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Chamber Music Workshop
Prague, Czech Republic April 18-25, 2027 |
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COACHING BY MEMBERS OF OUR SUPERB FACULTY
Our faculty is comprised of outstanding performing artists who combine concert careers as chamber players with a dedication to teaching. They are passionate about sharing their expertise in an encouraging and supportive manner to help you achieve your individual musical goals. |
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GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN PRAGUE
Designed to serve as an introduction to the city and its history, this walking tour of Old Town Prague takes you through centuries of history, beginning in the magnificent Old Town Square, where the famous Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall delights visitors with its hourly procession. Stroll along the charming cobblestone streets past colorful Baroque and Gothic buildings, admire the twin spires of the Church of Our Lady before Týn. Then to the buildings of Charles University, one of the oldest universities in Europe, and on to the Estates Theatre, where Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni was first performed, in 1787, with Mozart conducting from the keyboard! Along the way, admire Prague's historic streets, elegant squares, impressive landmarks, and beautiful examples of traditional Czech architecture, making this walk an unforgettable overview of Prague's rich cultural heritage. |
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VISIT PRAGUE CASTLE with our expert local guides to explore this “city within the city,” including visits to St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and the Basilica of St. George. We’ll also visit the Lobkowicz Palace, where the collection includes musical instruments and original scores and manuscripts, including Beethoven’s 4th and 5th symphonies, the Op. 18 quartets, and Mozart’s re-orchestration of Handel’s Messiah. Prince Joseph Franz Maximilian Lobkowicz, a talented singer, violinist and cellist, was the great patron of Beethoven, who dedicated his 3rd (Eroica), 5th, and 6th (Pastoral) symphonies to the Prince. Other highlights of the collection include works by masters such as Canaletto, Brueghel the Elder, and Velázquez as well as an impressive display of fine porcelain, ceramics, and rare decorative arts dating from the 16th to 20th centuries. Visitors are guided through the galleries by the museum’s very popular audio guide, which explains important details of European history and the six-hundred-year history of the Lobkowiczes, including the dramatic story of how the family lost everything twice and got it back – twice!
We’ll finish the afternoon with a glass of prosecco on the terrace of the Lobkowicz Palace, which has spectacular views over Prague. |
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TOUR OF PRAGUE'S JEWISH QUARTER
Our expert local guide, Petr Zidek, will lead us on a walking tour that focuses on Jewish tradition and the history of Prague’s unique Jewish Quarter. In the Middle Ages there were two distinct Jewish communities in Prague: Jews from the West had settled around the Old-New Synagogue, while Jews from the Byzantine Empire had settled around the Old Shul (on the site of today’s Spanish Synagogue). The two settlements gradually merged and were confined in an enclosed ghetto. Though the old ghetto has disappeared, much of the area’s fascinating history is preserved in the synagogues around the Old Jewish Cemetery. We’ll learn about Rabbi Loew and the Golem, the leadership and generosity of Mayor Mordechai Maisel, and the changing status of Prague’s Jewish community including the first settlement, the Pogroms, and the Nazi Holocaust. We’ll visit the interiors of the Jewish Museum (four synagogues and the cemetery) as well as the interior of the Old-New Synagogue. |
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PRIVATE TOUR OF THE OBECNÍ DŮM (Municipal House)
Masterpiece of Art Nouveau Art and Design One of Prague’s most photographed cultural and historical monuments, the Municipal House was built between 1906 and 1911 with money raised by Prague citizens. This ornate Art Nouveau building has held an important place as a Czech cultural symbol – the document granting independence to Czechoslovakia was signed here in 1918. Much of the interior bears the work of the Alfons Mucha and other leading Czech artists. The building includes the beautiful Smetana Hall, Prague’s largest orchestra hall, which has a gorgeous atrium roof with stained-glass windows. Every opulent ceiling, magnificent light fixture, etched-glass window, and inlaid ceramic wall creates the astonishing atmosphere of the hope and freedom from the turn of the 20th-century. |
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VISIT TO THE SMETANA MUSEUM
A visit to the Bedřich Smetana Museum offers a fascinating insight into the life and legacy of the celebrated Czech composer, often regarded as the father of Czech national music. Housed in a historic riverside building overlooking the Vltava River with beautiful views of the Charles Bridge and the Prague skyline, the museum features original manuscripts, personal belongings, letters, and interactive exhibits that trace Smetana's career and his enduring influence on Czech culture. Includes a special concert by our acclaimed workshop faculty! |
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VISIT TO ST. AGNES CLOISTER
Step into the peaceful surroundings of St. Agnes Cloister, one of Prague's finest Gothic landmarks, and explore its outstanding museum of medieval art. Home to an exceptional collection of paintings, sculptures, and sacred treasures, this beautifully restored monastery/convent offers a captivating journey through Czech history, art, and architecture. |
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GUIDED TOUR OF THE ESTATES THEATER
Go behind the scenes at Prague's historic Estates Theatre, one of Europe's most beautiful and best-preserved opera houses. This exclusive backstage tour reveals the elegant auditorium, stage, dressing rooms, and historic spaces where Mozart conducted the premiere of Don Giovanni, offering a rare glimpse into the theater's rich artistic heritage. Admire the theater's exquisite Neoclassical interior, with its ornate gold detailing, plush furnishings, and timeless design that reflect the elegance and grandeur of 18th-century European theater. |
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TOUR OF BOHEMIAN CRYSTAL FACTORY
Discover the timeless artistry of Rückl Glassworks, one of the Czech Republic's most renowned crystal manufacturers. During this fascinating visit, you'll watch master glassmakers and skilled engravers transform molten glass into stunning hand-crafted crystal using techniques passed down through generations. Learn about the rich tradition of Bohemian glassmaking as we tour the factory where each piece is meticulously created, and gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that has made Czech crystal famous around the world. |
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VISIT TO STRAHOV MONASTERY AND LORETO CHURCH
Discover two of Prague Castle’s most treasured landmarks with a visit to Strahov Monastery and the Loreto Church. Founded in the 12th century, Strahov Monastery captivates visitors with its magnificent historic libraries, Baroque halls, and remarkable collections of art and manuscripts. Continue to the elegant Loreto sanctuary, a celebrated pilgrimage site known for its beautiful architecture, ornate interiors, and famous carillon. Together, these sites offer a fascinating glimpse into Prague’s spiritual heritage, artistic traditions, and centuries of history. |
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GUIDED VISIT VELETRZNI PALACE CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM
Explore the vibrant world of modern and contemporary art at Veletrzní Palace, home to one of the most important collections of the Czech National Gallery. Housed in a striking Functionalist building, the museum features works by Czech and international artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and new media. This inspiring visit offers a fascinating perspective on the evolution of modern art and Prague’s dynamic cultural scene. |