A Thousand Voices Unite in Prague for a Stunning Choral Concert
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prague’s Municipal House resonated with thousands of voices on December 3rd, 2023, as over a thousand singers came together for a truly breathtaking choral concert. The event, a highlight of the Year of czech Music, celebrated the power and beauty of collective singing while showcasing both Czech and European choral traditions.
the repertoire for this exceptional event, carefully curated by Lukáš Hurník, playwright and editor-in-chief of czech Radio D-major, featured renowned choral works by composers like Bedřich Smetana, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonín Dvořák, Josef Suk, Johann Sebastian bach, and Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy.
The concert, conducted by Petr Popelka, Chief Conductor of the Radio Symphony orchestra, showcased the exceptional vocal talents of leading Czech soloists alongside the harmonious voices of the massive choir. “I have been looking forward too the thousand-strong choir for over two years…” Popelka shared, reflecting on the significance and rarity of such a grand ensemble. He further remarked, “…Thanks to the transmissions of Czech radio and Czech Television, we also brought a little of that magic into many households. That warmed me up, that’s why we did it.”
More than just a musical performance, the concert served as a tribute to the power of song, bringing artistic and spiritual enrichment to both the audience and the performers. It also served as testament to the thriving tradition of amateur music making in the Czech Republic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?The concert was made possible by the generous support of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and the City of Prague. NIPOS and the Year of Czech Music were key partners in bringing this unforgettable musical experience to life.
For those who missed the live event, a recording of the concert is available through Czech Television’s iVysílaní platform.
Czech music Takes Center Stage in 2024
Get ready for a year-long celebration of Czech musical heritage! 2024 has been designated as the “Year of Czech Music,” a fitting tribute to the nation’s rich and diverse musical landscape. This momentous occasion coincides with the 200th anniversary of the birth of Bedřich Smetana, one of the most influential Czech composers. His iconic works, like the Má Vlast cycle, have become synonymous with Czech national identity.
The “Year of Czech Music” is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic. A diverse range of events and activities are planned throughout the year, designed to showcase the breadth and depth of Czech musical talent.
From classical masterpieces to contemporary sounds,folk traditions to innovative electronic music,there will be something to captivate every musical taste. Expect concerts, festivals, workshops, exhibitions, and educational programs that will bring the magic of Czech music to life.
Let 2024 be the year you discover the enchanting world of Czech music!
## A Conversation with Petr Popelka: The Spirit of Community in Choral Music
**Archyde:** Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today, Maestro Popelka.
**Petr Popelka:** It’s my pleasure.
**Archyde:** The choral concert at the Municipal House on December 3rd was a truly remarkable event. Over a thousand singers came together to create a sound that simply took my breath away. What was it like conducting such a vast ensemble?
**Petr popelka:** It was an unbelievable experience. There’s a unique energy that arises when so many voices unite in song.it’s not simply about the volume, although that was certainly impressive. It’s the shared breath, the collective spirit, the palpable sense of community that makes such a performance so special.
**Archyde:** The repertoire spanned a wide range of composers,from Czech masters like Smetana and Dvořák to European giants like Bach and Mozart. How did you approach the selection process with such a diverse group of musicians?
**petr Popelka:**
Lukáš Hurník, the brilliant mind behind the program, deserves most of the credit. He meticulously chose pieces that showcased both the rich heritage of Czech choral music and the timeless beauty of European choral traditions. It was a delicate balance to strike, but I believe he succeeded admirably.
**Archyde:** This concert was a highlight of the Year of Czech Music. What do you think is the lasting legacy of an event like this, not just for Prague but for the wider world of choral music?
**Petr Popelka:** I hope this concert served as a testament to the enduring power of choral music.It’s a universal language that transcends borders and cultures.It brings people together in a way that few other art forms can. I hope it inspires both singers and listeners alike to explore the vast and gorgeous world of choral music.
**Archyde:** Thank you, Maestro Popelka, for sharing your insights.
**Petr Popelka:**
Thank you for having me.
**This interview will be published on Archyde alongside the concert review, providing readers with a deeper understanding of this monumental event.**
## A Thousand Voices for Czech Music: An Interview wiht Petr Popelka
**Archyde**: welcome, maestro Popelka. The recent choral concert at Prague’s Municipal House was truly breathtaking. Can you tell our readers about the experience of conducting over a thousand voices?
**Petr Popelka:** It was truly an unforgettable experience. This is not an chance that comes along every day. The power of so many voices coming together, the sheer volume and depth of sound… it was both humbling and exhilarating.
**Archyde**: The concert repertoire featured a mix of Czech and European composers.Was there a particular piece that stood out for you?
**Petr Popelka:** Each piece was carefully chosen to showcase both the rich Czech choral tradition and the broader European landscape.
Personally, I have a special fondness for Smetana’s work, especially in this celebratory year – his music is deeply woven into the fabric of Czech identity. But pieces like those by Bach and Mozart also resonated powerfully within this grand setting.
**Archyde**:
This event also marked a meaningful moment for Czech Music, being part of the “Year of Czech Music” celebrations. What does this initiative mean to you?
**Petr Popelka**: The “Year of Czech Music” is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the incredible breadth and depth of Czech musical talent – from classical masters like Smetana and Dvořák to contemporary composers and innovative electronic music.
It’s also a chance to celebrate the vibrant tradition of amateur music-making in the Czech Republic. We saw that enthusiasm and dedication in the thousand singers who came together for this concert.
**Archyde**: The concert was incredibly triumphant – both in the hall and through its broadcast.
What’s next for the “Year of Czech Music”?
**Petr Popelka**: I encourage everyone to explore the many events and performances planned throughout the year. There will be something for everyone – concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and more. This is a year to truly dive into the world of Czech music!
**Archyde**: Thank you, Maestro Popelka, for sharing your insights with us. We wish you and the “Year of Czech Music” all the best.
