• Orchestra of the Prague Sokol Gymnastic Society: participating orchestra, str orch

This event was given substantial coverage by the Czech language newspaper Národní listy, which on 14/12/1862 published not only the practical details of the event including the complete programme in performance order, but also an anonymous account expressing why the event was of particular national and social significance. The correspondent reportedthat the: ‘First public appearance of the great string musical ensemble of „Sokol“, which is arranged today in the Hall on Žofín Island, is certainly for our present musical circumstances of great significance, yes we are not embarrassed to affirm, that perhaps even of an epoch. If we consider how in recent times there has arisen the complaint from many sides that our musical ensembles do not strive for higher values – that string ensembles in particular are declining in their success and are evidently neglected – so we welcome with joy the diligent and painstaking efforts of the musical ensemble of this society whose purpose is to cultivate throughout life freshness, vivacity, with a pervasive exuberance youthfulness and high spirits. And so we have no doubt that this ensemble will rise in significant degrees to an exemplary perfection, and that in a short time through its excellent proficiency rises have a powerful effect on the rejuvenation, improvement and development of the entire musical situation of the art, in the past of so celebrated excellence in Prague. We do not doubt that today’s concert of the „String Musical Ensemble of Sokol“ will at once demonstrate the hopes we have just outlined. Therefore we will give the programme to the concert in full:

„First public performance of the great string musical ensemble „Sokol“ personally directed by Kapelník [Kapellmeister] Mr Čeněk Vinař in the Hall of Žofín Island on 14th December 1862. Commencing at 4pm. Admission 20kr.“ The programme was then listed in performance order. Bramberger and Horká were noted by the Národní listy 14/12/1862 report to be members of Sokol. This source also reported that because a large number of ladies were expected to attend, the Sokol committee had decreed that smoking would not be permitted during the hour-long interval.

The German-language newspaper Bohemia 14/12/1862 published in its Tagesprogramm of daily Prague cultural events: ‘4pm Žofín Island: First Production of the String Orchestra of the „Sokol“.’

The subsequent Národní listy 15/12/1862 review stated that the attendance at the event was so great that the correspondent, signed ‘-Z’, did not recall having seen the Žofín hall so full. The critic also remarked that the first part of the programme took place with the seating in the hall arranged in rows, in the manner of a concert. For the second half the tables were moved aside to facilitate dancing. The music was performed ‘energetically and diligently’ by the Sokol orchestra, to a standard ‘as we have not heard in Prague for a long time.’ Admission to the entertainment cost 20kr. The programme of the database record is reproduced in performance order according to the Národní listy 14/12/1862 report.

Národní listy 17/12/1862 published an anecdote of how ‘At Sunday production of the musical band of „Sokol“ on Žofín Isoland arrived one very elegant lady at the box office and with the greeting „Na zdar“ laid on the table a large ducat, which certainly testifies to the liking for Sokol among the fairer sex.’