More curiosities from the archives

OK, so this is too old to be actual Celebrity Series history, but it's too fun to pass up. I came across this advertisement in an Aaron Richmond Presents program book for a Symphony Hall concert by the Russian Symphonic Choir from January 1926. The Abdon Laus listed in the ad was the first bassoonist and saxophone soloist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra (Ye Olde Town Orchestra). There is some speculation that Laus was the bassoonist at the premiere of Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring with the Ballets Russes in 1913. Cool, but who knew there was once a Boston Saxophone Orchestra? 50 saxophones?? A joyful noise, no doubt.