Organ Concert

“The first of a series of grand organ concerts was given last evening at Zion Church under the conductorship of Mr. GEORGE F. BRISTOW. The programme comprised selections from BACH, ROSSINI, HAYDN, BEETHOVEN and SUPPE. The ‘Pro Peccatis’ was well sung by Mr. H. W. BECKETT, and the solo ‘With Verdure Clad,’ by Miss HENRIETTA BEEBE, who was in unusually good voice, and who caroled with even more than her usual spirit. Mrs. JENNY KEMPTON sang HODGE’S [sic] plaintive ballad, ‘The Rose Bush,’ with great feeling, and afterward, with Miss BEEBE, gave a vigorous rendering of the ‘Quis Est Homo.” Mr. CHARLES FRITSCH, who was announced to appear, was absent on account of sickness. The concert was decidedly successful.”

“BRISTOW’S GRAND ORGAN CONCERT.—This celebrated musician and favorite organist gave on Wednesday evening,. At Zion church, which, judging from its success, augurs well for the rest. Among the audience were some lof the leading people of this wealthy and fashionable parish. The quality of the audience may be imagined from the fact that, unwilling to indulge in outward demonstrations of applause, a written request was sent to the conductor when an encore was desired. The artists were Miss Henrietta Beebe, soprano, Miss Jenny Kempton, contralto, and Mr. Beckett, basso. Mr. Bristow played three organ pieces—the ‘Pastorale’ of Bach (four movements), overture to ‘Egmont’ and the ever welcome ‘Poet and Peasant’ overture. The organ arrangement of Beethoven’s work brought in all the orchestral effects of the original—a work attainable only by a first class musician. Miss Beebe’s beautiful soprano voice was heard to advantage in ‘With Verdure Clad,’ and Miss Kempton sustained fully the high reputation she has acquired both in America and Italy by singing a little, tender song by Mrs. F. S. Hodges, called ‘The Rose Bush.” Into this song Mrs. Kempton threw a world of expression and feeling, which went right to the heart of every one present. The duet ‘Quis est Homo,’ from Rossini’s ‘Stabat Mater,’ was sung by these artists with an effect that told well for American talent. Mr. Beckett did justice to the ‘Pro Peccatis’ and in a duet with Miss Beebe.”