If you have not been to the Czech Republic yet, then, believe me, you are definitely missing out. But it is never late to visit it, especially its wonderful capital Prague.

When speaking about Prague, the first thing you think about is music. Throughout its history, dating back to the 17th & 18th centuries, Prague was considered to be Europe’s conservatory. Prague is the birthplace of the famous composers Antoní Dvořák, Leoš Janáček and Bedřich Smetana, composers who are known all over the world. Prague also hosted Mozart, after he left Vienna. Mozart’s Symphony No 38 is dedicated to Prague, his second home.

Prague’s Aria Hotel is possibly the only hotel in the world which has a musical director: Dr Ivana Stehlikova, who always on hand to tell you about Prague’s music concerts, festivals etc.

She explains: ‘Music is a very important part of Prague’s past. Many composers had to leave the country because the regime made their lives so difficult. But you can’t kill the musicality of the nation. Every child was able to go to music lessons after normal school and this was not so expensive. The tradition was so strong and the conservatories were something that the Communists decided to keep.’

Of course, it was difficult to keep music customs and traditions during that period, but Prague was one of the few places where, during war times, the sounds of music were still heard.

Today, when you are walking in the city center, you can’t help noticing the city’s passion for good music. The city’s walls are plastered with posters for classical, jazz, rock concerts, recitals, operas and salsa evenings. Today, visiting Prague, you will have the opportunity to enjoy theCzech Philharmonic Orchestra, Prague Symphony Orchestra and the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra every single night.

Nothing else in the world can be compared with Prague’s passion for Jazz. You can hear jazz everywhere in the city: cafes, restaurants, bars and even from the windows of inhabitants of Prague. If you are a jazz aficionado, then we strongly advise you to visit Agharta Jazz Centrum or U Malého Glena. The Reduta Jazz Club is the most favorite jazz club among the inhabitants and tourists, as it always hosts grand stars from everywhere in the world.

The city is also famous for its festivals, which are held every season. Prague Spring is the biggest festival, which runs from May 12th (the anniversary of Bedřich Smetana’s death) to the 13th of June. In the fall, Prague Autumn is held, and in October the International Jazz Festival opens, which annually takes place at Reduta Jazz Club. There are also interesting music festivals all summer long that are really worth seeing.

Thus, if you are fond of music, especially jazz, then it’s a must for you to visit Prague. I recommend that you definitely go and frequent its musical clubs and take part in its magnificent festivals, and why not, feel like you, as well, are a part of this wondrous musical city.

Photos: © ximenatapia, The Lone Beader’s photos

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