SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY, established 1882, has its office and musical performances in Exeter Hall. The sacred oratorios of Handel, Haydn, Mendelssohn- as performed by the members of this Society, who compose a chorus 500 strong, and an admirable orchestra-are among the greatest treats which the lover of good music can enjoy. Concerts are given on Friday evenings throughout the London season.

Peter Cunningham, Hand-Book of London, 1850

The PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY consists of forty members, thirty associates, and twenty lady-associates, all professional musicians. Their orchestra, under Dr. Sterndale Bennett, is perhaps the finest in Europe; and eight subscription concerts are given during the season, at the Hanover Square Rooms. It was founded in 1812.

The NEW PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY was founded by its conductor, Dr. Wylde, Mus. Doc., on a less exclusive basis than the old society. It gives five grand vocal and instrumental public concerts on Wednesdays, and five grand rehearsals on the Saturdays previous, during the season, at St. James's Hall, Piccadilly, and appears to be gradually rising in popular estimation.

The SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY, Exeter Hall, Strand, was established in 1832, for the exclusive performance of oratorios and sacred music. Its band and chorus, under Mr. Costa, consisting of nearly seven hundred performers, are of immense force, and admirably disciplined. The works of Beethoven, Handel, Haydn, B ach, and Mendelssohn, consequently receive a noble interpretation. Tickets, 3s., 5s., and 10s. 6d.

 Besides these important institutions, the Metropolis supports the London Musical Society, St. James's Hall, under the direction of Mr. Alfred Mellon; a Musical Union and Institute, founded and conducted by Mr. Ella; a Glee and Madrigal Society, directed by Mr. Land; a National Choral Society, Exeter Hall, established by Mr. G. Martin; and the London Academy of Music, established by Dr. Wylde.

Cruchley's London in 1865 : A Handbook for Strangers, 1865