Young Artists’ Association: Lucrezia Borgia

“There will be a small but adequate orchestra and chorus. The enterprise is a novel one, and we should be glad to see it succedd.  We have abundance of native talent, but it is very difficult to find an opening for it. A semi-amateur affair like the present may in time frow to the proportions of a veritable Academy.”

“A company of ladies and gentlemen have banded themselves together under the name of ‘The Young Artists’ Association,’ for the purpose, we believe, of giving facilities to young persons ambitions of lyric honors, and for other praiseworthy objects. . . . The chorus and orchestra are said to be respectively ‘competent’ and ‘fine.’”

“A Society has been formed under the title of ‘The Young Artists’ Association,’ for the purpose of giving the public an opportunity to judge of the merits of certain artists who are unable to procure engagements on the regular limited staffs of the recognized opera managers. They announce a season of ten nights of Italian Opera, with the best accessories of mise en scene, orchestra, chorus, etc., possible under the circumstances. ‘Lucrezia Borgia’ was rather an ambitious choice for the first attempt. The principal roles were sustained by Miss Lizzie Merrifield, Lucrezia, Miss Jenny Landsman, Maffio Orsini; Sig. Severini, Gennaro; and Sig. Randolfi, Duke Alfonso. The two young ladies were announced as debutantes. The character of Lucrezia is one that makes more demands on a prima donna than even a great artist can successfully fulfill. Considering the circumstances, the lady acquitted herself favorably. A less exigeant part will no doubt display her talents to greater advantage. Miss Landsman, in addition to a fresh voice of fine quality, has a very prepossessing stage appearance, and, with study and the repession of that exuberance so natural to beginners, can become a sterling artist.  Signor Severini showed that he is as much at home on the stage as in the concert-room, where he is already a favorite. The best rendition was undoubtedly that of Signor Randolfi.  His fine voice was never heard to better advantage, and he was not wanting in the more dramatic requirements of the role, while his stage presence was dignified and easy. The chorus and orchestra, under the able direction of Carl Anschutz, were very creditable and not too obtrusive.”

“It is undoubtedly a good idea to furnish the musical community with an establishment wherein they may hear the young and rising talent of the day, and so watch and encourage its development. This Mr. Trenor has attempted to accomplish at his very bright and pleasant hall in the Sixth-avenue. The first season was inaugurated on Friday evening, when ‘Lucrezia Borgia’ was performed. It may be questioned if this work comes properly within the range of parlor opera, and it may be questioned, even if it did so, whether in the absence of appropriate scenery, etc., the public is prepared to pay a dollar and a half for the priviledge of hearing it. The cast, let us hasten to say, was good, and better in every way than could have been expected at an establishment whose presentations were modest in everything except the selection of the opening work. Miss Merrifield was the Lucrezia; Miss Landsman the Orsini, Signor Severini the Genarro [sic], and Signor Randolfi the Duke. The gentlemen are artists already well know to the public. Miss Merrifield overtaxed herself in the heavy role which she selected for her début, and Miss Landsman has much to learn. Both ladies, however possess charming voices, and need only a few opportunities like the present to learn how to use them advantageously. The orchestra was under the direction of Mr. Carl Anschutz, and was good. The dresses also were excellent and brilliant. There was a fair, but not crowded attendance.”