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Lesson Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the "Culture Class—Holidays in the Czech Republic" series at CzechClass101.com. In this series, we explore the history and traditions behind Czech holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Lesson 18, Prague Spring International Music Festival—Mezinárodní hudební festival Pražské jaro.
The Prague Spring International Music Festival, or Mezinárodní hudební festival Pražské jaro, features symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, and international artists. The festival was founded in 1946, and since its inception, has been an excellent showcase of classical music, or vážná hudba, and its latest trends. Classical music means a lot to Czechs, so the Prague Spring International Music Festival is a cultural and social event of the greatest magnitude.
Now, before we go into more detail, do you know the answer to the following question?
Why was May 12 chosen as the start date of the festival?
If you don't already know, you’re about to find out, so stay tuned!
The Prague Spring International Music Festival was first held in 1946, as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Czech Philharmonic. Starting on May 12, the festival usually opens with a reciting of Bedrich Smetana’s symphonic poems, or symfonické básně, "My Country." The festival closes on June 4 with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Ode to Joy.
The 2016 music festival, for example, welcomed 98 orchestras, chamber ensembles, and soloists from 23 countries, or zemí světa. The public could choose from 55 classical music concerts that were held in 17 Prague concert halls. Top orchestras and renowned names, such as Daniel Barenboim &the Staatskapelle Berlin, Gil Shaham &the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Maurizio Pollini, Andreas Scholl &Collegium 1704, and many others, all performed during the festival.
The world's top orchestras are always represented at this festival. Some of these include the Berlin Philharmonic, the English Baroque Soloists, the Czech Philharmonic, and the Barocco sempre giovane. The festival often hosts world or national premieres by contemporary composers, or současní skladatelé.
Even among classical performers, such as the Czech violinist Pavel Šporcl, eccentric costumes are common, like sporting a pirate scarf during the concert.
Now it's time to answer our quiz question—
Why was May 12 chosen as the start date of the festival?
May 12 is the anniversary of the death of famous Czech composer Bedrich Smetana. This is why the festival opens with his renowned set of symphonic poems, "My Country."
Well listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something new?
Have you ever attended or performed at an international music festival?
Leave a comment telling us on CzechClass101.com, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!

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