Surprising Secrets of the Prague Spring Music Festival

International Music Festival Prague Spring is the most prestigious classical music celebration in the Czech Republic. Each year, the festival showcases the remarkable music performed by the finest orchestras, soloists, and conductors from around the globe. Furthermore, this festival stands out as a unique event in the music industry: it has managed to thrive despite historical challenges and shifting musical preferences. The reason for its lasting appeal? Throughout the ages, dedicated listeners and fans of classical music have always been there to recognize and relish the beauty of true artistry. In short, Prague Spring is a festival that captivates audiences not just for its extraordinary lineup, but also for the unique atmosphere that merges traditions with contemporary art trends.

1. The Beginning of Prague Spring: 1946

The inaugural Prague Spring Festival took place in 1946. Its creation was championed by the world-renowned conductor Rafael Kubelík, who was the chief conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra at that time, and was conducted under the patronage of the then President Edvard Beneš. During the festival’s opening night, he delivered a speech alongside Foreign Minister Jan Masaryk. The festival began on the eve of the sixty-second anniversary of Bedřich Smetana’s death and coincided with the fiftieth anniversary of the Czech Philharmonic’s establishment.

The first edition, held just one year after the conclusion of World War II, celebrated a hopeful new beginning and the free collaboration of European nations. The celebrated pianist Rudolf Firkušný, who returned from exile, was a key figure, while renowned American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein made his international debut as he conducted outside of the American continent for the first time.

Interestingly, the political events of February 1948, which saw the communist takeover, also influenced the cultural scene. Both Rudolf Firkušný and Rafael Kubelík were forced into decades of exile. They, along with Bernstein, pledged to return to the festival when democracy was restored in Czechoslovakia. Their promise was fulfilled in 1990, following the Velvet Revolution, as the 45th edition of the festival marked a significant reunion of three artistic figures whose early careers began with Prague Spring, later returning as internationally respected personalities. Notably, Rudolf Firkušný‘s legacy lives on through the Rudolf Firkušný Piano Festival, part of the Prague Spring.

2. Opening the Festival: A Breathtaking Tradition

The Prague Spring Festival traditionally kicks off with the legendary work Smetana’s My Country. This iconic series of symphonic poems delivers one of the most profound musical experiences you’ll encounter. Whether you are a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time attendee, the opening notes of Vyšehrad will envelop you, confirming that you are truly in the right place. Speaking of traditions, one of them is that the inaugural concert takes place in the prestigious Smetana Hall of the Prague Municipal House, and the festival is celebrated each year on 12 May, the anniversary of Bedřich Smetana’s passing. Interestingly, the festival has featured My Homeland as its opener since 1952, and until 2003, it concluded with the Ninth Symphony’s Ode to Joy by composer Ludwig van Beethoven. So, why did this tradition come to an end? According to the festival organizers, it became somewhat of a predictable cliché, where the same opening and closing pieces seemed to link the festival too tightly, while Ode to Joy became an unofficial anthem for the European Union, often played around Christmas in various countries.

3. Domestic Orchestras and Prominent Czech Conductors in My Country

Traditionally, performances of My Country were exclusively conducted by local orchestras led by the finest Czech conductors. In the festival’s early years, this honor typically went to the Czech Philharmonic, with conductors like Karel Ančerl, Václav Talich, and Karel Šejna. In 1956, the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Alois Klíma had the privilege of performing My Country. The following year, the Brno Philharmonic opened the festival under Břetislav Bakala, while in 1958, the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK was conducted by Václav Smetáček, and in 1966, the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra performed under Ladislav Slovák. Interestingly, the first foreign orchestra to open the Prague Spring Festival was the Liverpool Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1993, conducted by its then chief conductor Libor Pesek. The initial foreign conductor to lead My Country at the festival was Croatian Lovro von Matačić in 1984, while directing the domestic Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

4. World-Class Talents at Your Fingertips

Each year, the Prague Spring Festival attracts top symphony orchestras and performers to the city. Iconic names such as the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra from Amsterdam are just a few highlights from the festival’s extensive history. Each year promises captivating performances from top violinists, pianists, and unforgettable conductors. Noteworthy artists graced the festival in its early years, including pianist Jacques Février, violinists David Oistrach and Yehudi Menuhin, singer Jarmila Novotná, and composer Dmitri Shostakovich, who performed as a pianist in an evening dedicated to his compositions. The festival takes pride in nurturing young talent and hosts an esteemed performance competition each year, where many of today’s celebrated musicians have kicked off their careers. If you’re eager to spot future stars of classical music before they rise to fame, the Prague Spring Festival is your perfect chance.

5. Unconventional Concert Venues and Innovative Projects

The Prague Spring Festival is not confined to just the Rudolfinum and the Municipal House. The festival brings music to a variety of fascinating locations throughout Prague, including churches, industrial spaces, sports venues, and even unconventional open-air settings. This approach elevates the music experience, allowing audiences to enjoy performances in remarkable acoustic settings and original environments. Concerts, lectures, workshops, and intimate gatherings with performers take place in venues such as the St. Agnes Monastery, the DOX Gallery and Centre for Contemporary Art, the National Theatre, and Vyšehrad Cemetery.

One of the festival’s objectives is to create performance opportunities for budding soloists and ensembles, nurturing young talent through masterclasses and commissioning new works by Czech and Slovak composers, followed by performances by leading global ensembles. To achieve this goal, the festival introduced the Prague Offspring project in 2022, which focuses on contemporary music. Within just three years, Josef Třeštík’s initiative has successfully birthed 34 new compositions, many of which had their world premieres at the Prague Offspring concerts.

6. The Design of Prague Spring: A Symphony in Visuals

How is classical music connected to design? More than you might think at first glance. You may have noticed the Prague Spring Festival logo featuring an elongated letter “f”? This design was crafted by the famous Czech painter, illustrator, and typographer František Muzika. The logo is so unique and easy to recognize that in 2005 it was honored as one of the Czech 100 Design Icons, chosen among the top one hundred icons of Czech design from the 20th century. The logo’s enduring appeal is evident as it remains in use to this day.

Muzika continued to collaborate with the festival in subsequent years, joined by other designers who contributed to the festival’s visual identity. Notably, Jaroslav Sůra, Jiří Rathouský—who also created the first unified visual style for the Prague Metro—and artist and illustrator Osvald Špelina. Since 2010, the festival’s visual style has been refreshed every three years based on design competitions. Thus, Prague Spring has featured vibrant posters from Najbrt studios, abstract art from ReDesign studios, imaginative collages depicting songbirds, insects, and natural elements from Dynamo Design, as well as human figures associated with musical instruments designed by Formata Studio.

7. The Enchanting Ambiance of Prague

Finally, what would the Prague Spring Festival be without the stunning backdrop of the city? The charm of the most prestigious classical music event in the Czech Republic perfectly combines exhilarating musical experiences with leisurely strolls through historic Prague. After a concert, enjoy a relaxed evening walk across Charles Bridge, settle into a café overlooking the Vltava River or Prague Castle, or simply let the evening’s impressions linger in one of Prague’s cozy bistros.
If you’re inclined to explore further, consider visiting Petrin Hill for a romantic view of the entire city after the concert. For a tranquil atmosphere and the charm of lovely gardens, make your way to Vojanovy Sady, where you can take a breather from the city’s hustle and bustle. If you enjoy scenic views, Don’t miss out on Letná, where a breathtaking panoramic view of the historic center awaits. And for history lovers, Mala Strana is a treasure trove with its narrow streets concealing unique little cafés and charming spots filled with an indescribable sense of place.

Website: festival.cz

History & Tradition

• Founded: 1946

• Traditional Opening: Every year on May 12 (the anniversary of composer Bedřich Smetana’s death) with Smetana’s symphonic cycle My Country

Artistic Highlights

• Legendary Performers: Past guests include Leonard Bernstein, Rudolf Firkušný, and leading orchestras and soloists from around the globe

• Prague Offspring (since 2022): A platform showcasing contemporary works by emerging Czech and Slovak composers

Unique Venues

• St. Agnes Monastery

• DOX Centre for Contemporary Art

• National Theatre

• Vyšehrad Cemetery

Festival Identity

• Logo: Designed by renowned Czech painter‑typographer František Muzika

• Ambiance: Historic Prague’s architecture and atmosphere create an unforgettable concert setting