• Civil Musical Ensemble: participating ensemble
• SVOBODA, František Václav: director of ensemble

Mercy’s Anzeiger 24/11/1854 published news that ‘On Sunday 26th November there will take place in the Hall of the Žofín Island during the Production by the Civil-orchestra [Produktion des Civilorchesters] under the direction of Kapellmeister Swoboda, a contest between ladies to each choose the composers of which Polkas [are performed i.e. to choose which Polka they think is best]. The author of the excellent polka with the most votes will win as a prize a Vase of imitation flowers.’ No further details were given by this source.

A brief, unsigned, review of this event was published by Der Tagesbote 27/11/1854, reporting that ‘Yesterday the third musical Soirée of Music Director Swoboda [Svoboda] took place on the Žofín Island. The Hall was packed full and the public justly rewarded the good performances.’ However, the occasion was felt to be compromised by the audience being called upon to choose the polkas that were to be performed. Unfortunately the ‘public absolutely did not take to being shepherded [into choosing works] and soon a lively dispute flared up. Here Guelphs, there Ghibellines! ... there were cries of ‘first’, ‘second’ amid the confusion. In that way were the polkas chosen. Applause and hisses merged in the ensuing chaos, and not a note of music was to be heard until Mr Swoboda played a work of his own composition and then peace resumed.’

Although not noted by the aforementioned source, this event almost certainly involved the Civil Musical Ensemble that had recently been founded by Svoboda and had just recently given its first two performances in Prague [on 16th and 19th November]. Audience selection of works to be performed at dance events was not unusual during this period. However, the process was usually accomplished through the drawing of lots, which did not give rise to such difficulties as evidently experienced on this occasion. Although the source noted only that the event was given on Žofín Island, it would have taken place in the Hall there, not being an outdoor event during late November.