From Opera to Jazz on the Prague Music Scene

Tune in to the rich history of Opera, Classical and Jazz on the Prague music scene

There’s a saying that goes every Czech’s a musician, and we’d be inclined to believe it. From the high operatic form of the gilded State Opera, to the soulful basement beer cellars that ruminate jazz, the Prague music scene has a rich and diverse musical heritage that very few European cities can compete with.

Operatic aficionados pledge their allegiance to Prague, where the elaborate design of its Opera halls and theatres perfectly complements this elevated form. Built in 1888, the historic National Theatre has hosted big name opera singers such as Emil Pollert and Beno Blachut, while the majestic State Opera first opened as a Prague German stage with an unforgettable performance of Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. The Estates Theatre is an equally distinguished venue, and has hosted two world premieres of Mozart: Don Giovanni (1787) conducted by the man himself, and La Clemenza di Tito (1791).

Operas and arias aside, the Prague music scene is renowned for its associations with classical composers: notably Antonín Dvorák and Bedřich Smetana, whose genius is considered the product of the capital. Visitors can pay homage to these household names at the opulent venues of Dvorák Hall and Smetana Hall, where classical concerts are frequently held. Located within the extravagant art nouveau Municipal House, Smetana Hall is home to the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, while Dvorák Hall hosted the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra’s inaugural performance in 1896, conducted by Antonín Dvorák himself. The Art Nouveau architecture within these hallowed halls is second only to their history of musical performance.