Praga Cantat International Competition & Festival
Date: 31 October - 03 November 2024
Join Choirs from around the world at the 35th Praga Cantat Choir Festival and Competition
in 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.
Sample Programme:
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Day 1
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Arrive in Prague. Meet with your Czech guide and transfer to your accomodation
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19.00
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Choir Directors and Vice-Presidents, 2 members from each choir attend the welcome reception at the Old Town Hall
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Day 2
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Breakfast in the hotel
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10.00
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Official opening ceremony takes place at the National House, with concert performance by the Czech choir Cancioneta Praga
Time for lunch |
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14.00
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Competitive and non-competitives performnace take place at the National House
In the evening, announcement of the choirs selected for the Grand Prix competition
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Day 3
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Breakfast in the hotel
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9.00
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Guided city tour including visit to Prague Caste district
Time for lunch
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14.00
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Competition for GRAND PRIX in the National House
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20.00
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Closing evening + awards Ceremony for choirs, after which the compulsory pieces are sung together, performance of the Grand Prix winner.
Following the closing ceremonies, all choirs come together to enjoy a farewell evening of music and dance at the National House |
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Day 4
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Breakfast in the hotel and check-out of the hotel
Choirs departure
Option to extend your stay in Prague if you wish to do so
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Categories
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Male Voice Choirs
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Female Voice Choirs
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Mixed Voice Choirs
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Folksong - all choirs
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mixed choirs
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Choirs with programme of sacred composition
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Girls, Boys, Mixed youth choirs aged 12 to 24 yrs
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Senior choirs over 55 years with an average age over 60 years
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Non-Competitive Festival Category (only applicage to non-Czech Choirs)
Competition rules will be sent to choirs at the time of booking.
Optional Extras
We can also offer you optional extra excursions should the choir be interested in adding to their itinerary. These include:
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Entrance to Prague Castle as part of City Tour
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Day excursions out of Prague – to Konopiste Castle, Karlstejn Castle
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Day excursion to Nelahovzeves Castle
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Vltava River Cruise
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Evening at the opera/ballet/music concert
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Jazzboat / Folklore evening
Optional Extra performances
We can also off you the opportunity to perform in a social institution such as Senior Citizens Home and/or to sing in a local church at Sunday Mass, return flight time depending.
Price is dependent on the number of people travelling. If availing of one of these options, an extra coach transfer will need to be added to the above quotation.
We can also arrange extra nights for you, should your choir wish to prolong their stay in Prague.
Festival Ground Arangements
Your choir’s programme in Prague will include the following:
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Return airport transfers with local guide assistance on arrival
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Participation in your chosen category in the competition or festival category
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Three nights in a 3* or 4* hotel (please note that hotels ate not located directly in city centre)
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Buffet breakfast each morning
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Opening concert
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Guided half day city tour of Prague with coach and guide
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Visit to Prague Castle
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Services of local guide for all festival activities
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Closing ceremony event with live music
Local return coach transfers can be provided as needed to the opening concert, to the choirs competition/festival performance and to the closing ceremony. The majority of choirs use the public transport system as this is easy to use and inexpensiv.
Insurance
CCI can also provide choir members with travel insurance should they require it.