• Estates Theatre orchestra: participating orchestra, orch
• ŠKROUP, František Jan: director of ensemble, conductor

Prager Morgenpost 18/3/1860 reported that a concert for the benefit of the ‘Gesellen-Verein’ [Apprentices’ Society], whose patron was his Ducal Highness Prince Johann Lobkowic [Jan Lobkovic], would take place on 21/3/1860 in the Žofín Hall at 4.30pm. The text listed the complete programme. A similar report, albeit not mentioning the patronage of Lobkovic with respect to the Society was published by Bohemia 18/3/1860. Details of the event and the intended performance of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony were also noted by Prager Zeitung and Der Tagesbote 18/3/1860.

Reviews of this concert were published by all four Prague German-language daily newspapers. That of Prager Morgenpost appeared on 22/3/1860 and was signed ‘**’. The critic considered that the numerous audience attending meant that the concert, with its ‘refined programme’ succesfully served the good cause for which it was being given. ‘Performed by the Theatre Orchestra with customary accuracy and under the prudent directorship of Mr Skraup [Škroup] we first heard Mendelssohn’s poetic Overture Die Schöne Melusine, and then in the second half Beethoven’s glorious Symphony in C minor. We would have wished only for a little faster tempo in the Andante con moto and more determined entries in some solo parts. Both numbers were vivaciously applauded. The song performance by Mrs Bělsky [Bělská], an artistically educated dilettante, was interesting in the Briefaria [letter aria] by Mozart as well as in the two songs by F. Skraup. The last, the favourite “Kde domov můj” was greeted with acclamation and had to be repeated. Mrs Bělsky has a noble, sonorous soprano of very pleasant timbre and ample volume. In the letter aria, with artistic expression and through her nuance and her free, voluble tone she particularly satisfactorily portrayed the affect. With the same great felicity she also interpreted the simple sentiment of the Lieder. She was friendlily received and repeatedly [curtain-]called.’ The young pianist Rudolf Altschul gave a Concertstück with orchestral accompaniment by Reinecke, op.33. His playing was not one of ostensible bravura but he successfully overcame the technical difficulties of the piece in a robust performance of accurate and supple playing, and understanding in interpretation’. He was met with applause by the audience and repeatedly [curtain-]called.

No reports of this concert were published by the Czech music periodical Dalibor.