Grau Italian Opera: Un ballo in maschera

     "Mr. Grau's season of Italian opera came to an end on Saturday, when there was a capital attendance at the Academy to enjoy an excellent morning performance of 'Un Ballo in Maschera.' We need scarcely remind our readers that the impresario has more than fulfilled his promises to the public. Notwithstanding the unfavorable weather which has, of course, materially interfered with the prosperity of the enterprise, Mr. Grau has given nineteen opera nights and three matinées, playing during that time no fewer than ten operas, namely: 'La Traviata,' 'Il Trovatore,' 'Lucrezia Borgia,' 'La Favorita,' 'Un Ballo in Maschera,' 'Ernani,' and (tonight) 'I Puritani.' When it is remembered that the management was in a way thrust upon Mr. Grau, and that he had at a moment's notice to form a company from material that had been wrecked on our shore by Mr. Ullman, it will, we think, be conceded that this is doing pretty well."

The benefit “went off with great eclat. … An act of Traviata was also announced, but late in the evening the audience were [sic] informed that Mme. Guerrabella had met with an accident, and would be unable to appear. The evening’s entertainment closed with a national anthem . . . composed by Mr. Charles Hodges, but did not meet with the success that gentleman anticipated.  To a large majority it seemed very stupid.”