Concert hall in Prague. Concert halls in Prague
For several centuries, Prague has been famous for its rich musical traditions and offers its residents and guests of the capital a decent selection of classical music concerts, held in the best acoustically and architecturally designed halls in the country.
Rudolfinum and Dvorak Hall
- an exhibition palace of amazing beauty - was opened in 1885 as the House of Artists, and since 1896 the main concert venue of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra has been located here. Today, one part of the building is dedicated to Art Exhibitions, and the other contains several concert halls, the main one being the Dvořák Hall, famous for its excellent acoustics.
This world-famous concert hall was opened on January 4, 1896, when the Czech Philharmonic performed its third Slavic Rhapsody and the Symphony “From the New World” under the direction of Antonin Dvořák. The hall bears the composer’s name to this day. Since 1918, the Parliament of Czechoslovakia met here, but during the Second World War, the Germans restored the organ in the Dvořák Hall and returned the room to its original purpose. Since then, the Dvorak Hall has been used exclusively for musical purposes.
Today the Dvořák Hall is the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Since 1946, concerts of the famous European music festival “Prague Spring” have been held here every year. The capacity of the Dvorak Hall today is 1023 seats.
The small concert hall of the Rudolfinum, called Souk, is used for vocal and instrumental performances.
Public House and Smetana Hall
The most famous Art Nouveau building in Prague is (or the Municipal House), where perhaps the most famous concert hall in Prague is located - the Smetana Hall.
This largest concert hall in the city seats 1,200 people and is used not only for concerts and balls, but also for performances by folk dance and music ensembles. Every year on May 12, the Prague Spring festival opens here, where you can hear works by Brahms, Wagner, Dvorak, Mendelssohn, Mozart and Strauss. Smetana Hall is the seat of the Prague Symphony Orchestra.
The interior of the hall is impressive with the works of the best masters of the early 20th century. On both sides of the stage in the Smetana Hall there are sculptures by Shaloun “Slavic Dances” and “Vysehrad”, and the ceiling is painted by Shpillar. The balconies and boxes are decorated with portraits of Czech composers, and the organ stands out in gilded bronze relief.
In addition to the Smetana Hall, there are several smaller concert halls in the Municipal House. The Mayor's Hall (Primator's Hall) was decorated by the famous artist Alphonse Mucha. The ceiling and walls of the room are decorated with paintings and stucco sculptures on patriotic themes. There is also something to see in the F.L. hall. Rieger (Czech politician).
Perhaps the best hall in Prague for chamber music is located in the complex. Classical music lovers will not leave the Mirror Chapel disappointed. This baroque hall has no analogues in the architecture of the Czech Republic; it underwent restoration in 2011 and now welcomes visitors again.
Mozart and Bertramck Museum
The country estate of the Dashkovs, known as , has become popular in recent years as a venue for chamber music evenings. True, they say that it is quite difficult to get to these evenings.
Not far from the National Theater on a picturesque island is located, which today is the venue for a large number of important cultural and social events, concerts, balls and receptions.
The Lobkovich Palace, built in the mid-16th century, is undoubtedly worth a visit. The palace was recently restored and today it hosts concerts and receptions.
Of course, the above list of concert halls in Prague is far from complete, because the Czechs are big music lovers. It is also worth mentioning the Atrium concert and exhibition complex in Žižkov and the hall in Mala Strana. Concerts are regularly held on the steps, and in the summer on some of them.
The Rudolfinum on Jan Palach Square in Prague is a world-famous concert hall and home stage of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The area of Rudolfinum is 8000 m2. The building has as many as 80 rooms, including two huge concert halls. One of the halls is dedicated to Antonin Dvorak, the leader of the orchestra. Together with the National Theater and Museum, the Rudolfinum forms a unique triad of cultural life in the capital.
NAVIGATION
Story
The Rudolfinum building in the neo-Renaissance style was built in 1876-84, the project was financed by the largest banks. The creators of the project did not intend to limit Rudolfinum to the musical sphere. Initially, the building was planned as a house of art and was also supposed to house the largest art gallery.
The project was named in honor of the heir to the Czech crown, Rudolf.
In Czechoslovakia, until the Nazi occupation began, the building served as the home of the National Assembly of Deputies. During this period, the appearance of Rudolfinum changed noticeably due to technical needs.
The Nazis again made Rudolfinum a concert hall. For the occupiers, his stage became one of the mouthpieces of the propaganda of the Third Reich.
During the reconstruction of the building, it was ordered to dismantle the statue of Mendelssohn. There were no signatures, and workers accidentally sent a statue of Wagner, the composer Hitler loved, to the landfill. In the chaos, members of the resistance managed to save the monument to Mendelssohn.
After the Czech Republic came under the influence of the Soviet Union, Rudolfinum became a House of Artists for a long time. When independence returned to the country, the cultural monument was restored to its true meaning. After World War II, the Rudolfinum hosted the Prague Spring festival for the first time, one of the main events in the world of academic music.
Concert hall
After the Velvet Revolution, the Rudolfinum again became the main concert hall in Prague and the home of the Czech Philharmonic. The sculptures of famous musicians on the façade of the building were restored. The architects added new design elements that corresponded to the original ideas of their colleagues in the 19th century - statues of lions, sphinxes and muses. External lighting was installed, consisting of more than 4,000 lamps.
Now in the Dvojak Hall, more than a thousand spectators can enjoy the concert. The acoustics of the room are at the highest level.
The pride of the modern Rudolfinum is the German organ from 1884.
Gallery
The gallery consists of one large and three small halls. Now there is no permanent collection of exhibits here. Instead, the gallery serves as an exhibition hall. Despite the historical significance of the building, the gallery displays paintings by artists of our time. Also in Rudolfinum you can find a cinema hall and a cafe where you can have a drink or snack after the concert.
Address, opening hours
Rudolfinum is located in Prague at Alšovonábřeží 79/12. You can get there by tram 17 or 18, or by metro. The stop in both cases is Staroměstská.
The gallery's opening hours are from 10-00 to 18-00, on Thursdays - until 20-00. Tickets to the gallery cost 100-150 CZK.
Concerts on weekdays begin at half past eight, on weekends - at twelve o'clock in the afternoon. Ticket prices reach thousands of Czech crowns. Both the gallery and concert halls offer a 50% discount for students and senior citizens. Children under fifteen years of age can enter for free.
Hotels nearby
Classical music lovers can stay in hotels located near Rudolfinum:
- Zatecka N°14. Located in the Josefov quarter, half an hour's drive from Vaclav Havel Airport. Here you will find family rooms and excellent Italian coffee. Couples especially rate the hotel highly;
- Residence U Malvaze. Address – Karlova 10. The best choice for those who come not only to see historical sights, but also to try Czech beer. A variety of beers and snacks are served here. In fine weather, breakfast is served in the hotel garden;
- U Páva, located at U Lužického Semináře 30. A universal option. There are family rooms and a small club for guests on the ground floor. The local wine list will interest even experienced sommeliers;
- Residence Glamor Premium. You will stop at 23 Pařížská. From the balconies of this hotel you will have a beautiful view of old Prague. Each room includes a personal coffee machine.
The building of the Czech Philharmonic Rudolfinum, built in 1884 by architects Josef Zitk and Josef Schulz, became the second most important object of national culture after the People's Theater. At the conductor's stand in this concert hall were such great musicians as Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Grieg, Kubelik, etc. Since 1946, Rudolfinum has served as the venue for the famous European music festival “Prague Spring”.
Classical music concert in Rudolfinum - from 25 euros / person.
Public house
The building of the Public House, without exaggeration, is the most significant object of Czech architecture in the Secession style. It was built by architects Antonin Balszank and Oswald Polivka in 1911. Masters such as sculptor Ladislav Šaloun and artist Alphonse Mucha, etc. worked on the decoration of the building. The house was intended for holding various ceremonial events and concerts. The most beautiful concert hall of the Public House, the Smetana Hall, has the best acoustics in Prague.
Classical music concert in the Public House - from 20 euros / person.
Villa Bertramka
Villa Bertramka was the country estate of the Dushkovs, friends of Mozart. The great composer stayed with them during his visits to Prague in 1787 and 1791. Here he completed work on the score of the opera Don Giovanni. The villa now houses a Mozart Museum. It has become a good tradition to hold chamber music concerts at Bertramka.
Program of the musical evening “An Evening with Mozart”
19:30 – meeting guests with a glass of champagne
19:45 – visit to the Mozart Museum (Villa Bertramka)
20:00 – Classical music concert
Classical music concert at Villa Bertramka - 19 euros / person.
Cathedral of St. Nicholas on Mala Strana
This church, the creation of architects Kilian and Kristof Ignacy Decinghofer, is rightfully considered the pinnacle of Czech Baroque architecture. And, therefore, visiting classical music concerts regularly held in the Cathedral of St. Nicholas is an opportunity not only to enjoy the wonderful works of Mozart and Vivaldi, but also to see the exquisite interior decoration of the cathedral.
Classical music concert at St. Nicholas - from 15 euros / person.
An enchanting spectacle is offered in the evenings to visitors to the Prague Exhibition Center. Classical and modern ballet performances are performed against the backdrop of fountain jets soaring into the sky, illuminated with all the colors of the rainbow. The ensemble of Krizhik fountains appeared back in 1891, when its lighting effects were realized by the Czech engineer Frantisek Krizhek.
Presentation of the Křižíkov Fountains – 8 euros/person.
Prague is undoubtedly one of the recognized leaders in the field of classical music. The city hosts a wide variety of musical events, operas and ballets every day. Works by many famous composers are performed here: Mozart, Vivaldi, Bach, Verdi, Dvorak and Smetana. Concerts are held at lunchtime and in the evening, and tickets can be purchased directly at the event box office or in advance through online agencies. Some of the best venues for classical concerts include the Dvořák Concert Hall in the Rudolfinum, the Smetana Hall in the Municipal House, St. George's Basilica in Prague Castle, the Clementinum and the Church of St. Nicholas.
Concert halls
Spanish Hall in Prague Castle (second courtyard), Prague 1, www.hrad.cz – This is the largest ceremonial hall in Prague Castle, where important concerts and events are held.
Clam-Gallas Palace, st. Husova 20 (Husova), Prague 1, www.ahmp.cz – This is a luxurious building in the Baroque style that hosts important events and concerts.
Klementinum – Mirror Chapel, Mariánské náměstí 5 (Marian Square), Prague 1, www.klementinum.com – A beautiful baroque chapel housing two unique organs. Concerts of jazz and classical music take place here.
Lucerna – Great Hall, st. Štěpánská 61 (Stepanska), Prague 1, www.lucpra.com – Legendary concert and ballroom.
Rudolfinum – Dvorak Hall, Alšovo nábřeží 12, Prague 1 – Famous concert hall and Czech Philharmonic, which began work in 1896, under the direction of Antonin Dvorak.
Municipal House – Smetana Hall, náměstí Republiky 5 (Republic Square), Prague 1, www.obecnidum.cz – This is a famous Art Nouveau music hall and a traditional venue for the spring music festival in Prague.
Liechtenstein Palace – Martinu Hall, Malostranské náměstí 13 (Lesser Town Square), Prague 1 – Concert hall in a historic palace in Lesser Town.
Žofín – Great Hall, Slovanský ostrov 226 (Slovan Island), Prague 1 – Neo-Renaissance palace with large concert hall and ballroom.
Sights of musical Prague
Clam-Gallas Palace, Husova 20 (Husova), Prague 1
Christian Philip Clam-Gallas (1748-1805) began the famous musical tradition by inviting the composer Mozart and his wife Constance to the palace in 1787. In the palace, Mozart played the piano, as did the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven, who was invited a little later, in 1798 (it was in this year that Beethoven met his platonic love, Josephine Clary-Aldringen).
U Zlatého jednorožce (Hotel At the Golden Unicorn), Lázeňská 11, Prague 1
In 1796, Ludwig van Beethoven stayed at this Baroque hotel. The hotel was extremely popular in Prague in the 18th century.
Dům U Tří zlatých lvů (House of the Three Golden Lions), Uhelny trh 1, Prague 1
Mozart stayed here in 1787 during his second visit to Prague. It was this year that the composer composed the opera Don Giovanni, which premiered at the nearby Estates Theater. According to reports, in Prague he collaborated with librettist Lorenzo da Ponte, who lived across the street and communicated with the composer through an open window.
Dům U Medvídků (House of the Bears), Na Perštýně 7, Prague 1
Czech musicians loved to gather in this club throughout the 19th century. It was here in 1888 that Antonin Dvorak brought the no less famous Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky later wrote in his diary: “The Czechs are extremely nice people!”
Strahov Monastery and Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Strahovské nádvoří 1, Prague 1
In 1787, Mozart and singer Josephine Duszek visited Strahov Monastery, one of the world's oldest monasteries of Premonstratensian monks, founded in the 12th century. The composer was especially delighted by the organ in the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which he even played.
Dům U Tří housliček (house of the three violins), Nerudova 12, Prague 1
This house on Nerudova Street did not get its name by chance - from 1667 to 1748 it belonged to three families of violin makers, the most famous representative of which was Thomas Edlinger. The instruments created by his hand are considered unique works of art.
Church of St. Nicholas, Malostranské náměstí, Prague1
The church houses a unique organ created in 1745 – 1746. It was there that the funeral mass was played in memory of Mozart.
Church of Saints Simon and Jude, U Milosrdných 1, Prague 1
The church is famous for musical concerts of the Baroque era and carefully preserved unique organs, which, according to legend, were played by Mozart and Joseph Haydn. It was this fact that saved the organ pipes from confiscation in 1917.
Loreto, Loretánské náměstí 7, Prague 1
This church houses a unique carillon. This instrument is recognized as one of the most valuable organs of the Baroque era. A distinctive feature of the organ is its broken octave and bellows located outside the church.
Vyšehrad Cemetery and Slavín Tomb
The Visegrad cemetery is undoubtedly the most remarkable burial site in the country. More than 600 prominent cultural and scientific figures found peace here. Among the famous musical figures buried in the cemetery, it is worth mentioning Berjich Smetana, Antonin Dvorak, Zdenek Fiebig. Ema Destinnova, Jan Kubelik and Rafael Kubelik were buried in the monumental tomb of Slavin.
Music museums
Czech Museum of Music, Karmelitská 2, Prague 1, www.nm.cz
The former Church of St. Mary Magdalene houses a collection of more than 400 historical musical instruments, including a piano rumored to have been played by Mozart himself.
Antonin Dvořák Museum, Ke Karlovu 20, Prague 2, www.nm.cz
In the baroque summer palace of the museum there is a permanent exhibition of documents telling about the life and work of the famous composer.
Berdjich Smetana Museum, Novotného lávka 1, Prague 1, www.nm.cz
This building once served as a water tower, but today it houses a museum telling the story of the life and work of the Czech composer Smetana.
Prague Conservatory, Na Rejdišti 1, Prague 1,
