Thomas Popular Garden Concert

“By far the most pleasant and one of the most steadily frequented places of resort in the city is the Central Park Garden, which was filled last evening, in spite of the showery weather. Those who attended were rewarded by the enjoyment of one of the best concerts of the season. Four pieces were played by the two orchestras conjointly, and given with superb effect—a ‘Grand Fantasia’ on airs from ‘Ernani,’ the magnificent overture to ‘L’Etoile du Nord,’ the prayer in ‘Moses in Egypt,’ and the grand march and chorus from Tannhauser. The last-named is a special favorite with the audiences at the Garden, and deservedly so from the impressiveness and power with which it is rendered under Mr. Thomas’s direction. Gounod’s beautiful ‘Serenade,’ and her favorite, was also given, as usual, with exquisite grace and delicacy. 

The concerts have been so constantly and liberally patronized that they will be continued later than was expected at the opening of the season. They afford us the only consolation we have for the absence of grand opera, and as long as we can hear the best music, old and new, so perfectly performed, we can wait the more patiently for the arrival of Mr. Mapleson’s company.”