Baker is leaving (or is being forced to leave) the Keene establishment because of a new Jane English variety show opening May 11, 1863, that intends to stay at the Keene for some time. The musical acts at the variety show consist of a solo singer and a comic violinist, and thus there is no need for a musical director.
Citations
1)
Advertisement:New York Herald, 08 May 1863, 7.
Address: 52 St. Mark’s Place, Eighth Street. “Mr. Thomas Baker, Musical Director of Laura Keene’s theatre, begs to announce that his engagement with the above theatre will terminate in a few days.He will then be happy to negotiate engagements for the summer season, with or without orchestra.”