Fadettes, Woman's Orchestra of Boston

              The Fadettes
Woman’s Orchestra of Boston 20 Artists
"The Woman's Orchestra, Par Excellence."    N. Y. "Sun"
Fourth Annual Tour
Concert
Direction Brockway Lecture Bureau
Pittsburgh, Pa
Caroline B. Nichols, Conductor
ANNOUNCEMENT
THE FADETTES
Woman's Orchestra
OF BOSTON 0
IS at once, the representative, unrivaled and unequaled organ¬ization of America's young women instrumentalists. Organized in 1888 and incorporated in 1895, they proudly point to twelve years of unqualified success. In their grand tours of the United States and Canada they have met with such phenomenal success that they now need no special introduction to the music-loving public. Commanding everywhere the highest commendation of the most captious critics, as the "Woman's Orchestra par excellence," it is sufficient to say, that with THE SAME PERFECT ENSEMBLE, and THE SAME CORPS OF GREAT INSTRUMENTALISTS which has forced their organization into recognition as the first of the kind in the world, augmented by popular soloists, they are enabled to charm, entertain and instruct their many patrons beyond all pre¬cedent or comparison, with programs of both classical and popular selections, most happily arranged.
MRS. CAROLINE B. NICHOLS,
THE CONDUCTOR, to whom, alone, the Orchestra is indebted for its inception and success, is a musician of sterling and recognized ability, thorough education and most magnetic qualities, and stands to-day as the only WOMAN who has attained a high position of fame as an Orchestral Conductor. The "press" of great cities is unanimous in warmest praise, saying "she equals a Damrosch, Thomas or Sousa in her handling of the magic wand." The personel of the Orchestra remains practically unchanged, the players represen¬ting absolutely the finest and highest attainments on their respective instruments.
MARY REICK WILCZEK 4 ^
The VIOLIN  SOLOIST and CONCERT MISTRESS, is a most fitting complement to this company of artists, and the keynote of artistic excellence to which each player is attuned.
As a pupil of Prof. Dr. Joachim, she enjoyed four years of study in the Royal School of Music, in Berlin, Germany, and in her several tours with the Wilczek Con¬cert Company, easily played her way into the hearts of her audiences by her scholarly work and charming personality. Her press notices speak volumes—no further recommendation need be added.
The ORCHESTRA will have the assistance of a prominent SOPRANO whose vocal numbers will lend an added charm to the programs
Recent Press Criticisms on the Orchestra
Poughkeeosie, IM. Y., News Press
"The Fadettes of Boston captured a large audi¬ence last evening with one of the most entertaining concerts, and one of the most graceful perform¬ances it has been possible to enjoy in Poughkeepsie in many a year. The scene on the stage of the theatre was a picture in itself. The program was one of artistic merit, and in the desire of the play¬ers to please the people, they were generous in encores. In fact, they play as if they loved to play, and as if they were aware of the true situa¬tion, and that was that they had won the hearts of the audience from the very first. It was a delight¬ful surprise, and that was evident from the hearty manner in which the numbers were applauded. The music was dainty, tender and expressive to a fascinating degree. Its delicacy was its charm, and in the strong passages there was something indescribably winning. Every number was en¬cored, and what cannot be said of any other orches¬tra within the memory of any one living here now, an encore followed the last number, and the people remained seated, while those who thought it over, turned back with delight to hear another number. The coloring, the attack and finesse were admira¬ble. As to variety, nothing like it has been heard here before. Nor often do we find a band ol artists who are so thoughtful as to take us from Wagner's 'Lohengrin' with its romance, its odor of orange blossoms. ;IIK1 its sustained sweetness l<» 'The Mos¬quito's Parade.' This was the scope of the concert last night. No use of the master music lovers trying to get away from the spell of the popular melody, either. This may be said because of the fact that the popular tune becomes something ex¬quisite under the touch of the woman artist. We sometimes hear the wise ones in music express won¬der as to how the musir of the higher order can be brought to the masses. This orchestra gives a full and splendid answer to the question. The director. Caroline B. Nichols, was everything to be desired in a leader. Her control over the players was faultless, and her interpretation of Wagner, Meyer¬beer, Westerhaut and the others was almost affec¬tionate in its grasp of the themes. Her develop¬ment of the popular selections was true from the joviality of the 'Mosquito Parade' to the dash and bravado of the 'Charge of the Rough Riders.' "
Montreal, Canada, Daily Star
"The Fadettes captivated the audience before the first number of the program was finished. Of the program too much cannot be said in praise. It was well chosen, admirably executed and thoroughly enjoyed. The clever conductor, Mrs. Nichols, was generous with encores, and the result was that the audience heard several numbers not on the pro¬gram, and of a brilliant, popular nature that they did not expect. The volume of tone in the forte passages was truly remarkable, while in the softer passages the shading was as exquisite as only a woman's hand could make it."
Portland, Me., Express
"The Fadettes, of whom so much had been prom¬ised, more than came up to the public's expecta¬tion. The impression which they give as one ob¬serves them at their work is most pleasing, and more than surpasses any orchestra of like size. Earnest of purpose, jealous of their reputation and bound to keep it up to its present high standard, the ladies work together most admirably, and un¬der such talented and magnetic leadership, cannot fail to be very popular among us."
IM. Y. Musical Courier
"And what, pray, was the nature of the perform¬ance? Wild horses could not drag from me one disagreeable word. It may be honestly said that there was very much to applaud in the perform¬ance as well as in the endeavor. I take off my hat to the leader; she leads with the authority of a centurion."
Toronto, Canada, Globe
"It can be authoritatively stated that the Fadettes are the best woman's orchestra that ever appeared here, and are not equaled by any similar orchestra on the continent to-day."
Cincinnati, O., Commercial Tribune
"There is something in their music that is not only most grateful to the ear, but borrows an additional interest from the association of ideas. The pro¬gram was light and breezy, and it was astonishing how much strength they had at their command. the strings, especially are of even musical quality, and their attack prompt, the wood-wind excellent; the brass vigorous and even. The conductor, Mrs. Nichols, yields her baton with grace and dignity and has her forces under Hue control. On the whole, their work is remarkably clever. 'No point in coloring or grouping is passed over to make these concerts a feast for the eye as well as for the ear. There was an audience of more than 3,000 people."
Paterson, IM. J., Evening News
"To Mrs. Nichols, the conductor, must be given the credit of merging twenty young women into a unity that is rare, even in the most pretentious or¬chestras. The precision of the Fadettes is remark¬able in everything they undertake. In attack they are firm, in graduation delicate and flexible, and in power, when occasion calls for it, entirely equal to any twenty like musicians anywhere. Their en¬semble is a musical delight. The big audience couldn't get enough."
Terre Haute, (nd., Express
"There has never been a more enchanting or fasci¬nating entertainnent in this city than the one given by the Fadettes of Boston. In personnel, musical talent and skill in execution, the organization is absolutely unrivaled by any club or association of woman musicians in America."
Memphis, Tenn., Commercial Appeal
"The Fadettes found early and emphatic favor with the brilliant and critical audience. The work was remarkably full and finished. It was an ambi¬tious program, one to test the skill and intelligence of those undertaking it, and that it fully satisfied is sufficient tribute to the gifted, well schooled and attractive women composing the orchestra."
Louisville, Ky., Commercial
"The work of the orchestra was above criticism. There was a sweet harmony and delicate tone shad¬ing about each number, which almost made one forget that the whole twenty players were not one perfect instrument combining all the essential mu¬sical Qualities."
Galveston, Texas, Tribune
"Mrs. Nichols, the conductor, enjoys a national reputation, but one must see her and the way she leads to fully appreciate her talent. The program was executed in a flawless manner and awoke the most enthusiastic applause."
Savannah, Ga., Press
"The leader. Mrs. Nichols, won the admiration of the entire audience by her skilful handling of the baton, and her orchestra is as perfectly trained as any which has ever appeared before a Savannah audience."
Wilmington, N. C Star
"A musical and cultured audience attested their enjoyment by frequent and hearty applause. As a conductor, Mrs. Nichols displayed marvelous skill, and as a woman's orchestra, the organization is un¬surpassed. The program was executed in a truly artistic and enchanting manner, all the instruments blending into a sweet and harmonious sound."
Sioux City, Iowa, Journal
"In the first place, it was a pretty sight to witness these twenty or more young women in their pretty costumes of varied colors and styles, but it was when they began to play that they won the hearts of the music lovers in the audience. Everything was so artistic, the harmony so excellent and the effects so fine one could not help feeling the in¬spiration of the performance."
Mrs. Wilczek's Press Notices
Her pleasing personality and brilliant execution at once captivated the audience and Her renditions were true and sweet, and each and every numbeil
Pottsville,  Pa.,  " Journal,
made her its favorite.
Pittsburg,  Pa., " Commercial Gazette rendered by the little lady received enthusiastic recognition.
Pittsburg,  Pa.,  " Leader."    She played with an artistic finish that was highly pleasing.
Utica, N. Y.,  "Daily  Press."    A finished violinist, and an artist in every sense of the word.
Paterson, N. J.. " Pencilings.' Mrs. Wilczek played '* Fantasie Ballet," an exquisite composition callind forth all the soul of the instrument. She did it full justice, and that is saying a good deal. She really brought down the house" At the first note the silence of the audience was absolute, as the notes came soft and low, with all the inspiration of the artist

1
PHILADELPHIA AND READING RAILWAY CO.
PASSENGER AND FREIGHT OFFICE.
Sunbury, Pa., February 14, 190J. MRS. CAROLINE B. NICHOLS :
Dear Mrs. Nichols: Now that you have so success! fully closed our three entertainments (Lewisburg, Shamo kin and Sunbury;, I desire to write you personally and td again express my hearty appreciation and gratification a| having had your very able company of artists with us.
While I am not a musical critic, yet 1 feel safe in sayl ing the great concert given our respective audiences was sj faultless that nothing but the highest criticism and mosf favorable comment could be given by the most exacting and able critic. You should be, and probably are, proud of thij pleasing organization, and they should be, as I know thei are, proud of the Conductor, to whom belongs the credit of the careful training which is necessary in massing even the best oj musicians.                                       Permit me to be and remain very truly yours,
F. R. SLIFER, Manager " Hospital Entertainment Courses.'|
OPERA HOUSE, CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 23, 1899. MR. J. C. MCREE, Manager The Fadettes Woman's Orchestra :
Dear Sir : The Fadettes were at the Opera House last night rendering their unexcelled program to an audience of the besl people of the city, that filled every available seat. I was obliged to place extra chairs in the orchestra—well in order to accommoj date the demand for more seats for non-subscribers to the Course. As far as the concert, I can only say that it was the musica event, " par excellence," of the season. The Fadettes captured Chattanooga. From the leader, Mrs. Nichols, to the Soloists] and through to the " drums," each proved to be musicians of the highest culture. In their ensemble they are the peers of am orchestra ever heard here, rendering both the classical and popular numbers as though their instruments blended into a single pen feet one. Our local critics have nothing but words of praise for the Fadettes. They should prove the event of events whereve there is a Lyceum Course.                                                           Very respectfully,
PAUL R. ALBERT, Managed
Mary  Reuck Wilczek"
Marietta, Ohio, ■' Leader," Mrs. Wilczek astonished us by her bowing as well as her volume 01 tone. The most difficult "'tours de force" were executed by her as if they were mere trifles. Staccato and MarUllat\ were equally good, and her Cantabile was full of soul. This with her pleasing appearance and unaffected manner stamped her at once a favorite.
New York   '; Musical  Courier."    It is to hi
hoped that the spirituelle little lady will always retain hej present daintiness of style, which is so entirely in accord with her appearance that she seems a perfect incarnation of chaste and subtle musical inspiration. Her violin playf ing is as exquisite as a lovely dream.
Columbia,    S.   C ,    " Daily    News. "      He
charming personality, her daintiness of style, her chastj inspiration, combined to captivate her audience. She is < violinist of rare culture and creates the sweetest utterance: from the instrument.
Dayton, Ohio, •• Times "    Her violin playinJ was delightful from the standpoint of a virtuoso.    TheriJ is  no clap-trap about  her performance, and  she  is th essence of all that is spirituelle, artistic and womanly.
Montreal, Canada, "Gazette." A charming personality and played her selections with a grace, styli and finish that were above criticism.
WORCESTER Dear Mrs. Nichols :    I have heard unstinted  praise.     Our people are cold, highly.    One of our oldest members said best 1 ever heard.    I could have stayed al" catering, for they tell me just what they 1 to all who were fortunate enough to hear i
COUNTY MECHANICS' ASSOCIATION, WORCESTER, MASS., November 19, 1900.
from many members of our association comments upon the concert, and all speak witl
J, make no demonstrations, give little applause, but they enjoy to the full and appreciatl
1 to me as he was leaving the hall :    ' Mr. Smith, that concert was just splendid, the verj
night and listened to them."    I enjoy such criticisms coming from those for whom I arj
mean.    Many have spoken in the same way.    It was an evening of unalloyed pleasure
it.    It want to say for myself that I was perfectly satisfied with the program and it[
performance.    Can I say more ?   1 wish you and your associates all possible success.
Respectfully yours,          WILLIAM A. SMITH.