3-021-092 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Concert in the Salle des Maréchaux, at the Tuileries [Palace], 1869. Event of the Paris season. 'The stage...is surrounded by a balustrade. The orchestra is composed of musicians selected from that of the Opera, while the singers generally comprise such stars as may happen to be in Paris at the time. The organisation of the programme is invariably under the direction of the veteran Auber, whose figure is shown leaning against the balustrade. The Emperor, as he appears in our Engraving, occupies an arm-chair in the first rank, having on his right Princess Mathilde, and on his left Prince Achille Murat, the chair of the Empress, who on this occasion was absent from indisposition, being left vacant. The bench immediately behind their Majesties is that reserved for members of the Diplomatic Body. In the interval between the first and second part of the concert the Emperor and Empress usually rise and address a few words of congratulation to the solo performers. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.