Annual Concert of Mary Gellie Fox

“Mrs. Mary Gellie Fox, a lady who holds a high position among the resident vocalists, gave her annual concert at Irving Hall last night, before a fashionable and elegant audience. The lady was in excellent voice, and sang most acceptably a brilliant aria from Donizetti’s beautiful though but little-known opera ‘Gemma di Vergy;’ a ballad by Millet—a tender and charming work, most gracefully interpreted—and the soprano part in various duets, trios and quartets. Mrs. Fox has a rich, full mezzo-soprano voice, and should be more frequently heard in the concert room. Having received a musical training from the best masters of Milan, she has acquired the true Italian style, and, we are convinced, would make a success on the lyric stage. She was cordially received last night and liberally applauded.

A contralto, Signora Azzema Geri [Cori], who had not hitherto been heard in public in New York, sang a brilliant aria from the ‘Romeo and Juliet’ of Bellini, winning instant favor by her powerful, dramatic style, and by the sonorous depth of her lower notes. In a duet of Mercadante’s and in the great quartet from ‘Rigoletto’ this lady also did excellent service. Her debut was altogether decidedly successful.

Signor Fillippi, the tenor, has a powerful, ringing voice, and sings well. His mannerisms are those of the stage rather than of the concert room; but he is an artist who ought to make for himself a very wide reputation. Of Mr. Remmertz’s manly style and rich vocal gifts our concert-goers have had ample proof. His part of the programme last night gave entire satisfaction. Mr. Sauret (a brother of the violinist), played on a Steinway piano extracts from Mendelssohn and Rubinstein with excellent effect. The accompanists were Mr. Millet and Mr. Dachauer; and the concert, altogether, was as pleasing and enjoyable as any of its class given this season. Indeed, New York possesses in its resident talent a degree of musical ability which is little suspected by those not in the musical profession. We have in this city ample material not only for concerts innumerable, but for one or more efficient and capable opera troupes, were it possible for our public to be satisfied with names which have not yet received the sanction of London or Paris.”