35th Praga Cantat International Competition & Festival, Prague, Czech Republic
Dates: 31 October - 03 November 2024 | Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most renowned and enthralling capitals. The city will delight you at every turn, with palaces, cathedrals, and churches located throughout. Then there are the splendid bridges arching across the river, none more famous than the exquisite 15th century Charles Bridge, plus historic churches and merchants’ houses adorning the beautiful old town. Not forgetting the fascinating “astronomical clock” on the city’s unpronounceable square, Staromesti Namesti. Prague truly is an unforgettable city. The festival takes place in the National House in Vinohrady, just a few stops from the city centre.
Praga Cantat is one of the most important choral events in Prague. Over 929 choirs from 43 countries have attended over previous years. The Praga Cantat festival offers both a competitive and a non-competitive option for choirs. Choir can perform in more than one category. The international and professional jury not only judges the performances of the choirs but also gives valuable recommendations which can help the choir leaders with their following work.
Choir Contact Ireland can help you plan an unforgettable choral trip for your choir. We take care of the planning and logistical arrangements, dealing with the ground operators and organisers, allowing you to focus on the singing. Contact us today for more information and sing with your choir in Prague, Czech Republic!
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Choir Categories
Category A - Male Choirs
Category B - Female Choirs
Category C - Mixed Choirs
Category D - Girls, Boys and Mixed Youth Choirs aged 12-24
Category S - Senior Choirs
Category E - Choirs with a Programme of Sacred Compositions
Category F - Folksong - All Choirs
Category G - Festival (Non-competitive - only for foreign choirs)
Whats Included in the Price
- Return airport transfers with local guide assistance on arrival
- Participation in your chosen category in the competition or festival category
- Three nights in a 3* or 4* hotel (please note that hotels ate not located directly in city centre)
- Buffet breakfast each morning
- Opening concert
- Guided half day city tour of Prague with coach and guide
- Visit to Prague Castle
- Services of local guide for all festival activities
- Closing ceremony event with live music
Optional Tours & Excursions
- Entrance to Prague Castle as part of City Tour
- Day excursions out of Prague – to Konopiste Castle, Karlstejn Castle
- Day excursion to Nelahovzeves Castle
- Vltava River Cruise
- Evening at the opera/ballet/music concert
- Jazzboat / Folklore evening
Tour Manager
A CCI Tour Manager will be assigned to you for the duration of your booking, to assist in the pre-departure preparations and to assist with any issues during your stay. The tour manager does not travel with the group.
Transportation While in Prague
Choirs usually make their way around the city with the local guide via public transport. However, we can arrange coach transportation for your group as required.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1
- Arrival to Prague
- Check-in
- 7.30pm Choir directors + 1-2 choir members will take part in Welcome reception at the Residence of Lord Mayor of Prague
- Group breakfast in hotel
- 10am Official opening ceremony of the Festival
- Concert of the choir Cancioneta Praga (National House in Vinohrady)
- Lunch
- 1pm Competition for choirs in all categories
- Performance of non-competitive choirs
- 9pm Announcement of the choirs selected for Grand Prix competition
- Group breakfast in hotel
- Guided city tour
- Visit of the Prague Castle (entrance to paid parts and transport at the request)
- Lunch
- 2pm Competition for Grand Prix (National House in Vinohrady)
- 8pm Closing ceremony
- Awards ceremony for choirs
- Compulsory pieces are sung together
- Performance of the Grand Prix winner
- 9pm Farewell evening with music and dance at the National House
- Breakfast
- Departure
DEADLINE
Registration Deadline: April 30, 2024
FLIGHTS
Once you enquire with CCI you will be given your own dedicated festival planner, and this planner will also assist you with the booking of flights for your group. Choir Contact experienced travel consultants are able to advise you on the most appropriate flight options and will advise best fares at time of booking. We use the most up-to-date modern technology for searching best fares including low cost carriers, allowing us to book you the best flights at the best fares for a fully co-ordinated service. We use both low-cost internet fares and our long-standing relationships with other carries to ensure that we can secure the best travel option for your choir. We will advise you on luggage allowance and all details relating to your flight booking. Travel Insurance CCI recommend that all travellers take out travel insurance at the time of booking.
A quotation costs nothing, so contact us today on 01 888 7830
or email us at reservations@choircontactireland.ie