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Municipal House, Prague, Smetana Hall -
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New Year's Concert: Strauss, Mozart, Dvořák & Opera with Ballet
Prague, Municipal House (Obecní dum) — Smetana Hall
About the Event
In this highly‐anticipated New Year's Eve Concert, hear the mellifluous sounds of classical music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonín Dvořák and Johann Strauss at Prague's treasured and world‐renowned Municipal House (Obecní dum).
Program
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – The Magic Flute – Overture 'The Magic Flute', K. 620
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – The Magic Flute – The Magic Flute: Aria of the Queen of the Night
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – A Little Night Music – A Little Night Music, KV 525
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Arie of Constance — Abduction from Seraglio
- Antonín Dvořák – Slavonic dance no 10 op 46/10
- Antonín Dvořák – Polonaise – Opera Rusalka
- Antonín Dvořák – Humoresque
- Johann Strauss – Emperor Waltz
- Johann Strauss – Pizzicato — Polka
- Johann Strauss – Mein Herr Marquis
- Johann Strauss – Unter Donner und Blitz, Polka op. 324
- Johann Strauss – Radetzky March, op. 228
Municipal House (Obecní dum)
The Municipal House stands as a cherished landmark in Prague's historic center, elegantly positioned at Republic Square near the Powder Gate. Historically, the plot hosted the King of Bohemia's palace during the Middle Ages before transitioning into a college, archbishop’s residence, and later a military academy. By 1912, the original building made way for the stunning Art Nouveau structure we see today. Since its inauguration, the Municipal House has hosted lavish balls, concerts, exhibits, and notable events, including the proclamation of Czechoslovak Independence in 1918. Now, the Municipal House primarily hosts classical music events in Prague. Its grand hall, named for the esteemed Czech composer Bedrich Smetana, is a key venue of the Prague Spring International Music Festival. Capable of accommodating 1,200 attendees, the hall is renowned for its exceptional acoustics. A striking feature is the hall's glass dome, framed by steel grids and colorful stained glass, which comes alive with light after sunset. Further enhancing its splendor, the venue boasts a magnificent organ, admired by leading organists worldwide, featuring nearly 5,000 pipes surmounted by a portrait of Smetana.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Arguably the most significant composer in history, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, an Austrian musical genius of the 18th century, entered the world in 1756 in Salzburg. Demonstrating remarkable musical aptitude from his early years, Mozart started composing at the tender age of five. Over his brief lifespan, he created more than 600 pieces, including symphonies, concertos, sacred music, and operas, until his untimely demise at 35. His profound impact on future musicians is undeniable; Ludwig van Beethoven himself stated that "posterity will not see such a talent again in 100 years". Despite his widespread fame and critical praise throughout Europe, Mozart struggled with financial stability and was laid to rest in a nondescript grave at St Marx Cemetery in Vienna.
Antonín Dvořák
Antonin Dvorak ranks among the most renowned and celebrated Czechs globally, as his compositions achieved international acclaim during his lifetime. Born in 1841 in a modest Czech village to a butcher's family, Dvorak began violin lessons at six, displaying immediate and exceptional musical aptitude. As he grew, he also mastered piano and organ while working part-time in a slaughterhouse. At 16, Dvorak enrolled in Prague's Organ School, aimed at cultivating professional composers. Upon graduation, he joined Karel Komzak’s orchestra in Prague and began composing vigorously, although financially, he struggled and supplemented his income with church music performances and private teaching. The year 1874 marked a pivotal moment as Dvorak secured a financial award from an Austrian Prize competition for 15 of his works, enabling him to leave the orchestra to focus entirely on composition. During this era, he created seminal works like the Slavonic Dances, Moravian Duets, and his Violin Concerto, which catapulted him to widespread success. In 1892, he took a position at the New York National Conservatory, where he taught until 1895, returning thereafter to teach at the Prague Conservatory, eventually becoming its director. Dvorak remained a beloved and successful composer globally until his passing in 1904.
Johann Strauss
Johann Strauss Jr., revered as the waltz king, stands as the preeminent Austrian maestro of dance tunes and light operas. Born in the outskirts of Vienna in 1825, his early life was shaped under the shadow of his father, Johann Strauss I, an esteemed composer himself who starkly opposed his son's musical aspirations, favoring a banking career for him instead. Consequently, young Strauss had to secretly master the violin, covertly tutored by Franz Amon who was the lead violinist in his father’s band. Despite these hurdles, and attending polytechnic college to pacify his father, in 1844, Strauss Jr. defiantly established his own ensemble, performing across various casinos and eateries. His father, wielding significant influence over Vienna's music circles, attempted to stifle his son's career by barring his orchestra from prominent venues and events. Such obstacles, however, did little to deter Strauss Jr.'s burgeoning success throughout Austria. Following his father's demise, he ingeniously amalgamated their orchestras, expanding his tours across Austria and neighboring nations along with his composer brothers, enjoying widespread acclaim for their fresh, avant-garde dance compositions. Strauss’s international fame soared when he led a monumental ensemble of 1000 musicians in a record-breaking performance in the United States. He remained a beloved musical figure until his death in 1899, creating works that vibrated with joy, a celebration of life, and the subtle enchantments of nature—from the soothing murmurs of water to the gentle whispers of wind and leaves.
Address
Municipal House (Obecní dum), 5 Republic Square (Namesti republiky 5), Prague, Czech Republic — Google Maps
