Complimentary Concert to Pauline Nininger

Prior to Miss Nininger’s departure for Europe.

“At Irving Hall, last night, a group of friendly artists assembled to give a cordial farewell to Miss Nininger, the young vocalist, who is about to leave this country for a few years’ study in Europe. This young lady has a rich mezzo-soprano voice, of a dramatic quality, which promises well for her success in lyric art. She gave especial satisfaction last night in a duet from Verdi’s ‘Nabuc[c]o.’ The singing of Madame Gazzaniga was undoubtedly the most artistic of the evening; but Signor Leoni, Mr. Frank Bartlett, and Miss Agnes Palmer rendered efficient aid. Miss Palmer deserves special mention as possessing a contralto voice of considerable richness and beauty. Miss Adelaide Manzocchi played a fantasia on the ‘Huguenots,’ and was well received. Señor Sarasate, the violinist, was announced, but did not appear, and the order of the programme was seriously interrupted by the tardiness of several of the volunteers.”

“The complimentary concert by which Miss Pauline Nininger benefitted occurred at Irving Hall last evening. It was not so satisfying as it ought to have been. Señor Sarasate did not appear, and Miss Adelaide Manzocchi arrived at a late stage of the proceedings. The most interesting incidents of the performance were Miss Agnes Palmer’s recital of ‘Una voce poco fa;’ a duo from Paccini’s ‘Saffo,’ by Misses Nininger and Palmer, whose voice, combined with an effect harmonious, in no uncommon degree, and a French song, ‘La Lune de Miel,’ recited with consummate skill and rare variety of expression of Mme. Marietta Gazzaniga. Miss Manzocchi’s piano-playing is distinguished by a command of technique very exceptional in one so young. The little lady contributed to the entertainment two fantasias on themes from ‘Lucia’ and ‘Gli Ugonotti.’ The remaining artists were Mr. Bartlett, and Signori Albites and Leoni. As Mr. Santley sang ‘Il balen,’ it is quite natural that every baritone now before the public should essay that well-known production, and quite certain that each one will fail in the effort to efface the recollection of Mr. Santley. Mr. Bartlett was very felicitous in setting the example. Signor Leoni’s merits are known already to the habitual reader. His solos, yesterday, were ‘Comme à vingt ans,’ a chansonette for which his voice and style are rather robust, and the serenade from ‘Il Trovatore.’ In the ‘Rigoletto’ quartet, with which the concert terminated, Signor Leoni introduced tears into the amorous assurances of the Duke to Maddalena. The circumstances were not of a kind to provoke an evidence of deep emotion, if even the words of the score prompted such a sentiment.”

“This favorite pupil of Signor Albites had a complimentary concert at Irving Hall on Tuesday night, at which she sang ‘Bel Raggio,’ from Rossini’s ‘Semiramide,’ and in a couple of duets and the quartet from ‘Rigoletto.’ She was assisted by [see above]. Miss Nininger proposes starting shortly for Italy, where she will complete her musical education under the best masters. She has given many evidences this season of a high order of talent, which, with careful training, will likely place her among the foremost of American artists.”