Venue(s):
Academy of Music
Manager / Director:
Maurice Strakosch
Max Strakosch
Conductor(s):
Max Maretzek
Price: $2; $3 and 4, reserved seat; $1 family circle; $.50 extra, reserved seat; $5 box or front row of balcony
Event Type:
Opera
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
21 October 2023
Pecuniary benefits to be gained by manager Strakosch; offer of fifty free admissions; exhibit of the illustrious Russian; subscription tickets not to be honored, although it is a regular subscription night.
Grand gala opera night; in honor of the visit of His Imperial Highness, the Duke Alexis.
“Last night will be long remembered by all who were present at the Academy. The appearance of the house was extremely magnificent. Mr. Strakosch was resolved that there should be no mistake this time about ‘full dress,’ and an intimation that nothing less was expected, or, constructively, would be allowed, was therefore printed on the tickets of admission. The ladies of fashionable society turned out in splendid force, and the toilettes were such as fairly did honor to the Metropolis. We need scarcely state that the presence of the Grand Duke Alexis was the chief incentive for this exceptional display, or that that young nobleman, who, with his suite, occupied a large proscenium box, handsomely decorated with Russian and American flags, on the grand tier, was the centre of admiring attraction. This should be qualified by the remark that it was only thus while Mlle. Nilsson was not on the stage; for, when she was the charming cantatrice fairly absorbed the admiration of the house.
Description of the fashionable assemblage in attendance; Duke’s arrival with accompanying party. “So much has been said in praise of Mlle. Nilsson in her unrivalled role of Marguerite that it is almost superfluous to add a word of commendation. The great cantatrice was in splendid voice, and fairly enraptured the audience by the grand rendition of the arias and concerted pieces which fell to her part. Capoul and Jamet, as Faust and Mephisto respectiverly, acquitted themselves with distinction, and Miss Cary, as Siebel, added to the very favorable impression she has already made. Indeed, the entire opera passed off with unusual smoothness. That its performance was gratifying to the ducal party was evident from the frequent and enthusiastic plaudits that issued from the box. The Duke Alexis seemed deeply interested in the opera from the rising of the curtain until it fell for the last time. The programmes furnished to the Duke and suite were printed on white satin. At the termination of the opera Mlle. Nilsson was called for, and when she finally did appear the Duke applauded heartily, and in acknowledgment the great prima donna bowed toward the proscenium box he occupied. Altogether ‘Faust’ gave decided satisfaction to the entire assemblage. The Duke and suite left by the side entrance to the Academy immediately after the last act and proceeded to the Clarendon Hotel.”