Jane Austen Ball Eichstätt Jane Austen Ball Eichstätt
Historical Impression The Grand Jane Austen Ball

The Flair of the Epoch

A majestic journey into the Regency era
Silhouette of Jane Austen

I. A Yearning for the Epoch

From Jane Austen to Bridgerton
 Silhouette of Jane Austen

II. The Fascination of the Times

Romance & Etiquette of the Empire
 Silhouette of Jane Austen

III. Upon Princely Paths

The Splendor of the Eichstätt Residence
 Silhouette of Jane Austen

IV. Musical Masterpieces

The Virtuosos of Our Society
 Silhouette of Jane Austen

V. Of Dancing Angels & Pillars

A Deeply Personal Expression of Gratitude

I. A Yearning for the Epoch

It is an undeniable truth that the witty and supremely refined world of Jane Austen has captivated the hearts of countless admirers for decades. Ever since the colorful rise of the Bridgerton chronicles, this fascination has well and truly arrived in contemporary society. Festivities springing up everywhere since have sought to exude the incomparable flair of locations such as Bath, Lucca, or indeed Eichstätt, enabling us all to sweetly immerse ourselves and lose ourselves within the Regency era.

II. The Fascination of the Gallant Epoch

Yet what precisely constitutes the Regency and the Empire? Why is this epoch so irresistibly fascinating precisely in our present day? Perhaps we recognize ourselves within those fateful figures against the dramatic backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.

Or is it rather a secret longing for the sustaining strictness of the etiquette of those times? In a fast-paced age, we may miss the stylishly restrained courtship, the subtle, unspoken play of glances, and that early romantic languishing which imparts to this gallant epoch its immortal soul.

III. Upon Princely Paths: The Tradition

Our own Grand Jane Austen Ball looks back with pride upon a long and supremely illustrious tradition, the celebratory prelude of which took place as early as 2012. Commencing in Nuremberg, the path led via the cultivated halls of Erlangen and Ansbach finally here to Eichstätt. There, within the majestic Hall of Mirrors of the former prince-episcopal residence, we walked in the footsteps of the Dukes of Leuchtenberg. It was this very residence that once served a Bavarian princess and the stepson of Napoleon – the deposed Viceroys of Italy – as a magnificent refuge and new home. A more dignified setting for a historical ball of this epoch can scarcely be conceived in all of Bavaria.

IV. Musical Masterpieces of Society

That this endeavor was permitted to grow to such grandeur and grace we owe not least to the early, formative collaboration with the Pemberley Players from Liverpool. It is my great honor that we are still permitted to dance to the wonderful reconstructions and musical scores of their director, David Williams.

And how thoroughly charming it is that this heritage is now continued through the collaboration with the charming Pemberley Ensemble under the direction of the talented Vroni Schnattinger, which has allowed us to glide across the parquet in the Hall of Mirrors with spirited virtuosity for the past three years.

V. Of Dancing Angels and an Inestimable Pillar

There were days when I almost feared the demise of this grand ball. Yet how charmingly and warmly we were received in Eichstätt! This tireless continuation I owe from the very beginning to the energetic support of my student assistants, my true "dancing angels".

My deepest and most far-reaching gratitude, however, is due to my dear wife Tanja. Ever since our wedding – solemnized during the deprived times of the corona turmoil – she has supported me more than merely energetically and endures the tumults of my creative drive with admirable equanimity. Without her, this magnificent work would scarcely be conceivable.