Event profile

By invitation of the City Council of Prague, choirs from all over the world sing in Prague during the Advent season. Venues include the beloved Hlahol Choir Building, the open-air stage in the old quarters in the city centre, the National Theatre or Saint
Nicolaus Church. A non-competitive festival in a gathering
of choirs from all over the world.

PROGRAM

• DAY 1: Arrival in Prague. Accommodation at the Hotel. Meet your Music Contact assistant for a welcome drink and an orientation talk.

• DAY 2: Half-day city tour. In the afternoon sing in the open-air stage in the old quarters in the city centre. The evening is free or you can take part in an optional program.

• DAY 3: Optional concert in a church and in the evening, you may, if you wish, joing other choirs for a recital in one of the famous concert halls.An optional closing party, including dinner, music and dance, will be organised for all choirs.

• DAY 4: Depart Prague

NOTE:
A professional guide will take care of your Choir throughout your stay in Prague.
A personalised program around the basic program can be arranged by special request.

PRAGUE, THE CITY
Only a few European cities can compare with the capital of Bohemia, the “Golden town” Prague, with its immense historical and cultural heritage. Its musical tradition is omnipresent in concert halls, but also in the streets and taverns. Smetana, Dvorak and Mozart are part of its cultural richness, just like today’s composers such as Petr Eben and Zdenek Lukac.

The Old Town Square of Prague is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. The open air stage is situated in the middle of the Christmas market with dozens of bohemian glass and
bijouterie stalls. Over the weekend, a lot of people visit the Christmas market to hear choirs from all over the world. Heated containers for the preparation of the concerts and loudspeakers are supplied for the choirs. The evening atmosphere in the square is beyond words; a 30 m. high Christmas tree and the illuminated buildings and churches provide a fairy-tale like backdrop for a concert that one will never forget.

A concert with several choirs from different countries is held in the lovely Art Nouveau concert hall of the Prague choral society Hlahol (voice), where Bedrich Smetana was one of the first choir directors. To finish off, all choirs singing together, bringing the grand finale to a magic moment. Further concert halls are in the Academy of fine Arts AMU and in the National Centre in Prague.

Concerts during services in churches in Prague and surroundings during the weekend paint the picture of daily life of the people of Prague.

An optional farewell dinner with Bohemian specialities, Pilsen beer, dance and songs put the finishing touch on the Choral Advent in Prague. After this, it is difficult to say Good bye to the Golden Town of Prague!

Extracts of comments from participating choirs at this festival

....everything was meticulously prepared up to the slightest detail. We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Buchmann for the organization of the 2001 Festival.... (Männergesangverein 1843 Vorsfelde)

A total success and an extraordinary experience... without forgetting the super organization that made our lives easier and made us feel great ... (TV-Männerchor Wenigumstadt)

....all of the participants are still under the effects of "Prague fever"... (Katholischer Kirchenchor Pfullingen)

....we experienced a highly successful event that was extremely stimulating for our chorus...(Kirchenchor St. Cäcilia Bruchköbel)

...everything was simply the optimum... (Singgemeinde Munster)

...still to this day, this trip remains as an incredible moment in the hearts of all the participants... (Chor Quodlibets Springe)

Perfect organization, our totally committed guide, Dana. In a word, a unique experience... (Gesangverein Schmalförden)

For our choir, participating in the Festival was the high point of the musical year (Frauenchor Freundschaft Neustrelitz)

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