Bateman Inaugural Concert: 6th

Includes programme and performers.

Includes programme.

“The Bateman Concert last evening was a fine artistic success, although the musical importance of these concerts is by no means fully appreciated by the public. As a company we have had no such artistic combination for many years. Parepa alone by the magical beauty of her voice, and the spell of her perfect mastery of every vocal resource and refinement, should alone be sufficient attraction to crowd Steinway’s Hall whenever she appears. But when we consider the other attractions, Brignoli, who is to-day a greater favorite with our public than ever, Mr. S. B. Mills, a pianist in the first class, Signor Ferranti, Signor Fortuna, Carl Rosa, Mr. J. L. Hatton, and a large orchestra directed by Mr. Theo. Thomas, we feel surprised that even the vast proportions of the new Hall should be able to accommodate those desirous to listen to these first-class admirable concerts.”

“The announcement of the closing of the season of the Bateman concerts on Saturday had some effect, perhaps, in increasing last night’s audience.  The ground floor and the first balcony of the hall were crowded, and there were very few vacant seats. The dashing overture to Zampa was played by Mr. Thomas’ orchestra with brilliancy and élan. In Beethoven’s Adelaide, Signor Brignoli’s flute-like tenor was heard to advantage, and Madame Parepa surpassed her previous efforts in her beautiful rendering of the air Und ob die Wolke from the Freischutz. The other artists were also very successful.”

“The news that M. Bateman was going to end his season this week has redoubled the public’s eagerness. Yesterday and the day before, M. Steinway’s hall was packed. The day before yesterday, M. Brignoli sang a piece from Beethoven’s Adelaide like a god, and Mlle Parepa sang the aria from the Freischutz like the muse of music herself. The splendid overture to Zampa was splendidly executed by M. Thomas’s orchestra.”