Article on Aspiring Debutantes

“There is, or ought to be, always an extraordinary degree of interest attached to the apparition of a young lady who designs to make the lyrical stage a profession, because to all the attributes of the successful actress, must be added that very rare quality—a fine, expressive, malleable, cultivated voice. Of these interesting phenomena we have recently had two; one on Saturday evening, and the other on Monday evening, at the Irving-Hall. The first of these was a fine-looking young French lady, rejoicing under the lustrous name of Stella Bonheur, which done into English means Star of Joy; and which is no misnomer for one so full of youth and cheerfulness. This aspirant for concerts and the opera as well, has been we learn a pupil only for six months, of the well-known Mr. Maeder. In that time she has certainly done wonders, but not enough quite to place her before the public. We think with proper additional study, with such a full soprano voice as she is gifted with, she will take rank as an opera artist.

The second debutante is a young lady of this city, Miss Lucy Simons, aged eighteen, and a pupil of several years standing of Signor Muzio. She exhibits rare intelligence, much cultivation and has a voice of excellent extent and quality, including the uppermost notes of the ultra regions. She has been carefully taught by her noted professor, and has rewarded his care. She was much applauded—it was at Mr. Gottschalk’s crowded and brilliant concert. Miss Simons intends to go on the stage, which is a judicious resolve; for, we think, she has the facial mobility due the profession.—At that concert of Mr. Gottschalk, there was the usual piano bravuraism, in which Mr. Sanderson assisted—so it was quite an American affair. Mr. Eben, on the Flute; Mr. Thomas, on the Violin; and Mr. Castle, vocalist, were also among the attractions in the bill.”