1882, London

1882, London

Identifier
S.1685-2014
Acquisition
Acquired with the support of the Friends of the V&A
Collection
Material
Technique
Depiction
Dimension
23.3 cm (height)
38 cm (weight)
19 cm (width)
Production time
Production place

Description

Theatre programme for a concert at Buckingham Palace, 28 June 1882, starring Adelina Patti (1843-1919). Printed pierced and embossed paper, 1882 This concert which principally consisted of items from operas took place at Buckingham Palace while Queen Victoria was staying at Windsor Castle. She noted in her journal for 28th June 1882 that her Private Secretary Sir Henry Ponsonby, her daughter-in-law Louischen or Princess Louise, and her grand-daughter Princess Elizabeth left Windsor that afternoon to drive to London for what she calls 'the State Concert'. Although Queen Victoria really loved opera, she did not go to this concert herself but instead had tea at Frogmore and drew and painted until 8pm since it was such a lovely day. The concert was performed by some of the most famous singers of the day including the Austrian soprano Pauline Lucca, the internationally renowned Polish tenor Jean de Reszke, the French tenor Ernesto Nicolini, the French mezzo-soprano Zélia Trebell, the English tenor Joseph Maas and the Spanish coloratura soprano Adelina Patti. The concert was conducted by the English pianist, violinist, organist, conductor and composer William Cusins. The items included pieces by composers including Mozart, Berlioz, Liszt, Gounod and even the late HRH Prince Albert whose 1845 chorus with solo 'L'Invocazione all'Armonia' was performed by Lucca, Trebelli, Maas and de Reszke. The programme like so many for theatrical and concert events at Queen Victoria's palace is beautifully printed on cream paper, intricately pierced and stamped to imitate lace. The embossed Royal Coat of Arms is richly printed in red and blue, and decorated with gold leaf. Cream paper programme, pierced and embossed to imitate a lace border, featuring the Royal Coat of Arms in gold, red and blue, and printed with the programme for a concert at Buckingham Palace Wednesday 28th June 1882. Embossed with the address 3, St. James's St. SW, probably the name of the programme maker.