Advent Prague.....

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Introduction:

You can compare only a few European cities with the capital of Bohemia.  The “Golden Town” - Prague, with its immense historical and cultural heritage has a  musical tradition which is omnipresent in the concert halls of the town, but also in the streets and numerous taverns. Smetana, Dvorak and Mozart are part of this deep cultural richness, which has carried forward to include some of today's great composers such as Petr Eben and Zdenek Lukac.

Concert Halls & Venues:

Concerts and services in churches in Prague and in the surrounds during the festival weekends convey a picture of the daily life of the inhabitants of Prague. The foreign parishes also look forward to a visit of choirs from their native country. And there are traditional Church concerts of several choirs in the St Nicholas Church in the heart of Prague.

Idyllic concerts are 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.  Several choirs from different countries, perform here throughout the festival, with each concert ending in a resounding communal song from all participants. Further concert halls are in the Academy of fine Arts AMU and in the National Centre in Prague.

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.  Here you can perform to the thousands of tourists who come to hear your voices as they casually browse the vendors stalls for Bohemian Crystal, jewelry and trinkets.  The evening, which has an atmosphere which can only be experienced to be believed, includes a backdrop of  illuminated buildings and churches and a 30 m high Christmas tree.  State of the art sound engineering, heating, and professional MC will help this experience stay with you for a long time to come.

Another Open-Air-Stage is situated in Prague Castle, which for hundreds of years has been the seat of the Bohemian kings and presidents. The stage, which resides between the St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace beside the Christmas tree is available for several weekends during the festival - a most remarkable setting which is sure to bring out the best in your voices.

Farewell Concert and Dinner:

Each weekend of the festival is concluded with a farewell dinner where you can once again meet new friends and say you farewells.  Rich Bohemian specialties are the order of the day, and can be washed down with the world famous Pilsen beer.  Song and dance is provided for your entertainment, although the impromptu performances from our choirs equally add to the ambiance of the evening. Then, I am sad to say that with a tear in your eye it will be time to say goodbye to the Golden Town - Prague.  We at Music and Friends Australia know however that after this one magical visit you will be counting down the days until you are able to return for our "Advent Prague Festival".