s Eichberg's
excellent "Doctor of Alcantara."

The first performances were given in Lincoln Hall, Washington, on the
evenings of Feb. 3 and 4, 1873; the next at Philadelphia, in
Agricultural Hall, Feb. 21, 22, and 23. Returning to Washington, the
two last performances of the series were given in Ford's Theatre.

Of the highly meritorious character of these presentations of opera
there exists abundant evidence, emanating from disinterested,
trustworthy sources, from which I quote the following.

From "The Daily Washington Chronicle," Feb. 4, 1873:--

"THE AMERICAN OPERA-COMPANY.

"The first colored opera-troupe of any merit ever organized
in this country appeared at Lincoln Hall last night in
Eichberg's opera, 'The Doctor of Alcantara.'

"Lincoln Hall was literally packed. Of course the majority
of the audience was colored, and included a host of the
personal friends of the singers. Glancing over the house,
the full opera-dresses scattered liberally through the
audience reminded one not a little of the scene at a concert
by Carlotti Patti or the Theodore Thomas orchestra. Quite a
third of the audience was composed of white ladies and
gentlemen, largely attracted, perhaps, by the novelty of the
affair; and among them were many representatives of the
musical circles of the city, somewhat curious to hear and
compare the performance with those they have been accustomed
to hear.

"The criticisms, as a whole, were favorable. It was evident
that the voices of two or three of the singers will be
bettered by cultivation. The choruses were effective. In
dramatic ability there was little lacking, and the singers
were quite as natural as many who appear in German and
French opera."

From "The Daily National Republican," Washington, Feb. 5, 1873:--

"The second representation of 'The Doctor of Alcantara' at
Lincoln Hall last night was an improvement upon the first.
The natural nervousness of the singers was better overcome,
and they made a better use of their fine voices.

"For the sake of making some just reflections and
comparisons, we select the name of Miss Lena Miller, who
sang the _role_ of 'Isabella.' Here is a young lady, really
pretty in form and features, graceful in stage-presence,
modest in manner, and imbued with true affection and
spirit for art. A