1853. The first performance of Italian opera in San Francisco, Cal., was given this season by Madame Thillon,—"Ernani."
1853. Louis Moreau Gottschalk, the first American pianist of international renown, returned to America and began concert touring. In three seasons he gave more than 1100 concerts.
1853. The pianoforte manufacturing house of Steinway and Sons established in New York City.
1854. Jan. 14. Schumann's Second Symphony (C major) given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.
1854. Feb. 4. Beethoven's Fourth Pianoforte Concerto (B flat) given by the Germania Orchestra in Boston with Robert Heller as soloist.
1854. Mar. 4. Beethoven's Fifth Pianoforte Concerto (E flat) given by the Germania Orchestra in Boston, with Robert Heller as soloist.
1854. April 22. F. Schneider's Twentieth Symphony given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.
1854. Oct. 2. Opening of the Academy of Music, New York City. A performance of "Norma," with Grisi and Mario in the leading rôles. They had previously made their American débuts in "Lucrezia Borgia" at Castle Garden under Hackett's management. (The Academy of Music was the home of opera until 1866, and was frequently used for this purpose until 1896.)
1854. Oct. 9. Louisa Pyne, noted English singer, made her American début as Amina in "La Sonnambula," at the Broadway Theatre, New York City.
1854-1910. William H. Sherwood, noted American pianist and teacher.