• KIRCHNER, Hildegard: soloist, vl
• Estates Theatre orchestra: participating orchestra

The theatre bill published in Bohemia 15/11/1861 announced the performance of two plays, Feuer in der Mädchenschule [unspecified author] and Der bethlehemitische Kindermord by L. Geier. Following the first play there would be a performance of the Andante and last movement from Beriot’s seventh violin concerto, after the second play of a Fantasie-Caprice by Vieuxtemps, by ‘Miss Hildegard Kirchner, violinist from Berlin.’ A review, signed ‘V.’, appeared in the newspaper on 16/11/1861. This reported that the concert performance came as a surprise considering the repertoire of the two plays being given that evening. Following the first play Miss Kirchner was noted to have played the seventh concerto by Bériot [not specifying whether just the Andante and Finale as noted in the previous report], and to end, Vieuxtemps’s Fantasie-Caprice. Her performance was considered surprising for a debutante. ‘Very graceful bowing resulted in a sympathetic tone.’ Her cantilena showed an artistic sensibility and her virtuosity was an achievement. Her intonation was thought to be good for debut performance. The theatre was ‘quite full’ and the artiste received vigorous applause.

Dalibor 20/11/1861 reported in an unsigned review that ‘Virtuoso on the violin Miss Hildegard Kirchnerová from Berlin appeared on Friday 15th November in the Estates Theatre, performing a concerto by Beriot and a Fantasie by Vieuxtemps. Miss Kirchnerová has a pretty, sympathetic tone, considerable technical ability and especially excelled with her emotive and soulful delivery.’ She demonstrated considerable promise, the correspondent remarking that if she aquired a perfect technique she would be the equal of her sister Milanolová.