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Municipal House, Prague, Smetana Hall -
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Prague Classical Orchestra: Chopin & Mozart piano concerto with orchestra
Prague, Municipal House (Obecní dum) — Smetana Hall
About the Event
Experience the beautiful classical music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonín Dvořák, and Frederic Chopin at Prague's famous Municipal House.
Program
- Frederic Chopin – Les Sylfides
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Turkish march
- Antonín Dvořák – Humoresque
- Frederic Chopin – Nocturno, Mazurka
- Antonín Dvořák – Divertimento in D DUR KV 251
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Piano Concerto ES DUR Č.KV 271
Municipal House (Obecní dum)
The Municipal House stands as a coveted destination in Prague’s Old Town, located on Republic Square near the Powder Gate. Initially, during the Middle Ages, this site was the Bohemian King’s palace, transitioning through various roles including a college, the archbishop’s residence, and a military academy, before its ultimate demolition. In its place, the current Art Nouveau-style Municipal House was constructed in 1912, quickly becoming a sought-after spot for lavish balls, concerts, exhibitions, and significant events like the proclamation of Czechoslovak Independence in 1918. Currently, the Municipal House primarily hosts classical music concerts in Prague. Its foremost auditorium, named for the esteemed Czech composer Bedrich Smetana, is a major venue for the renowned Prague Spring International Music Festival. The hall, which seats up to 1200 guests, boasts exceptional acoustics. Its most striking architectural feature is a luminous glass dome, crafted with steel grids and stained glass, that lights up nightly. Additionally, the grand organ, celebrated by leading global organists and featuring nearly 5000 pipes topped with a portrait of Smetana, is the centerpiece of the Municipal House.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Widely regarded as one of the greatest composers ever, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was an influential Austrian composer of the late 18th century. Born in 1756 in Salzburg, he displayed exceptional musical prowess from a young age. Starting at five years old, he created over 600 pieces, including concertos, symphonies, religious music, and operas until his untimely death at 35. His impact on future music is profound—Ludwig van Beethoven once said of him, "posterity will not see such a talent again in 100 years." Although his works were celebrated throughout Europe, Mozart struggled with financial instability and was interred in an unmarked grave at Vienna's St Marx Cemetery.
Antonín Dvořák
Antonin Dvorak is heralded as one of the most esteemed and recognizable Czech figures globally, owing to the widespread acclaim his music achieved during his lifetime. In 1841, he was born into a butcher's family in a quaint Czech village. Dvorak began violin lessons at 6, quickly revealing his prodigious musical aptitude. He later honed his skills on the piano and organ while concurrently working in a slaughterhouse. By 16, Dvorak had entered Prague’s Organ School, intended for aspiring professional composers. Upon completing his studies, he remained in Prague, played in Karel Komzak’s orchestra, and embarked on composing his music. Despite his talents, financial struggles persisted, forcing him to supplement his income through church performances and private music tutoring. A pivotal moment arrived in 1874 when Dvorak secured a financial grant from an Austrian Prize competition, recognizing 15 of his works. This accolade freed him from orchestra duties, allowing him to focus solely on composition. During this fruitful phase, he created renowned pieces like the Slavonic Dances, Moravian Duets, and Violin Concerto, securing his reputation. In 1892, he took up a teaching role at the New York National Conservatory until 1895, then returned to Prague. There, he taught at the Prague Conservatory, eventually becoming its director. Dvorak enjoyed a prosperous career and was beloved as a composer in his country and globally until his death in 1904.
Frederic Chopin
Frederic Chopin was a celebrated Polish composer and pianist during the Romantic period (early 19th century). His body of work mainly includes piano solos, along with piano concertos, chamber works, and songs with Polish lyrics. Renowned as an unparalleled poetic talent among his peers, he pioneered the instrumental ballade. Chopin's performances, famed for their emotive delicacy and subtlety, were mostly held in the cozy salons of Paris, where he lived for much of his life. Throughout his days, Chopin battled chronic illnesses, leading to his premature death at just 39, likely from tuberculosis.
Address
Municipal House (Obecní dum), 5 Republic Square (Namesti republiky 5), Prague, Czech Republic — Google Maps
