Concert in Aid of the Fund for the Wounded of the French Armies

“On Saturday evening, at Lyric Hall, a concert was given under the direction of Professor E. Millet, by artists and amateurs in aid of the fund for the French victims of the war. The hall was well filled by a very intelligent class of our citizens, most of whom were young and fashionable. The twelve vocal pieces of the programme were selected with taste and judgment, and were generally so well executed as to elicit great applause. The object of the concert was so humane and holy as to quicken into fresh life the musical powers of the artists.

“Foremost among all we must rank Signora Maria Gellie, who has lately returned from Italy, where she has profitably undergone some three years of hard study under the best masters. To a naturally fine vocal organ she has now added that cultivation so indispensable to the best-endowed children of song. The result of this careful training has been to develop out of a deep contralto voice a soprano of great range and sweetness, and destined to become very popular. We may now [fairly add?] Signora Gellie to the pleiades of American ladies who have risen to the artistic point in vocalization.

“On Saturday evening she was particularly successful in the Miserere from ‘Trovatore’ and an Ave verum. In the former she was interrupted by a hearty burst of well-merited applause as complimentary to her as to the nice discrimination of the audience.

“We must place next on the roll of merit Miss Nelia Millet, a charming young pianist of some sixteen summers. She was particularly happy in the execution of Gottschalk’s ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘Last Hope.’ Difficult as they are, she played both of these pieces with exquisite taste and finish, showing a keen sensibility to the range of the instrument and the nature and quality of the music. To her artistic gifts and superior training she adds a modesty as rare as it is beautiful in persons of her age.

“In the duet from ‘Elisir d’Amore’ Miss V. Duchochois gave evidence of careful study and much vocal facility. She is young, pretty and musically accomplished. Mrs. Dragon lent her valuable aid, and sang with great applause ‘L’agonie d’une mère,’ a composition of Mr. Millet for the occasion. Mr. L. Van Zandt and Mr. Gilbert contributed to the success of the concert. We hope to hear at no distant day Signora Gellie in opera, in which her vocal ability will have a better outlet, and her acting capacity be more effectively allied to her vocalization.”

“…Mlle. N. Millet, pianist, who played with especial skill and taste Gottschalk’s transcription of motives from ‘Jerusalem,’ and Signora M. Gellie, whose voice—a high soprano—has profited by as complete a course of training as an artist could desire.”