Philharmonic Society of New-York Public Rehearsal: 1st

“Owing to the Philharmonic Rehearsal, there can be no operatic matinee on Saturday.”

Brief item; gives program.  “The rates of subscription have been largely increased recently; but nevertheless the series of concerts and rehearsals promise to be unusually brilliant.”

A good many people labor under the impression that the Philharmonic Society has raised the rates of its subscription this year, and indeed we have seen this error distinctly affirmed in two prominent daily journals. It was last year that the rates were increased to eight dollars—and this in the face of absolute prosperity. The immediate effect was the withdrawal of four hundred members, disgusted partly at the avarice of the concern, but mainly at its old fogy management. It has not been found judicious to reduce the rates of membership this season, but the Board of Management has awakened to the fact that something must be done by the society to prevent what little vitality remains from oozing out. They have engaged Mr. Bergmann as conductor for the entire season, paying him a liberal honorarium for his services, and in the five concerts under this gentleman’s direction, will introduce no fewer than five orchestral novelties. Messrs. Richard Hoffmann, S.B. Mills, and William Mason, have been secured as piano soloists, and the directors promise to present vocalists of equal rank as the time arrives. There will be no difficulty in the matter now that they have arrived at the very obvious conclution [sic] that there is neither dignity nor policy in sponging on the profession for solo aid. All kinds of talent can be secured by paying for it, and the Philharmonic Society should pay best to get best. At all events, we have confidence in Mr. Bergmann. The existence of the society depends on him. He is a director as well as conductor, and in his dual capacity should possess power to follow pretty much his own judgment. The first rehearsal took place on Saturday, at the Academy of Music. The attendance was exceedingly small—as it is apt to be at the commencement of the season.”