Jerome Hopkins Concert: 1st

“Now that poor Maretzek has traveled into obscurity, we turn to Mr. Jerome Hopkins as the next brightest example of patience under adversity, perseverance in the face of obstacles, and pluck under every manner of rebuff…The concert promises to be a good one; its object assuredly is most excellent, tending to the cultivation of a correct taste for music in the people at large…and we sincerely hope that Mr. Hopkins may meet with the recognition and favor that his enterprise deserves.”

“A concert in aid of the Orpheon Free Vocal and Choir Boy fund took place last evening under the direction of Mr. Jerome Hopkins. There was a numerous audience, who during the evening gave frequent tokens of their approbation at the manner in which the simple yet pleasing items of the programme were performed. Signor Paolicchi opened with the favorite baritone song from Martha, ‘Chi mi dira,’which he rendered with much effect. Mme. De Lussan sang ‘Love’s Request,’ and displayed considerable power and execution in her subsequent rendition of ‘The Mexican Nightingale.’ A few ancient Scotch songs, given with much spirit and sympathy by Mr. Griswold, were well received, nor did Mr. Prisson [Pirsson] fail to leave a favorable impression of his ability as a violinist by his excellent performance of ‘The Last Rose of Summer,’ which Flotow adroitly smuggled into his opera. A piano solo, entitled ‘The Mermaid’s Rhapsody,’ by Mr. Hopkins, brought the concert to a successful close.”