Includes program. “Grand orchestra of fifty performers.”

“The fifth of Eben’s popular Summer Night Concerts was given last evening at the American Institute Hall, at Third ave. and Sixty-third st. The number of persons in attendance has steadily increased since the opening night, and the applause which greeted the performance of the various selections by Mr. Eben and his orchestra of 50 musicians, showed that the audience was an appreciative one. The programme last evening comprised selections from [see above]. The large hall is neatly fitted up, and is ornamented with flowers, ever greens, and flags of various lands.”

“The series of popular concerts at the American Institute Hall, on Third avenue, between Sixty-third and Sixty-fourth streets, are attracting attention. Mr. Eben has under his baton an orchestra of fifty performers, and his programmes are so constructed as to give prominence to the popular music of the day. The selections offered for this week are taken from Meyerbeer, Verdi, Mendelssohn, Nicolai, Offenbach, Suppe, Strauss, Flotow and other recognized composers. The low rates of admission to these concerts place them within the reach of everybody.” 

“The huge hall which the American Institute has taken under its special direction, near the Third Avenue depot, was opened to the public this week for a season of Summer concerts. Mr. Felix J. Eben, a conductor of note in this city, has organized an orchestra of fifty performers, and last evening these musicians interpreted a very choice programme, somewhat lighter in calibre, undoubtedly than the classic outpouring of Thomas on the west side, but nevertheless, interesting and, in general, rendered with a commendable degree of spirit and effect. The most ardent devotee of the music of the future could not object to the ‘Rienzi’ march, and the admirers of the French school were solaced by an overture, ‘Roi d’Yvetot,’ by Adolphe Adam. The habitués of the Academy wept over the finale to the second act of ‘Traviata,’ or smiled at the shadow dance of ‘Dinorah.’ Steinway Hall concert goers found relief in Abt’s ‘Schlaf wohl,’ or were reminded of the panjandrum of the ‘Hub’ by ‘The Artist’s Life Waltz.’ Then came sparkling little extracts from the salon works of Neumann, Parioro, Tit’l and a well-constructed fantasia on national airs by Koppitz, of Boston. The immortal ‘Tell’ overture formed a prominent feature on the programme. The orchestra played well, and with sufficient evidence of careful rehearsal to ensure artistic success. There is no reason why the east side should not enjoy and support good music during the dog days as well as the more aristocratic Seventh avenue, where fashion is in the ascendant. Of course the band over which Mr. Eben waves his wand cannot for a moment be compared with the disciplined veterans of Thomas, but they show spirit and elan in their interpretations which give satisfaction to the numerous pilgrims from the Third and Second avenue cars. At all events there is not the slightest danger of a controversy arising between smokers and anti-smokers at the Rink, and the sturdy Teuton and his liebe frau sit down under the metaphysical figtree of the huge girders of the American Institute Hall in perfect contentment, drinking in Wagner, Strauss, Rudesheimer, Meyerbeer and lager beer and watching the cloud of smoke that cigar and meerschaum send in spirals to the lofty roof. East and west on Manhattan island are now provided for during the heated term in music and sundries.”