A Student’s Guide to Classical Music in Prague

Although many students choose Prague as their study abroad destination for the stunning architecture, fascinating history, and affordable lifestyle, not all of them realize that the Czech capital is also a fantastic destination for music and theater aficionados. Whether you’re studying Business  Administration or IT Management, live theater and music performances can feed your emotional intelligence and help you exercise creative thinking, which is essential to both personal and academic success. When you plan your next night out in Prague, consider getting tickets to the State Opera or Municipal House. Check out what’s on, and choose from a wide range of operas and concerts. Theatre tickets don’t need to be expensive either, as most venues provide a significant student discount. 

Studying abroad at UNYP you’ll add a meaningful experience to your life and your resume.

Prague Spring 

Music lovers will be especially excited to be in town at the end of May for Prague Spring, the annual international music festival. 

Since 1946, one of the world’s most famous classical music festivals has been held in the capital of the Czech Republic, offering performances by the best orchestras, musicians, and singers. Every year, the festival opens with a performance of Smetana’s oratorio “My Homeland” in the Municipal House (Obecní dům).

Nová scéna (New Stage)

Every theater in Prague has its own fascinating history. The New Stage was constructed in 1983 as a home of the Laterna Magica ensemble. Laterna Magica, or Magic Lantern, is a type of performance first created by the Czech stage director Alfréd Radok for the 1958th Brussels International Industrial Exhibition. The original Laterna Magica performance is considered the world’s first multimedia theatre because it combined modern choreography, classical ballet, and cinema projections. Today, the New Stage belongs to the National Theatre and serves as a space for performing arts, contemporary dance, interactive performances and multimedia projects. 

Národní divadlo 

If you are interested in classical productions and opera, then you should visit the National Theater. With its red velvet chairs, gilded stucco, and crystal chandeliers, the interior of this theater competes with the world’s finest opera houses of the world, while the historical and mythological murals were created by the most accomplished Czech artists of the 19th century. There is no better place to get acquainted with the Czech classics such as Dvořák, Smetana, and Janáček. 

Stavovské divadlo

Another famous Prague opera scene is the Estates Theater, one of the oldest European theatres, which has been in operation since 1783. In 1787, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart conducted his opera The Marriage of Figaro in this very theater. Unlike most opera houses, the Estates Theater’s interior was designed in blue-gray-green tones, with white and gold stucco decoration. 

Rudolfinum

Planned as a multi-purpose music and art palace, the Rudolfinum was opened in 1885.  In 1896, the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra began to give concerts in the Rudolfinum. Over the years, great musicians such as Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Grieg, and Kubelik have brandished their batons from the Rudolfinum conductor’s stand. The Rudolfinum is currently the main residence of the Czech Philharmonic, and the northern part of the building serves as an exhibition venue.  

The most significant works of music and theater are engines of empathy, allowing us to travel instantly into other lives and ages. Remember, it’s never too late to start enjoying classical music!