Kids in Prague

Christmas & New Years Concerts for Kids

Events, Activities on 14 December 2010 by Larissa

One of the benefits of living in Prague is having affordable access to amazing performers and venues. Typically, as Winter closes in and children are on holidays a lot of us hunt for cultural treats to expand their horizons. Fantastic offerings are to be found if you undertake a little bit of research.

Here I share a few favorites, perfect for families who have kids old enough to sit still.

 

NEW YEAR CONCERTS WITH THE CZECH PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

This part of the world has a rich history with music. As you know Mozart had a love affair with the city and spent much time in the bohemian capital away from the stiff confines of Vienna. Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvorak and Leoš Janáček are probably the three most famous Czech composers in the world, if you have not been lucky enough to hear their work then you must attend a concert here in their home country.

To welcome in 2011, the world famous Czech Philharmonic Orchestra have three New Year Concerts organized. The theme for these concerts is European Dances, thus Waltz, Polka and folk influenced pieces will be performed. The program is rich in famous works and composers, thus a fantastic opportunity for children to experience. There is usually a half hour interval where drinks and snacks can be ordered and you can take in the view over the river towards the castle. The Dvorak Hall is very beautiful and compliments the music beautifully.

Dates for New Year Concerts (Silvestrovske Koncerty):
29 December at 19.30, 30 December at 19.30 and 31 December at 16.30

Address: Rudolfinum, Alšovo nábřeží 12, Prague 1 in the Dvorak Hall

Program: SMETANA: Polka from The Bartered Bride, DVOŘÁK: Prague Waltzes, SIBELIUS: Valse triste Op. 44, STRAUSS: Carmen-Quadrille Op. 134, ČAJKOVSKIJ: Waltz from Swan Lake, FUČÍK: Virtuoso polka for Basoon (Old Grump), IVANOVICI: Waves of the Danube, STRAUSS: Feuerfest, polka Op. 269, ŠOSTAKOVIČ: Waltz from Jazz Suite, CHOPIN / A. GLAZUNOV: Two waltzes from La Sylfide, JARRE: The theme of Lara from the film Doctor Zhivago, MARTINŮ: Jazz, movement for orchestra H 168, RAVEL: Hungarian Dance No. 20 in E minor, J. BRAHMS / A. DVOŘÁK: Hungarian Dance No. 20 in E minor, J. BRAHMS / A. DVOŘÁK: Hungarian Dance No. 21 in E major

For further information and to order tickets: http://www.ceskafilharmonie.cz/en/content_koncerty2.php?fltr=1&datum=1293577200

BALLET PERFORMANCES, NATIONAL THEATRE & ESTATES THEATRE

The Nutcracker is the ultimate Christmas treat. Performed by the National Ballet, follows Tchaikovsky’s original ballet but has introduced elements from Charle’s Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. Taking place in 19th Century London, it presents the magic of Christmas and how it has the power to transform human character. Tickets are mainly sold out and besides a few standing seats, most seats in January are probably already taken.

Other ballets to recommend that you may have more luck securing seats for are: Swan Lake, The Little Match Girl and Goldilocks (March). There are a mixture of matinee and evening performances available. You can book online but best would be to personally visit the ticket office at the National Theatre and find out just what is available and when.

Addresses: National Theatre (Narodni Divadlo) Narodni 2, Prague 1
Estates Theatre (Stavovske Divadlo) Železná 11, Prague 1

For further information and to order tickets: http://www.narodni-divadlo.cz/Default.aspx?jz=en&dk=program_mesic.aspx&dod=20110101&ddo=20110131

BALLET PERFORMANCES, STATE OPERA PRAGUE

The State Opera is a stunning building close to Hlavni Nadrazi (Main Train Station) and is often overlooked due to the busy road that sits in front of it. This will be rectified as the road is due to go underground in the future and the area in front of the Opera house will become a pedestrian zone.

Here ballet performances are regularly staged throughout the winter months and as it is less high profile than the National Theatre there tends to be more ticket availability. That is not to say that you are in anyway attending an inferior performance, quite the contrary. Recommended ballets currently showing are, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. Tickets can be easily booked online below.

For further information and to order tickets: http://www.ticketsonline.cz/topevents.php?loc=4&month=13

Address: State Opera Prague (Statni Opera Praha) Wilsonova 4, Prague 1

My friend Leah wrote an article for KIP a couple of years back on the various ballets suitable for kids, you can read her review here.

In closing my advice is to not miss out on these splendid treats. Research online or visit the bookings offices in person and reserve you seats now in order to avoid disappointment. Oh and also, if you are yet to attend a concert in Prague please note that it is customary to dress up when attending concerts.