Musical Entertainment; Benefit for the Women’s Hospital

“One of the most interesting and artistic entertainments of the kind given in this city during the present season took place last evening at Robinson’s Hall, in Sixteenth street, being the second and last under the direction of Signor Albites for the above worthy object. Notwithstanding the inclement weather the beautiful bijou theatre was crowded to its utmost capacity, and full evening dress seemed to be de rigueur. The concert came first and introduced the following artists [see above]. Some of these do not lay claim to the title, ‘artist,’ being non-professionals, but, certainly, as far as ability is concerned, they deserve the honor. A small, but well selected orchestra, played a couple of works at the commencement of each part of the concert. The Saturday Night Glee Club, consisting of about thirty-five gentlemen, made their maiden effort in public in Hatton’s ‘Good Night’ and Mendelssohn’s ‘Rhine Wine.’ Considering that this club was only organized in January last, and has had but little time for practice, the finish, spirit, correctness and expression which they displayed were very encouraging signs of their ability and earnestness. Two duets on the programme deserve special mention. One was the lovely ‘Notturno e Barcarola,’ by Vilanova, of which we have spoken before, and which was capitally rendered by Mrs. Yznaga and Mr. Douglas. The other was the well-known duet between Azucena and Manrico, in the second act of ‘Il Trovatore,’ sung by Mme. Gazzaniga and Mr. Douglas. It has rarely been as well sung at the Academy. Mme. Gazzaniga’s broad, dramatic style of singing is well known to the New York public; and Mr. Douglas has a tenor voice of rare sympathetic quality, unusual smoothness and evenness in all its registers, remarkable flexibility and high cultivation. The Manricos of the operatic boards here are almost innumerable, but we doubt very much if any of them could have invested the ‘Mal reggendo’ with such expression and sweetness as did Mr. Douglas last evening. The same gentleman sang a romance from ‘Mignon,’ the same as he selected on Saturday evening at Vilanova’s concert. Of Mrs. Yznaga’s voice we gave our impressions on the occasion referred to. Nature and art have united in making her an eminently desirable acquisition to the concert hall. Miss Ridgway, one of the most successful of Signor Albites’ pupils, sang the sparkling ‘Ombra leggiera’ from ‘Dinorah,’ displaying her extraordinary facility of vocalization and limpidity of tone, extraordinary in one so young. The last act of ‘La Favorita’ was rendered by Miss C. Sims, a promising pupil of Mme. Gazzaniga, Mr. Leon Berthelot and Señor Fossati. In a financial point of view, these two entertainments given by Signor Albites have been very successful and have rendered material assistance to the worthy institution for whose benefit they were designed.”

“...At Robinson Hall, for instance, there was sung on Thursday night an act of Donizetti’s ‘Favorita,’ in which the soprano, Miss C. Sims, showed a correct and delicate taste and displayed a most melodious voice, while the tenor, Mr Leon Berthelot, sang with real spirit and fire, and proved that true lyric ability of a high order is not confined to those who sing upon the recognized stage.”

“We are glad to be able to say that the two concerts given for the Woman’s hospital at the hall in Sixteenth-street this week, were both highly successful. The attendance on Tuesday and Thursday was large, and the entertainments given went off with much spirit and acceptance. Their chief features were an adaptation of Scribe’s piece, known to our stage as ‘The Ladies’ Battle,’ and a part of the opera of ‘La Favorita.’ On the second night a concert was substituted for the first-named selection, the fragment of Donizetti’s work being repeated on both. This repetition was well-justified by the creditable recital of Leonora afforded by Miss Carrie Sims, a young amateur whose musical talent is worthy of her personal charms. In the concert of Thursday, Mrs. Yznaga was heard to much advantage, and Mme. Gazzaniga likewise rendered efficient service. It must be highly gratifying to all the benevolent ladies who aided in these benefits that their efforts should have been crowned by such an unequivocal prosperity.”