The Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society
Artists-in-Residence at the
Merchants House Museum
29 East 4th Street, New York City
The Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society (BSESS) has appeared nightly at the Merchant’s House since 1832. Well, anyway, that was according to New York City Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe in a speech given at the lighting ceremony of the newly-restored Washington Square Arch, for which the Society sang a program of holiday songs. Euterpe was one of Appollo's seven muses, most often associated with the art of music. Many Euterpean societies were formed in America since the 18th Century through the early 20th Century, following the popularity of Greek mythology and forms of the day, evidenced by the Greek Revival interior of the Merchants House, one of the country's foremost remaining examples.
Euterpe, Greek Muse of Poetry and Music.
Her name means "delight," which she brings to all
those who hear her sing. The double-flute is her attribute.
Part of our mission, being artists-in-residence at The Merchants House Museum, is to bring the experience of the living history of 19th-century musical works to the House. The Society debuted at the Merch's holiday party in 2004, and performs in period costume. In addition to its holiday program of songs and stories beloved in the merry season, they present original programs throughout the year. See below for our repertory. We continually build new programs to entertain and educate the public about 19th-century music. Currently in progress is a program of songs and scenes of the Bowery for future production.
The Society has also expanded to include theatrical presentations and explore more auditory aspects of 19th-century living. In October this year, we hosted ghost tours of the Merchants House, including scenes with live actors in each of the rooms as groups tour the house draped in mourning customs. We look forward to more theatrics as part of our fare in the future.
The other part of our mission is to raise awareness and funds to as benefit the restoration of the Tredwells' 1845 Nunns & Fischer pianoforte. Purchased by the family for the house, it still remains today in its place of privilege in the front parlor.
To All, Wassail! -- songs and stories of the merry season
The Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society delights audiences with their holiday program of Christmas, Channukah and secular songs beloved in the 19th Century and before. There are beautiful arrangements of familiar carols, as well as surprises to put a holiday smile on your face. The music program is punctuated by readings of stories and poems of the Century.
Love in the Parlors -- 19th-century romance in opera and song
This classical voice recital is a popular annual event sung by members and guest artists of BSESS. Often performed around Valentine's Day, this coming year it will be presented in June, as a wedding gift to all prospective couples.
The program changes each year. Past composers represented include Chopin, Donizetti, Stephen Foster, Liszt, MacDowell, Moniuszko, Rossini, Schubert, Schumann, Johann Strauss Jr., Tchaikovsky, Tosti, and Verdi.
Wayfaring Strangers -- a musical revue of 1820s New-York
Originally written for the Mt. Vernon Hotel Museum on East 61st Street, this program has been rewritten to recreate a house warming celebration for the Tredwells. Four historic characters chance to meet there and spend the afternoon enjoying each other's company while singing familiar tunes of the day: John Bloomfield Jervis, a celebrated engineer who learned his trade while building the Erie Canal and then went on to design the Croton Reservoir system; Sarah Josepha (Buell) Hale, most known for being editor of Goudy's Ladies' Home Journal as well as being purported to have written "Mary had a little lamb;" the enthusiastic Captain William Driver, who coined the moniker "Old Glory" for the US flag; and Mary Hone, society daughter of the once New York City mayor Philip Hone.
Farewell, Father, Friend and Guardian -- a musical elegy commemorating President Lincoln's Passing
Recreated as a memorial service complete with mourning costume and arm bands, this program presents music written in 1865 commemorating Lincoln's death. The title comes from a popular song by celebrated American composer George F. Root. Accompanying the concert is a slide lecture of Lincoln's assassination, its aftermath and the funeral train that transported the president from Washington, D.C. to his final resting place in Springfield, Illinois.
