After reading the programme it is superfluous to be informed that the institution was chiefly intended for the training of dramatic artists.

Elsner, who was appointed director, selected the teaching staff, with one exception, however, that of the first singing-master, for which post the Government engaged the composer Carlo Evasio Soliva, a pupil of Asioli and Frederici.
The musical taste and culture prevailing in Poland about 1819 is pretty accurately described by a German resident at Cracow.

So far as music was concerned Poland had hitherto been ignored by the rest of Europe, and indeed could lay no claim to universal notice in this respect.

But the improved culture and greater insight which some had acquired in foreign lands were good seeds that began to bear fruit.

As yet, however, the greater part of the public took little or no interest in the better class of music, and was easily pleased and satisfied with polonaises, mazurkas, and other trivial things.