1878. Symphony Society of New York City founded by Dr. Leopold Damrosch.
1878. Cincinnati College of Music established, and Theodore Thomas appointed director.
1878-9. Oct. 15 to April. Colonel Mapleson made his first operatic tour in America, with a company which included Etelka Gerster, Minnie Hauck, Trebelli, Alwina Valleria, Campanini, Frapolli, Galassi, del Puente and Foli, with Arditi as conductor. Presented opera in New York, Chicago, Boston, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington.
1879. Feb. 8. Chaikovsky's Third Symphony (in D) given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.
1879. Feb. 23. Sullivan's oratorio "The Prodigal Son" given in Boston by the Handel and Haydn Society.
1879. April 11. Bach's "Passion according to St. Matthew" given complete, in two concerts, by the Handel and Haydn Society, in Boston.
1879. April 15. F. Kiel's oratorio "Christus" given by the Oratorio Society, New York City.
1879. May 9. Hiller's oratorio "Saul" given by the New York Liederkranz Society at the Academy of Music, New York City.
1879. May 10. Production of Bristow's "Great Republic Overture" by the Brooklyn Philharmonic Society, Theodore Thomas conducting.
1879. Oct. 13. American début of Rafael Joseffy, noted Hungarian pianist, at Chickering Hall, New York City.