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Prague Opera and Classical Music Introduction

Although Prague lags behind Vienna and Budapest in the classical music/opera stakes, the city has two established opera houses - along with the smaller Estates Theatre - four major orchestras and a whole host of elegant classical music venues, including (on a temporary basis) the palaces and churches of central Prague. Programming tends to be conservative rather than inspired, while works from Mozart feature even more heavily than those of Dvořák or Smetana. That said, visit Prague from mid-May to early June and you'll find the city's Spring Festival serves as the high point of the city's concert calendar - with virtuoso performances from world-famous conductors and musicians. What's more, the best seats at the Prague State Opera are less than $15 USD, while ballet performances can be seen for as little as $2 USD. Now try doing that in London or Paris!

Below are listings for the city's principle opera companies and concert halls, together with fringe and temporary venues that will also be of interest to classical music lovers. For tickets, reputable booking sites include: www.ticketpro.cz and www.ticketsbti.cz (Bohemia Ticket International).

Principal Classical Music and Opera Venues

Estates Theatre

Stavovské divaldo, Ovocný trh 1, Staré Město, Prague 1, Tel: +420 224 228 503, Website: www.estatestheatre.cz, Metro: Můstek, Show Map
As well as being one of the most beautiful theatres in Europe, the Estates Theatre is also among the most historic, as it was here that Mozart first performed Don Giovanni on October 29, 1787 (which he conducted himself) later followed by the opera La Clemenza di Tito. Originally dubbed Count Nostitz's theatre - after the aristocrat who was responsible for its construction - the building later become the Royal Provincial German Theatre, while today it concentrates on ballet/theatre productions and, to a lesser degree, regular opera (including Don Giovanni).

Municipal House (Obecní Dům)

Náměstí Republiky 5, Praha 1, Staré Město, Tel: +420 222 002 101, Fax: +420 222 002 100, E-mail: info@obecni-dum.cz, Website: www.obecni-dum.cz, Metro: Náměstí Republiky, Show Map
Considered by many to be the finest example of Art Nouveau architecture in Prague, the Obecní Dům also contains a first-rate concert venue - the Smetana Hall. As well as providing a wonderful setting for concerts during the Prague Spring Festival, it also serves as home to the Prague Symphony Orchestra. Expect plenty of Strauss, Mozart and Brahms, as well as works by Mendelssohn, Wagner and Dvořák.

The National Theatre (Národni divadlo)

Národní 2, Praha 1, Nové Město, Website: www.nationaltheatre.cz, Metro: Národní třída/Tram 6, 9, 17, 18, 22, Show Map
The upsurge of Czech nationalism in the 19th century was due, in no small part, to a highly influential literary, music and arts scene, with composers such as Bedřich Smetana being instrumental in creating new cultural institutions such as Josef Zitek's National Theatre.

Standing as fitting testament to the wave of patriotism that united all levels of Bohemian society, the theatre boasts an interior created by some of the finest painters and sculptors of the time along with a hugely impressive foyer (complete with ceiling paintings by Ženíšek). Now focusing largely upon Czech opera with works by Smetana and Dvořák, other European composers such as Bizet, Verdi and Puccini also feature, while ballet productions (such as Taming of the Shrew) are premiered here too.

Rudolfinum

Alšovo nábřeži 12, Praha 1, Staré Mēsto, E-Mail: rudolfinum@rudolfinum.cz, Website: www.rudolfinum.cz, Metro: Staroměstská, Tram 17, 18 to Staroměstská, Show Map
As well as being of architectural interest, the Rudolfinum is widely acknowledged as being Prague's premier concert hall. Concerts are held in the Dvořák Hall as part of the Prague Spring Music Festival, while the venue is also the official home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra (who frequently perform works by the likes of Dvořák and Smetana). A high level of musicianship and cheap ticket prices combine to make a memorable night out here, while for art lovers, the top floor of the building is devoted to temporary art exhibitions.

State Opera House (Státní Opera)

Wilsonova 4, Praha 1, Nové Mēsto, Tel: +420 224 227 266, E-Mail: obchod@opera.cz, Website: www.opera.cz, Metro: Muzeum, Show Map
Prague's opera house was originally built to be a German theatre, having first opened its doors to the public in 1888. For almost 50 years it put on German language shows, including productions by the likes of R. Strauss, Mahler, Seidl and Klemperer. Sold to the State in 1938, the outbreak of hostilities in Europe meant that few concerts were staged during WWII, while liberation in Prague saw the building renamed as the 'May 5th Theatre'.

In the recent past (1992), it formally became the State Opera House, adopting a wide-ranging repertoire that includes Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, Dukas and J. Strauss.
Richly decorated in a neo-rococo style, it certainly makes for a grand, historic venue (and, as you'd expect of a State opera, one that's affordable for the masses too).

Other Popular Venues

Bertramka

Mozartova 169, Praha 5, Smíchov, Tel: +420 257 317 465, Fax: +420 257 316 753, E-mail: mozart@bertramka.cz, Website: www.bertramka.cz, Metro: Anděl/Tram 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 16, Show Map
The great composer Mozart stayed at this 18th-century villa during visits to Prague in 1787 and 1791. Its owners, the Dušek's were great admirers of Mozart, being instrumental in bringing the maestro to Prague. Indeed, it was here that Mozart completed the score to Don Giovanni, whilst also composing an aria - Bella mia fiamma - in honour of Mrs Duškova. Now a dedicated Mozart museum, the Bertramka also serves as a venue for regular concerts of the composer's work.

Chapel of Mirrors

Mariánské náměstí 4, Praha 1 Staré Město, Tel: +420 221 666 311, Website: www.nkp.cz, Metro: Staroměstská/Tram 17, 18, Show Map
Housed in the vast Klementinum, the stuccoed Chapel of Mirrors provides for a lavish setting in which to enjoy a chamber music concert. With wonderful acoustics, the gilt-laden, marble effect walls are topped by a breathtaking ceiling fresco on the life of the Virgin Mary. And, with Mozart said to have played here too, a visit here is a must for any classical music lover!

Lobkowicz Palace (Lobkovický Palác)

Jiřská 3, Praha 1, Hradčany, Tel: +420 257 535 979, Website: www.nm.cz, Metro: Malostranská, then Tram: 22, 23, Show Map
One of four Lobkowicz Palace's in Prague, this Renaissance building - built in the 1570s - is now home to an exhibition of Czech history as well as playing host to classical concerts (especially ensembles) all year round.

St. James Church (Kostel Sv Jakuba)

Malá Štupartská, Praha 1, Staré Mēsto, Metro: Náměstí Republiky, Show Map
Tucked away in the courtyard behind the Church of Our Lady before Týn (Týnský dvůr) St James's Church is easily overlooked, though visitors who do seek out this 14th century masterpiece are not only rewarded by wonderful Gothic architecture, but first-rate acoustics that make organ recitals here among the best in Prague. Also worth attending for Choral works and music held during Sunday mass.

St. Nicholas Church (Kostel Sv Mikuláše)

Malostranské náměstí, Praha 1, Malá Strana, Metro: Malostranská/Tram 12, 22, Show Map
Not to be confused with the church standing on the Old Town Square (Staré Město), St Nicholas' of Malá Strana is a Baroque masterpiece that boasts one the finest cupolas in town, as well as being a lavish setting for regular organ recitals and choral concerts. Well-worth a visit.

The Stone Bell House (Dům u Kamenného Zvonu)

Staroměstské nám. 13, Praha 1, Staré Město, Tel: +420 222 327 677, Website: www.citygalleryprague.cz, Metro: Staroměstská/Tram: 17, 18, Show Map
Recognised as being the oldest Gothic building in Prague, the Stone Bell House (which has been superbly restored) hosts challenging modern art exhibitions, together with contemporary classical music concerts and Gregorian chants.

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