"Notre-Dame of Paris," final opera of William Henry Fry, debuts in his home city in aid of soldiers' charity

As a gala opening event of the Sanitary Fair in Philadelphia, the Grand Musical Festival had for its centerpiece the premiere of Notre-Dame of Paris, the final opera of Philadelphia composer William Henry Fry. With the libretto by his brother, Joseph Reece Fry, and featuring an experienced and well-known cast and orchestra under future New York Philharmonic director, Theodore Thomas, it was declared a critical success.  (By John Osborne)