• ensemble of Infantry Regiment of Prince Gustav von Wasa: participating ensemble

An advertisement published by Der Tagesbote 1/1/1854 announced that on Sunday 8th January a musical trial would be given in advance of the forthcoming Society Ball in aid of the Private Society for the Support of the Prague Poor House [Privat-Vereins zur Unterstützung des Hausarmen Prags], the patron of whom was noted to be Count Camil Rohan. The Ball was reported to be taking place on 18th January in the Žofín Hall. The orchestra at the trial ‘will be the splendid band of the worthy Imperial Regiment Wasa’; performed would be the ‘newest and most interesting pieces.’ The same ensemble would almost certainly have participated in the Ball itself.

Der Tagesbote 20/1/1854 published an unsigned review of the event. The text included no mention as to the musical content of the occasion, instead commenting at length on the decorations and preparation of the venue. After apologizing that ‘yesterday, following the pleasant travail of the Ball-night, I was much fatigued and overslept’ and therefore did not fulfil his duty as a reporter, the correspondent noted that ‘The elegant, gracefully decorated salon on this occasion ... [made] a leisurely, brilliant and pleasant dance- and promenade-room. The lighting was rich and therefore not distracting; the columned hall under the gallery was transformed into two delectable red fragrant-flowered boudoirs that might have graced the most brilliant Paris Opera ball. The restrooms were splendid ... A distinguished stranger, to whom I had the honour to be Cicerone, assured me that he had thrice attended the ball of the Grand Opera in Paris, but on all three occasions had not encountered such beauty and great charm as here in the Žofín Hall.’ Finally, the correspondent relayed thanks to the arranging committee for the event.