Complimentary Benefit to Dora Steele

“Mrs. Dora Steele had a complimentary benefit at Robinson’s Hall last evening. The auditorium was nearly filled by her friends, among whom were many well known members of New York Society. This lady has a very comely face and form, and a strong voice of which she is not yet altogether mistress. She is not yet an artist, but she may be one if she will. Properly directed study and persevering labor, long enough continued, would probably make of her an exceptionally fine singer. She is not yet sufficiently accomplished as a vocalist to offer herself as a candidate for popular favor to an audience not disposed to be pleased and not determined beforehand to judge favorably everything which she may do. Indiscreet applause, however kindly meant, may do her a serious injury. She was assisted in the entertainment by a small orchestra, also by [see above].”

“An elegant audience assembled at Robinson Hall last night on the occasion of the complimentary concert to Mrs. Dora Steele. The lady sang an aria from ‘Trovatore’ and Wallace’s ‘Harp in the Air,’ giving evidence of excellent musical qualifications, which only need further study to bloom into artistic excellence. Her voice is powerful and telling, with a touch of dramatic feeling not always noticeable in debutantes.

Mr. Fritsch, one of the very best tenors in the city, sang Wallace’s ‘Star of Love’ and the aria from Mignon, with which Capoul has familiarized us; and he gave them both with such appropriate spirit and taste as to suggest that his proper place would be the lyric stage. Mr. Remmertz was also among the attractions of the evening, singing in his usual style. Several amateurs lent their aid, the entertainment coinciding with a pleasant comedietta.”