• unspecified participants: participating ensemble

Tagesbote aus Böhmen 15/1/1854 published news that a musical trial [Musikprobe] would be held on 15/1/1854 for dance-reunions [Tanzreunionen] that were to take place on the 30th January, 15th and 22nd February in the Žofín Hall. They were to be given in aid of the Fund for the Foundation of a Czech National Theatre. The newspaper reported on 29th January that ‘The first annual reunion [Reunion], the profit from which is destined for the Czech National Theatre, will take place next Monday [30/1/1854] in the Hall of Žofín Island.’

Lumír 26/1/1854 published news that ‘Next Wednesday will be the first annual beseda on Žofín to benefit the building of the Czech Theatre.’ This information possibly referred to the first of the dance-reunions [Tanzreunionen] taking place on the Monday specified by the earlier Der Tagesbote text. These three benefit dance entertainments were annual occurrences. The use of the term ‘beseda’ (in Czech sources) or ‘Tanzreunion’ or just simply ‘Reunion’ for a dance entertainment was commonplace from the middle of the 1850s onwards. Lumír published on 2/2/1854 a brief account of this particular benefit occasion, although it did not confirm the date of the event. The correspondent noted that the ‘First beseda to benefit the building of the National Theatre went off splendidly and confounded the old adage that there could never be given in Prague a first beseda or redouta [reduta] without a second or third. This first beseda was very well attended and excellently entertained the public. The decoration of the hall merits praise; it was tasteful in every respect. In the hall was a bust of His Majesty the Emperor and in the salon similarly [a bust of] Her Highness Archduchess Elizabeth Bavorská, wife of His Royal Majesty.’ No details were given of the musical content of the event.