Strings of Autumn

By Erin Naillon

No matter what the season, lovers of music will never lack entertainment in Prague.

History

Strings of Autumn began in the year 1996, under the auspices of then-President Havel. He hired two students to create music programs for Prague Castle. The two young men quickly established a new kind of festival, using areas of the Castle that weren’t generally open to the public, starring new performers.

The festival was a hit, growing more every year. Bad news came in 2004, however, with Vaclav Klaus’ election as President. Klaus ended the financial support for the festival, and it was no longer allowed to take place on the Castle grounds. Money was scraped together so that the 2004 festival did take place, though on a much smaller scale.

The following year, Strings of Autumn was bigger than ever. The Estates Theatre (the setting for many scenes in the 1984 film Amadeus), the Municipal Building, and the Rudolfinum were among the venues hosting the event.

Music

Strings of Autumn provides a variety of music to its visitors. From very early music to jazz, classical to crossover, there is something for everyone. Interestingly, the festival very rarely features the same performer more than once.

Other Events

Children have the chance to join in the fun. This year features, among others, a dance workshop, a drumming workshop, and one in which children can make and play their own instruments from plastic bottles, corks, and more – an interesting hands-on experience in recycling.

This Year

The festival will run from September to November. Among the acts are Dee Dee Bridgewater, Vivica Genaux, Sir Willard White, the Robert Glasper Trio, and Kimmo Pohjonen. For further information, schedules, and ticket purchase, click here.