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August Manns at the Handel Festival at Crystal Palace in 1897 |
In 1856, the idea arose of commemorating the centenary of the death of Handel with a series of concerts at Crystal Palace, such was the success of the idea that a preliminary festival was held at Crystal Palace in 1857. This led to the Triennial Handel Festival which continued until 1926. From 1855 to 1901, the director of music at Crystal Palace was the conductor August Manns (1825-1907). Included in the article are a selection of photographs of Manns and the Crystal Palace chorus and orchestra during the 1897 Handel Festival.
The photographs belong to a client of our framers, Alec Drew Picture Frames Ltd, and we are very grateful to them for allowing the pictures to be shared. There are two further pictures after the break.
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August Manns at the Handel Festival at Crystal Palace in 1897 Evidently this was the National Anthem |
In 1865, the band was augmented to 495 performers, and the chorus in 1874 to nearly 3,200. And yes, the ladies of the chorus and orchestra do seem to be performing in picture hats!
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August Manns at the Handel Festival at Crystal Palace in 1897 |
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