Czech music has its roots in sacred music from more than a millenium ago.
The Czech lands of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia have their own distinctive folk music alongside an established and world-famous tradition of classical music.
In the 18th century, the English music critic, diarist and travel writer Charles Burney described Bohemia as being the "Conservatorium of Europe" - so overwhelmed was he by the sight of village and city classrooms full of young students all practising musical instruments. Burney noted how many Bohemian musicians were in service in all of the main European courts and other musical centres.
Below we have some examples of Czech music. The city also welcomed many visiting musicians, notably Mozart, whose operas 'Don Giovanni' and 'La Clemenza di Tito' had their world premières in Prague.
In the 20th century the operas of Leoš Janáček helped to make knowledge of the Czech language an important part of many opera singers' skills. Over the years The Friends have held many fundraising concerts in London, and our grant to the Château of Uherčice has enabled the Banqueting Hall to be safe and properly fitted for concerts.
