THE EVENT
The Prague Spring International Music Festival is one of the most important music festivals in Central Europe. Figures such as Rafael Kubelík and Leonard Bernstein, who made his European debut at the festival, backed its founding in 1946. Today, the biggest musical stars from around the world come to Prague Spring – this year we are welcoming Daniel Barenboim, Paavo Järvi, Gil Shaham and Murray Perahia just to name a few, and the orchestras will include the Czech Philharmonic, the Staatskepelle Berlin, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. It’s a unique experience to hear these wonderful performers against the picturesque backdrop of Prague and its first-class halls – the art nouveau Municipal House and the neo-renaissance Rudolfinum. The programme will offer 50 concerts and over 40,000 tickets, and lovers of a big orchestral sound will get all they want, as will devotees of chamber music, fans of contemporary music, or those whose hearts belong to the authentic interpretation of the music of past epochs.
THIS YEAR
Two geographic accents – Spanish and Baltic – are being offered this year, with the Spanish cycle beginning on May 16 with the Al Ayre Español ensemble, which is presenting 17th- and 18th-century vocal-instrumental compositions discovered in American archives. On May 17 an appearance by legendary dancers Susana Lupiañez Pinto and Antonio Canales at the Rudolfinum will offer a stirring journey to the very roots of traditional flamenco with a combination of music, singing and dancing. The highlight of the Baltic cycle will be the magnificent oratorio Epitaphium temporum Pereunti by the contemporary Lithuanian composer Bronius Kutaviius. It will be receiving its Czech premiere at the festival.
AMBIANCE
The festival takes place during the loveliest time of year, while Prague is in bloom and it’s the ideal time for walks or picnics in parks – or you can enjoy dining al fresco at cafés or restaurants. After an inspirational tour of the historic city centre, end the day with one of the festival’s concerts, from a selection of 14 orchestras, 65 soloists and conductors, and 19 chamber ensembles from 23 countries.
RUB SHOULDERS WITH
Besides figures from the world of music, John Malkovich has also been a repeat guest of the festival, appearing in two projects accompanied by the famous Orchester Wiener Akademie, once in the role of the legendary seducer Casanova, and for a second time as a serial killer. During his lifetime, the first post-revolution president, Václav Havel, was a frequent guest of the festival.
AFTER DARK
On the premises of the Municipal House there is a famous French restaurant, an art nouveau café, and an American-style bar for evening indulgences. All 17 festival venues are located in the historic city centre, which offers a wide selection of establishments where you will find the best of Czech and international cuisine. Czech beer, with its celebrated tradition and quality, should not escape your attention.
STAY
The festival’s partner hotel is the centrally located InterContinental Prague (Paížská 30, Praha 1; +420 296 631 111). The top-storey restaurant Zlatá Praha (Golden Prague) offers splendid views of the Old Town. The adjacent street, Parížská ulice, is known for its boutiques and jewellers.
WEAR
The festival’s opening and closing concerts are prestigious social events where black tie is called for. At matinees and nocturne concerts late in the evening, the dress code is more relaxed and you should wear what makes you feel comfortable – the music is the main thing. Use your imagination, but I would emphasise that a concert is not a sporting event, so you should leave your jogging outfit at home.
MUST DO
Visit the historic Estates Theatre. After the world premiere of W.A. Mozart’s Don Giovanni was given at that theatre, Mozart supposedly declared: “My Praguers understand me!” And I would add yet another saying: “Show me a Czech, and I’ll show you a musician.” That’s just one more reason why you should not miss Prague Spring.
