This concert which principally consisted of items from operas took place at Buckingham Palace while Queen Victoria was staying at Windsor Castle. She noted in her journal for 28th June 1882 that her Private Secretary Sir Henry Ponsonby, her daughter-in-law Louischen or Princess Louise, and her grand-daughter Princess Elizabeth left Windsor that afternoon to drive to London for what she calls 'the State Concert'. Although Queen Victoria really loved opera, she did not go to this concert herself but instead had tea at Frogmore and drew and painted until 8pm since it was such a lovely day.
The concert was performed by some of the most famous singers of the day including the Austrian soprano Pauline Lucca, the internationally renowned Polish tenor Jean de Reszke, the French tenor Ernesto Nicolini, the French mezzo-soprano Zélia Trebell, the English tenor Joseph Maas and the Spanish coloratura soprano Adelina Patti. The concert was conducted by the English pianist, violinist, organist, conductor and composer William Cusins. The items included pieces by composers including Mozart, Berlioz, Liszt, Gounod and even the late HRH Prince Albert whose 1845 chorus with solo 'L'Invocazione all'Armonia' was performed by Lucca, Trebelli, Maas and de Reszke.
The programme like so many for theatrical and concert events at Queen Victoria's palace is beautifully printed on cream paper, intricately pierced and stamped to imitate lace. The embossed Royal Coat of Arms is richly printed in red and blue, and decorated with gold leaf.