Classical music and jazz

The Czech Republic belongs among the great powers of European music, and everyone with an interest in classical music most certainly knows such names as Smetana, Dvořák, Janáček or Martinů. In terms of contemporary performers, we could mention, for example, the singers Dagmar Pecková and Magdalena Kožená, harpist Kateřina Englichová or guitarist Pavel Seidl.

Music festivals in Prague

Prague is home to more than one prestigious international music festival, playing host in the sublime concert spaces of the Municipal House (Obecní dům) and the Rudolfinum among many other venues to leading international classical performers.

Prague Spring (Pražské jaro)

Held in May, or occasionally at the end of May and continuing into June, this festival, held since 1946, is focused primarily on classical music and is probably the most renowned Czech music festival (www.festival.cz)

Strings of Autumn (Struny podzimu)

A music festival running from October into November, its focus is on the interrelations between classical music and jazz. During the festival, Prague becomes the destination of some of the most intriguing figures of the international music world (www.strunypodzimu.cz)

Prague Autumn (Pražský podzim)

Logically held in September (occasionally into October), the festival provides space for groups somewhat outside the traditional bonds of classical music, e.g. flamenco ensembles or exceptional gipsy orchestras (www.pragueautumn.cz).

Verdi Festival

The immortal tones of the operas of Giuseppe Verdi resound in Prague every August as part of this well-known festival (www.opera.cz).

Significant festivals of classical music in the Czech Republic

International opera festival Smetana’s Litomyšl

After the Prague Spring, Smetana’s Litomyšl (Smetanova Litomyšl) (www.smetanovalitomysl.cz) is the most widely known Czech festival of classical music. Moreover, the picturesque town of Litomyšl is now a UNESCO heritage site.

Janáček’s Hukvaldy

Janáček’s Hukvaldy (www.janackovy-hukvaldy.cz) focuses on the work of one of the 20th century’s leading composers.

Český Krumlov International Music Festival

A classical music festival offering appearances by performers from a variety of countries (www.czechmusicfestival.com)

Kutná Hora Music Festival

A series of classical concerts held in September in the unusual but absolutely unique setting of the UNESCO-listed monument in Kutná Hora, St. Barbara’s Cathedral.

Jazz festivals

International jazz festival

The International Jazz Festival Prague (www.jazzfestivalpraha.cz) celebrated its 30th consecutive year in 2006. During its long existence, it hosted such jazz legends as Ray Charles, B. B. King, Jean-Luc Ponty and many others.

Jazz goes to town

The festival Jazz goes to town (www.jazzgoestotown.cz) takes place in Hradec Králové and in just over a decade has become one of the most prestigious international Czech jazz festivals.