Concertino Praga Heads to South Bohemia. The Jubilee Edition Continued with a Festival Full of Music and Encounters
After the Prague finals, the 60th anniversary edition of the Dvořák International Radio Competition Concertino Praga moved to South Bohemia. Over the course of several days, the young laureates performed in Třeboň, Bechyně, Tábor and Jindřichův Hradec. The South Bohemian Festival offered them not only further concert experience, but also space to meet, connect and build new musical friendships.
Concertino Praga was founded by Czech Radio in 1966, and over the past six decades, many distinguished classical musicians have taken part in the competition. Since 2019, the competition has also been part of the Dvořák Prague International Music Festival. Its aim is not only to recognise outstanding performances, but also to give young musicians valuable experience for their future professional careers.
This year’s South Bohemian Festival began in the Schwarzenberg Hall at Třeboň Castle, continued in the Vok Hall at Bechyně Castle and at Střelnice in Tábor, and concluded with a concert in the Knights’ Hall at Jindřichův Hradec Castle.
When It Is No Longer About the Jury’s Scores
After the intensity of the finals, the festival gives young musicians a chance to get to know one another beyond the role of competitors. A musical career often begins at a very young age and involves long hours of individual practice, travelling and constant pressure to perform. Meeting peers who are on a similar path can therefore be important both professionally and personally.
That is why the programme between concerts also included football, billiards, pedal boats and a tour of the underground passages. It is often during moments like these that relationships are formed which may continue long after the competition itself – at music academies, in chamber ensembles or on future concert stages.
Passing the Music On
The festival also included an educational Vlnohraní concert for primary school pupils, held on 24 September in Jindřichův Hradec. The young laureates appeared not only as performers, but also as musicians able to pass their energy and enthusiasm for music on to the next generation.
The South Bohemian Festival is therefore more than simply a continuation of the competition. It gives the finalists further professional experience, brings them together and creates space for them to share their passion for music with others.
And if you would like to join us in celebrating 60 years of Concertino Praga, come to the Rudolfinum on 18 October. The anniversary concert will bring together distinguished laureates of the competition from across different generations.
