Gettysburg Asylum for Invalid Soldiers Benefit Concert

“Gettysburg Asylum Fund Concert.—Last evening a concert in aid of the Gettysburg Asylum for invalid soldiers took place at Irving Hall. Setting aside the attractive features of the programme, the object of the concert itself was quite sufficient to elicit a generous response, and long before the hour announced for the ‘opening march’ the spacious building was densely crowded in every part. Indeed seldom has Irving Hall presented such an appearance, for shortly after eight o’clock standing room was an impossibility—a fact which speaks volumes for the Gettysburg Asylum fund. Among other things Miss Brainerd sang a few appropriate songs which evoked hearty encores, with which, in every instance, she considerately complied, and the well filled orchestra was quite au fait in the rendering of a grand national medley, which gained a good round of deserved applause. At the conclusion of the first portion of the programme Major James Haggarty came forward and delivered a lengthened address on behalf of the object of the proposed asylum for the Gettysburg soldiers. [details of the Gettysburg soldiers in the war] Major Haggerty retired amid loud applause, and the second portion of the programme was then proceeded with. The orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Theodore Thomas, played some pleasing selections from Rossini, Strauss, and Verdi. ‘L’éclair’ was charmingly rendered by Miss Brainerd, and a determined encore had the effect of evoking the humorous ‘Barney O’Rea,’ which was greeted with loud tokens of approbation. The concert was subsequently brought to a close by a grand selection from ‘Il Trovatore,’ comprising the most popular airs in that favorite opera. Altogether the worthy undertaking was a decided success, whether in reference to the performances of the artists or in point of attendance, the latter having by far exceeded the most sanguine expectations of its generous promoters.”