Chapter IV

Summary

The Committee of Management now turned all their attention to the proposed Concert on the 24th April, the day for which it had been fixed. The result was looked for with much anxiety, as it was hoped that a considerable sum would thus be added to the funds of the Institution. The prospects, indeed, seemed very promising, as the Secretary thus wrote to Lord Burghersh on the subject. “The Concert is likely to be splendid and profitable; it has made quite a sensation in the town, and the demand we have for boxes is great. I am not without my hopes, as the singers perform for nothing, it will produce £700 or £800 nett; other folks say £1,000. The price to be paid for the theatre is £125.”

And on the 21st the Secretary again communicated to Lord Burghersh the prospects of the Concert. “We proceed most prodigiously in respect to the Concert for Thursday next; the town seems quite on the tiptoe of expectation that it will be a splendid night. The ladies flow in the whole of the day; some wretchedly disappointed at their own want of decision, and others delighted that they put down their names in time to secure good places.