• Arkadia: participating institution

Prager Morgenpost 2/3/1862 reported: ‘The “Arkadia.” The second Foundation-festival [Stiftungsfest] of Arkadia took place on 27th February in the Hall of the Blue Star [Inn]. It was a festival of choice artistry at which assembled an extremely distinguished society. The Hall was very tastefully and elegantly decorated with flowers, statues and pictures (by the society members Emanuel Mar, Joseph Hellich and Joseph [Josef] Mánes, on the tables were placed portfolios of the drawings and watercolours of several members. To begin the concert, that was entirely put together by members of Arkadia, was a brilliant speech by Joseph Bayer and a Bundeslied by Count Karl von Kaunic set to music for four male voices by J.F. Kittl, followed by songs [Lieder] (in both languages [i.e. German and Czech]), and then instrumental works by J.F. Kirrl [Kittl], Anton Grund, F. Skraup [Škroup], Moritz Mildner, A.W. Ambros.’ The musical part of the event concluded with the member Alexander Dreyschock, reported as having recently returned from travels performing, playing two pieces. These were enthusiastically received. At the following banquet speeches were given by Count Kaunic, Dr Ambros and Count von Weybrother. A toast was drunk to Dreyschock. ‘The occasion was highly pleasurable, elegant and truly artistic.’