• Orchestra of the Prague Sokol Gymnastic Society: participating orchestra

News of this forthcoming event headed the section of Daily News published in Národní listy 14/3/1863. The source noted that the directorship of the local police had given permission for the beseda to go ahead: ‘Beseda of Czech Tradesmen to benefit the Industrial Museum has already obtained permission to go ahead from the directorship of the local civil police, and will take place on 22nd March this year in the great Hall of Žofín Island. The entertainment will comprise select declamations, performances of sung choruses [sborů pěveckých] and of music, as well as songs. It is certainly an extremely gratifying example of the awakening [probuzení – lit. revival, awakening, stirring] of our esteemed Czech Tradesmen, that their social entertainment is combined with such an honourable purpose. It is not necessary to urge our public to make sure that this entertainment has the best attendance, and therefore to contribute to the founding of this institute [i.e. the Industrial Museum], the need for which everyone grasps...’

Národní listy 22/3/1863 published more detailed information of this event: ‘Beseda. Today, Sunday, at 7pm takes place on Žofín the first beseda arranged by Czech Tradesmen to benefit the Industrial Museum. The very interesting programme falls into two parts. The first comprises declamations and choruses; the declamatory part performed entirely by Tradesmen; in the second part the musical ensemble of Sokol performs favourite compositions. We wish this very praiseworthy undertaking the most splendid success and we hope that it is abundantly attended.’

A review, signed ‘–ř.’, was published by Národní listy 23/3/1863 a day after the event. The correspondent noted that the organisation of the event, as well as its benefit cause was proof of the Czech Tradesmen’s patriotic and national devotion and agenda. The execution of the event was described as ‘creditable and successful. In the declamatory part, entirely performed by tradesmen, is it particularly appropriate to name Mr Vacata... as well as Miss Staňková. Also the music of „Sokol“ aquitted themselves fittingly. The entertainment was spontaneous, becoming and lively. Although the public participation was quite numerous, admonishment has to be levelled on the part of the Tradesmen themselves... who sparingly attended this „Beseda of Czech Tradesmen.“ However, for this the founders of the event bear no responsibility. – As to the rest, it is fitting to mention about the charitableness of the proprietor of Žofín, Mr Novotný, who in support of the good cause lent the Žofín Hall entirely for free.’