Praga Cantat International Choir Festival & Competition: 31 Oct - 03 November 2019

 

General information

DurationDestinationDeparture
4 days and 3 nights
Czech Republic (Prague)
Ireland (Dublin)

Description


‘PRAGA CANTAT’ INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION AND FESTIVAL

Departing 31 October - 03 November 2019

Contact us

01 888 7830 or email

reservations@choircontactireland.ie

for more information and to request quotation for your group

Discover the “City of a Hundred Spires”

Perform in the majestic Majakovsky Hall and the Raisuv Hall

Meet choirs from around the world

Attend a performance by the famous Bambini di Praga

Praga Cantat is an International Choral Competition and Festival held eachautumn in Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires. This impressive choral event attracts choirs from all around the world. Both the competition and festival are held in the majestic Majakovsky Hall and the Raisuv Hall of the National House, a beautiful Neo-Renaissance building designed by architectAntonin Turek.

Choirs can choose to participate in the competition, judged by an international jury or just sing for pleasure in the festival category where as particular feature, choirs can have a special performance where one juror will listen to the performance and analyse it together with the choir director. This is very useful for choirs who are considering entering a competitive event in the near future, as they will be given advice and pointers on their performance to help prepare for a future competitive performance. Choirs who are participating in the festival category also have the opportunity to perform in a social institution during their stay in Prague.

The Golden City, the City of a Hundred Spires and the Jewel of Bohemia areall names by which Prague is commonly known. And not without good reason, for Prague is a beautiful city whatever the season. It has palaces, castles and churches in abundance; charming, long-forgotten lanes lie just a few steps from the busy streets of the Old Town, there's a castle that was founded around 880AD, long before the Tower of London, a "new" town that dates back to 1348 and a breath-taking array of architectural styles with buildings that have been home to Kafka, Mozart, Einstein, Smetana and Dvoràk.

From arrival to departure, choirs enjoy 3-days of choral performances and events and get the opportunity to meet with other choirs from around the world.

TESTIMONIALS FROM CHOIRS WHO ATTENDED THE FESTIVAL

We returned from Prague this morning after a wonderful trip. Thank you for making it all possible. Our trip went smoothly and was enjoyed by everybody. Even though we were not competing we were still made feel important and that our contribution was of value. The adjudicator gave help and advice and we were invited to participate in the closing ceremony. Our hotel was excellent Olive. Thank you for all your organisation and planning. It is a pleasure doing business with you. Will be in contact again for our next trip!

Renewed thanks!

Gerardine, Le Chéile Choir

Program

Below is the most popular itinerary of the CCI Family of Choirs who have attended the Praga Contat Competition.

DAY 1
Choirs arrive in Prague.
Choirs arriving by plane are be met by their tour assistant who will assist with transfer to your hotel in Prague.
In the evening, choirs have a welcome dinner in their hotel restaurant where they can relax and meet with other choirs staying in the hotel.

DAY 2
This morning, Choir Directors are invited to attend the Choirmasters reception, hosted by the Mayor of Prague, in the historical Old Town Hall.
In the afternoon, the official Praga Cantat inauguration takes place in the distinguished National House. The Neo-Renaissance National House dates back to 1893 - 1894 and was designed by architect AntonĂ­n Turek. As part of the inauguration, choirs enjoy a concert by the world famous "Bambini di Praga". This is followed by the choral performances.
In this afternoon, choirs participating the Festival category perform in a local Senior Citizens Center. After the performance, choirs have time to meet with their audience.
After today's busy schedule, choirs enjoy dinner in their hotel.

DAY 3
In the morning, the festival and competition performances continue in the National House. Directly after the festival choirs performance, one member of the jury will discuss and evaluate the performance with the choir director. During this discussion, choir members can join the audience and listen to the remaining choirs perform.
Choirs also have the option of performing during a mass/church service in one of the many beautiful churches in Prague.
Free time for optional lunch near the National House.
In the afternoon, choir enjoy a guided city tour of this wonderful city where your local guide will take you to the main historical sights: the New Town, Wenceslas Square, the Old Town and the picturesque Lesser Town (Mala Strana). During the tour, choirs can admire the grandeur of Saint Vitus Cathedral, with stunning views over the whole of Prague.
In the evening, choirs attend the closing ceremony. The awards are given out duing the closing ceremony. As part of the closing ceremony, a collective choral session involving all the participating choirs takes place with all choirs coming together to sing "In Praga Carmina Resonant". Choirs will enjoy and evening of music and dance with the opportunity for long-lasting contacts to be made and friendships forged.

DAY 4
Choir depart Prague
***This timetable is an example only. Each choir will receive its own detailed program for performances and sightseeing***

Price includes

3 nights in a 3* or 4* hotel
Welcome drink
Reception for Choir Directors in the Town Hall
Performance by the world famous children's choir, the Bambini di Praga
Competition/Festival participation fees
Participation in general rehearsal (Festival participants)
Performance at church/social institution (Festival participants)
Closing ceremony
Certificate, cup and souvenir for each choir and prizes for winning choirs
Prague City Tour
Farewell event with entertainment and refreshment
Translation service throughout the stay
Costs are tailored to each individual choirs' requirements

Price does not include

Flights
Choir Contact International experienced travel consultants are able to advise you on the most appropriate flight options and will advise best fares at time of booking.

Once you enquiry 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.

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.

Airport transfers
CCI are happy to arrange airport-hotel-airport transfers for all choirs who have booked flights with us. Unfortunately, we are unable to arrange airport transfers where flights are not booked as part of the festival package.

Itinerary

Day Overnight Itinerary highlights
1   Dublin, Ireland - Dublin Airport
  Prague, Czech Republic

Accommodations provided in each place

To be advised