Franz Graf von Pocci (1807–1876) was born as the son of an official at the Bavarian court from Italy and a Dresden baroness, and after studying law in 1830 became Master of Ceremonies to Ludwig I, in 1847 Court Music Intendant, in 1864 Lord Chamberlain at the court of Ludwig II. But that was not enough: Count Pocci was an indefatigable draftsman and watercolorist. As a member of the gentlemen's society "Altengland", which included high-ranking personalities from nobility and bourgeoisie, he created brilliant caricatures of the same, the so-called Anglia albums, to be viewed in the Bavarian State Library. He was also active as a writer and made a name for himself above all as the author of over 40 Kasperl comedies and his invention of Kasper Larifari, hence his nickname "Kasperlgraf". In addition, he also understood composition and created many one- and multi-voice works, especially in the field of vocal music, including the folk song "Flug der Liebe" ("Wenn ich ein Vöglein wär"). Stage compositions and piano sonatas also count among his œuvre.

The Graf Franz von Pocci Society was founded in 2002 at Lake Starnberg. It is committed, among other things, to the research, processing and performance of the musical works of the Count and honors persons and cultural institutions that strive to preserve his life's work and cultural achievements in his spirit. Previous prize winners include Gerhard Polt and the Biermösl Blosn, the Munich Artists' House, the Munich and Salzburg Marionette Theater, or also the multiple award-winning cartoonist, painter and author Rudi Hurzlmeier. In 2023, the Tiroler Festspiele Erl are the recipients of the Pocci Prize.