Concert in Aid of the Young Ladies’ Christian Association

“A brilliant audience, and probably the largest of the season, filled the Academy of Music last night on the occasion of a concert in aid of the building fund of the Young Ladies’ Christian Association of New-York. The price of seats and boxes were fixed at an unusually low figure, yet the proceeds of the concert, after the payment of all expenses of every sort, amounted to nearly or quite $7,000. Among the artists taking part in the entertainment were [see above]. The audience was as enthusiastic as it was charitable, and the profusion of flowers with which all the artists, and particularly Mme. Nilsson and Miss Phillipps, were loaded was something only equaled by the most liberal offerings of a new operatic manager on the first appearance of his company.”

Review: New-York Times, 18 March 1874, 4.

“The concert given at the Academy of Music last evening was attended by an overflowing audience. Its proceeds accrued to the building fund of the Young Ladies’ Christian Association and must have almost reached $8,000. The entertainment was very interesting, although most of the performances were familiar. Mme. Nilsson’s recital of ‘Voi che sapete’ was enthusiastically applauded, and so was the ‘Ave Maria,’ to which M. Wieniawski, as some days ago, supplied the prelude and accompaniment. Mme. Nilsson’s highly-expressive and nuancé style in the duet from Thomas’ ‘Hamlet,’ in which, be it noted, she had the co-operation of M. Maurel, pleased us most, recalling, as it did, her most poetic and vitalizing creation. M. Maurel contributed the florid aria from ‘Le Siège de Corinthe’ and ‘Les Rameaux,’ two numbers we shall not soon hear interpreted with like beauty of tone maestria of delivery. M. Capoul rendered Beethoven’s ‘Adelaide,’ and was especially happy in his romance from ‘Mignon,’ which he sings charmingly. M. Wieniawski played Rubinstein’s ‘Adagio’ and his own ‘Tarantelle,’ Miss Adelaide Phillips sang ‘Una voce poco fa,’ and Mr. Richard Hoffman executed with considerable elegance of phrasing and a very precise yet dainty touch the andante and and finale of Mendelssohn’s G minor concerto. The band was under Mr. Behrens. The encores, we have to add, were countless, and the tributes of flowers astonishingly profuse, even for New-York.”

Review: New York Post, 18 March 1874, 2.

“The great musical event of the season, as far as the brilliancy and size of an audience is concerned, was the magnificent charity concert given last night at the Academy of Music. Not only was the Academy of Music filled to overflowing, but the entire audience was in full evening dress, and the appearance of the house was, consequently, even more brilliant than on a first-class opera night, when the boxes and balcony seats alone were resplendent in the gay plumage which fashion dictates.

The artists of last night included [see above]. All were in excellent condition, and each individual was welcomed as a recognized favorite. Encores were the rule and not the exception of the evening, while the display of floral tributes was without parallel in our musical annals. Not merely bouquets, but houses, ships, lyres and other designs made out of rare and fragrant flowers were plentifully bestowed upon the delighted artists. The programme was deftly devised so as to please without fatiguing the ear. Nicolai, Rossini, Rubinstein, Wieniawski, Mozart, Beethoven, Thomas, Ghys, Strauss, Mendelssohn, Gounod, Faure, Verdi and Meyerbeer were the composers represented, and their number was increased by the frequent encores. The ‘Ave Maria’ of Gounod, sung by Nilsson, with the violin obligato by Wieniawski and a piano-forte and orchestral accompaniment, was one of the features of the evening. Richard Hoffman played with exquisite taste and delicacy. Miss Phillips received the welcome and applause due to an old favorite. None of the artists could complain of coldness or neglect. Mr. Behrens conducted this concert, which must have netted a handsome sum for the generous cause in which it was given.”

Review: New York Herald, 18 March 1874, 3.

The magic of the name of Christine Nilsson was felt last evening at the Academy of Music at the concert given in aid of the building fund of the Young Ladies’ Christian Association of New York. The house was absolutely filled from parquet to dome, and fashion has seldom put on a more brilliant appearance. The following artists appeared [see above].

The programme was of the most attractive kind, comprising selections from the best composers. The frequent recalls prolonged the concert until nearly midnight. An orchestra under the able direction of Mr. Behrens assisted in the good work.”