The Flair of the Era

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I. A Yearning for the Era

From Jane Austen to Bridgerton

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II. The Fascination of the Time

Romance & Etiquette of the Empire

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III. On Princely Paths

The Splendor of the Eichstätt Residence

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IV. Musical Masterpieces

The Virtuosos of our Society

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V. Of Dance Angels & Pillars

A deeply personal note of gratitude

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It is an undeniable truth that the witty and exquisitely sensitive world of Jane Austen has captivated the hearts of countless admirers for decades. At the latest since the colorful rise of the Bridgerton chronicles, this fascination has fully arrived in the social present. Since then, sprouting festivities have attempted to exude the incomparable flair of places like Bath, Lucca, or indeed Eichstätt, allowing us all that sweet immersion and losing oneself in the Regency epoch.

But what exactly constitutes the Regency and the Empire? Why is this era so irresistibly fascinating, especially in our modern days? Perhaps we recognize ourselves in the fateful characters set against the dramatic backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.

Or is it rather a secret longing for the steadfast rigor of the etiquette of the time? In a fast-paced era, we perhaps miss the stylishly restrained courting, the subtle, unspoken play of glances, and that early romantic revelry which bestows upon this gallant epoch its immortal soul.

Our very own Grand Jane Austen Ball looks back with pride upon a long and exceedingly resplendent tradition, whose festive inception took place as early as 2012. Beginning in Nuremberg, the path led through the cultivated halls of Erlangen and Ansbach, finally arriving here in Eichstätt. There, within the majestic Hall of Mirrors of the former Prince-Bishop's Residence, we walked in the footsteps of the Dukes of Leuchtenberg. It was this very residence that once served a Bavarian princess and Napoleon's stepson—the deposed Viceroys of Italy—as a magnificent refuge and new home. A more dignified setting for a historical ball of this epoch can hardly be imagined in all of Bavaria.

That this endeavor was allowed to grow to such grandeur and grace is due not least to the early, formative collaboration with the Pemberley Players from Liverpool. It is a great honor for me that we are still permitted to dance to the wonderful reconstructions and sheet music of their director, David Williams.

And how exceedingly enchanting it is that this legacy is now continued through the collaboration with the lovely Pemberley Ensemble under the direction of the talented Vroni Schnattinger, who for three years now has allowed us to glide across the parquet of the Hall of Mirrors with buoyant virtuosity.

There were days when I almost feared the end of this grand ball. But how charmingly and warmly we were received in Eichstätt! From the very beginning, I owe this tireless continuation to the energetic support of my student helpers, my true "dance angels".

My deepest and most profound gratitude, however, belongs to my dear wife, Tanja. Since our marriage—solemnized during the deprived times of the Corona turmoil—she supports me more than just actively and bears the vagaries of my creative urge with admirable composure. Without her, this magnificent work would be virtually inconceivable.