Are you also looking forward to being able to go to cultural events following the year-long break due to the coronavirus pandemic? If you are, we’ll give you some advice on what music festivals you can attend in the Czech Republic, and where a proper cultural and music experience awaits you. Even though everything may still change over time as, regrettably, the pandemic is unpredictable, we’ll present you with plans which may eventually materialise. We’ll also draw your attention to those festivals that have been postponed until 2022.
Leoš Janáček International Music Festival (27 May – 1 July)
This classical music festival is held at several locations this year, for example, in Ostrava, Hukvaldy and Opava. The organisers have moved some concerts into the open air outside concert halls to avoid problems concerning compliance with the anti-epidemic measures. For instance, the opening concert will be staged in the courtyard of Silesian Ostrava Castle.Concertus Moraviae (27 May – 24 June)
The cycle of concerts in unconventional halls and sceneries will start in Valtice. It then continues its tour of 20 more places across the whole of Moravia. They will be staged, for example, in small churches as well as imposing cathedrals or chateau halls. The festival primarily focuses on classical music overlapping other genres with old music being strongly accentuated.
Prague Proms (6 June – 14 July)
This year will already see the 17th edition of the Prague Proms music festival. You’ll be able to listen to both film and classical music or jazz in the halls of the Municipal House in Prague, St Barbara’s Church in Kutná Hora or in a Prague jazz club. The programme is subject to change, and you need to follow the festival’s website or Facebook page.
Hradecký slunovrat (24-26 June)
The Hradecký slunovrat (“Hradec Solstice”) cultural and family festival takes place, as like a few times before, at Hradec nad Moravicí Castle not far from Opava. It will feature three music stages full of both Czech and foreign bands, talks, lectures, theatre for young and old alike, films, gastronomy, programmes for children, exhibitions, discussions, poetry reading, and a lot more cultural features. The music you’ll be able to hear at Slunovrat can’t be categorised. You’ll hear interesting individuals and bands of various genres – from guitar rock via modern singer-song writing, electronica as well as world music.
United Islands of Prague (25-26 June)
Late June will feature the multi-genre United Islands of Prague music festival that takes place in the centre of Prague. The United Islands festival primarily concentrates on discovering new talent. In addition to young rising stars, however, visitors can look forward to performances by several perennial stars of both Czech and foreign musical scenes whom musical discoveries will come to support live.Strážnice Folklore Festival (25-27 June)
The oldest and biggest folklore festival in Europe will only take place online without the presence of spectators and festival visitors this year. Four programmes have been prepared for broadcast over the festival weekend. They will be pre-recorded and then presented through the broadcast of several Czech TV stations and radios, as well as Internet platforms including the festival’s website, Facebook page and the iFolklor platform.
Smetana’s Litomyšl (1-11 July)
For the time being, it seems that the internationally popular Smetana’s Litomyšl classical music festival in the eastern Bohemian town of Litomyšl will take place as usual. The main theme of the repertoire selection at this year’s festival is the Keys to Home as a symbol of return, attachment to security and a solid background. Opera will return to the courtyard of Litomyšl Castle this year. For the first time in history, there was no opera during last year’s pandemic edition due to epidemic restrictions. However, people live for more than just classical music, and Czech singer Aneta Langerová and Czech indie rock band Jelen will therefore perform an interesting fusion.
Festival in Boskovice (8-11 July)
The Festival for the Jewish Quarter of Boskovice already continues with its 29th edition this year. The festival is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and, over the course of four days, it will again bring music, exhibitions, theatrical performances, films, author readings and many other things. The festival in the Moravian town of Boskovice has got one big advantage at this time. It isn’t closed within a single site but it is held across more places. Concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, performances, film screenings and lectures take place throughout the town, including the large Jewish quarter, castle, greenhouse in the chateau park and the open-air cinema. The programme can easily be adjusted should restrictions concerning the pandemic be enforced to some extent.
Šramlfest (30-31 July)
The 14th edition of the Šramlfest festival of street, alternative and club culture takes place in Znojmo in southern Moravia this year. Its line-up primarily includes Czech bands this time, but in spite of the unfavourable situation concerning the pandemic the organisers have managed to entice a few foreign performers. The festival is held in the historic centre of Znojmo, which means that there’ll be a beautiful sunset and River Dyje sceneries to admire!Český Krumlov International Music Festival (4-18 September)
The 30th anniversary classical music festival will be held in the southern Bohemian town of Český Krumlov this year. The unique festival concerts include performances amidst historic town settings including the Chateau Garden, the Baroque Theatre and the Masquerade Hall of Český Krumlov Chateau, as well as other areas of the town that have extraordinary genius loci.
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