it will surprise many to know that the [Boston Jubilee] orchestra numbered quite a thousand—with the patriotic Ole Bull at the head of the violins, and Carl Rosa playing at the same desk. Gilmore had engaged all the principal sopranos of Boston, constituting a “bouquet of artistic singers.” These were placed on a special raised balcony between the orchestra and the chorus, and they sang in unison the obligato parts as they occurred in the choral pieces.