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CHAPTER X |
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THE ST. JAMES'S HALL BALLAD CONCERTS
T
HE old St. James's Hall, the site of which is now occupied by the Piccadilly Hotel, was opened on March 25, 1858, with a concert for the benefit of the Middlesex Hospital, at which the Prince Consort was present.
The first series of concerts instituted at this hall were the Monday "Pops," which were started by Messrs. Chappell in January, 1859. At first the concerts were of a miscellaneous character, the programme consisting of old ballads and instrumental pieces ; but later they became the medium for the performance of classical chamber music. In 1865 the Saturday afternoon "Pops' were started and run alternately with the Monday evening concerts, the programmes of both being very similar in character.
Later Mr. John Boosey started his popular ballad concerts, which were continued until the St. James's Hall was demolished. When Mr. William Boosey went to Chappell's, Boosey and Co. moved to the Queen's Hall and gave their
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