welcomed back on Tuesday night, at his residence on the Fourth-avenue, by a magnificent serenade--the first ever given by the Philharmonic Society, and one of the finest ever given  anywhere. Over one hundred musicians were present, and, under the lead of Mr. BERGMAN [sic], performed several of their finest and most celebrated pieces. The music was kept up until late in the morning, very few persons being present, as no notice what ever of the serenade had been given even to the Professor himself. In acknowledging the unusual compliment paid him, Prof. DOREMUS spoke somewhat fully of the history and character of the Society, and of its claims on public favor. He said that during his foreign tour he had satisfied himself that there is no city in the world where the public enjoy such opportunities for studying the works of the old masters of harmony as in the city of New-York, mainly in consequence of the efforts of this Society. The musical societies of most value in Paris and other European cities are open only to the select few; but our Philharmonic has thrown its doors open to all. Twenty-five years ago it began of offering to subscribers the privilege of hearing its music;--then it permitted the election of associate members who could attend its rehearsals, and now all can attend them. The highest musical talent of New-York has been devoted for a quarter of a century to raising the standard of musical taste, and this Society has been steadily and constantly improving. It has recently increased its orchestra to one hundred members; it has engaged the Academy of Music for all its rehearsals as well as its concerts,--giving five concerts and five rehearsals for each concert, twenty of the whole number being open to the public. The Professor spoke of the many eminent artists who had been connected with the Society, TIM [sic] SCHARFENBERG, HILL, KYLE, the DODWORTHS, ENSIGN, BRISTOW and others, and pledged the best efforts in his power for the promotion of its interests and for securing the objects of its creation. The occasion was one of very great interest. The Philharmonic starts with renewed energy in its career.”