The appearance of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra headed by Daniel Harding promises to be one of the highlights of the 78th edition of the Prague Spring.
One of the world’s finest orchestras and its top-flight conductor will perform Gustav Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 7, whose premiere was held in Prague in 1908.
The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra first performed at the Prague Spring in 1987 under conductor Sir Colin Davis.
Known for its supreme interpretations, the ensemble was shaped in the years 1961–1979 by Czech conductor in exile Rafael Kubelík, who recorded the complete Mahler symphonies with the orchestra, an achievement celebrated to this day.
After Kubelík’s departure Sir Colin Davis stood at the helm for almost ten years, and in the period 1993–2002 they were led by Lorin Maazel. From 2003 until his death in December 2019 the orchestra was headed by Mariss Jansons. From the 2022/23 season onwards the post of Chief Conductor will be assumed by Sir Simon Rattle, who is already working closely with the orchestra at this time.
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 7 was premiered in 1908 at Prague’s Exhibition Grounds on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Emperor Franz Joseph I; the Czech Philharmonic was conducted by the composer himself.
Of all Mahler’s symphonies, the Seventh is the most enigmatic and, according to many, the most visionary as well. Arnold Schönberg saw in it the end of Romanticism; Mahler spoke about the “predominantly cheerful, humorous content” of his symphony.
You can get the tickets here
An impressive sum of CZK 40 million has been earmarked for initiatives focused on public green spaces, environmental education, and the preservation of endangered animal species.
“The program is a crucial pillar of support for initiatives that elevate the environmental well-being of our capital city, bolster its resilience against climate change, foster awareness and engagement with pertinent issues, and provide environmental education within Prague,” said Jana Komrsková, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Climate Plan
Furthermore, the program actively encourages participation from diverse groups, civic organizations, associations, and other entities.
The program facilitates individual applicants in securing grants for their environmental projects in Prague.
The maximum amount granted is CZK 900,000 for educational endeavors, CZK 600,000 for climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, and CZK 450,000 for other initiatives. A total of 130 projects, submitted by 81 applicants, are poised to receive approval, cumulating to CZK 40 million in funding.
The program aims to bolster public green spaces, green classrooms, nature conservation, and environmental education.
It also encompasses educational and training programs catered to schools, climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, as well as other specific projects.
Prominent beneficiaries of the program include notable associations and organizations such as the Association of Forest Kindergartens, the Czech Mycological Society, Recyclohraní, the Czech Agricultural University, and Toulcův dvůr.
Among the successful applicants are the Association of Forest Kindergartens, Czech Mycological Society, Recyklohraní, Czech University of Life Sciences and Toulcův dvůr, as well as city districts, which have requested money for the schools they are establishing.
Projects must start by the end of this year and must be completed next year.
- Prague City Council has agreed to provide funds for 130 projects to improve the environment in Prague. A total of CZK 40 million will go to public greenery, ecological education, or schemes to protect endangered species.
- The number of foreigners studying at universities in Czechia has been steadily increasing; 18% of students were foreign nationals in 2022, according to data released by the Czech Statistical Office (CSU) today. The share of foreign students at universities in the Czech Republic has increased by an average of 3% a year over the past decade.
.
- Czech lower house head Marketa Pekarova Adamova (TOP 09) arrived in the United States yesterday, leading a delegation of representatives of the Chamber of Deputies and Czech businessmen. The trip will last until 26 May.
- The state budget expenditure for last year’s elections amounted to CZK 959 million, as voters chose their representatives to municipal authorities and one-third of the Senate. Political parties received another CZK 575 million from the budget. A year earlier, the elections cost the state budget CZK 672 million.
- Meteorologists have issued a storm and high wind warning for Tuesday. The warning of torrential rain, hailstones and high winds pertains to Southern Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia between midday and 8pm. There is a risk of small streams overflowing and underpasses and cellars flooding.
BeRider shared electric scooter service in Prague is set to come to an end in June.
The operators, a subsidiary of Škoda Auto, have been unsuccessful in finding a suitable partner to ensure the service’s continued operation. The announcement was made today on the company’s official website.
The shared electric scooter initiative was launched in Prague by Škoda Auto DigiLab back in 2019.
Over the course of four years, customers have collectively traveled more than 4,200,000 kilometers, contributing to a significant reduction of 512 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, as reported by the company.
The company’s representatives explained that while they had always aimed to expand the service to encompass more cities and increase the number of scooters available, they were unable to secure a suitable partner for sustaining its operations.
They further emphasized that running services like BeRider falls outside the core business scope of Skoda Auto DigiLab, and the company will now concentrate on essential projects focused on mobility and digital services within the automotive industry.
Refunds will be issued to customers for any unused credit, according to the service operators.
However, there are no plans to sell the used e-scooters to individuals. BeRider stated on its website that it is currently engaged in discussions with other companies interested in acquiring and operating the scooters.
The Prague Ice Cream Festival offers a wide range of ice cream in different flavours such as gelato, soft ice cream, yoghurt, ice cream roll, sorbets and special ice cream.
It is a family festival with entertainment for children and adults, competitions and tastings. There will also be a variety of fresh fruit, alcoholic and soft drinks, coffee and food for visitors.
This year, the festival will be taking place on June 24-25, at the Holešovice exhibition grounds from 10:00-20:00.
From traditional favorites like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry to unique creations such as lavender-honey, chili chocolate, or even beer-infused sorbet, there is something to please every palate.
The festival is for the whole family. It offers entertainment for children and adults, a number of competitions, and tastings. Lovers of fresh fruits, alcoholic and soft drinks, coffee, and good food are also sure to be satisfied.
Artisanal ice cream makers and gelaterias bring their finest creations, each vying for the title of the most innovative and delicious flavor.
The Prague Ice Cream Festival is not just about eating ice cream; it’s also an educational experience. Visitors can participate in interactive workshops and demonstrations led by industry experts.
This festival perfect for people of all ages but also for those with different dietary restrictions as they also offer gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan ice creams.
Furthermore, a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available, as well as good food, fresh fruits, competitions, and tastings.
More information about the festival and all the featured participants can be found on the Prague Ice Cream Festival Facebook and Instagram pages, which are being frequently updated.
- Politicians, war veterans, church dignitaries, diplomats and members of the public gathered at the National Cemetery in Terezín on Sunday for a commemorative ceermony to the victims of the Holocaust. Speaking at the ceremony, President Pavel said this terrible historic experience should serve as a memento for the democratic world not to repeat past mistakes.
- Britain’s Prince Edward is expected to visit Czechia next week. He will spend three days in the Czech Republic at the invitation of the chairman of the board of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Jiří Zrůst. The prince is expected to arrive in Prague by train from Germany on Tuesday afternoon.
.
- A Russian company based in Czechia has been included on a new list of anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the United States. According to Washington, the Czech-based Versvet company worked together with the Russian company Radioavtomatika to import electronics to Russia which were prohibited within broad sanctions introduced at the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
- Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky (Pirates) will visit Saudi Arabia and Iraq this week along with representatives of 15 Czech industrial companies, the Foreign Ministry told CTK yesterday. As part of his three-day visit, he will meet top officials of both states.
- An extensive 4-year restoration breathed new life into the spectacular Clam-Gallas Palace. Built in 1714-1718, the lavish interiors of this Prague Baroque architectural masterpiece are decorated with sculptures, frescoes, stuccos, and crystal chandeliers. Beethoven performed in one of the music halls, as well as Mozart.
A stunning historic city, beautiful beaches, and an important port. Dubrovnik, which is often considered the most beautiful city in Croatia, offers all of this.
The journey to the south of Dalmatia will become easier this year thanks to the new route operated by Croatia Airlines from Prague to Dubrovnik every Thursday until mid-October.
In addition, the carrier will also offer two flights a week to Split.
“I am pleased that this year, thanks to Croatia Airlines, we will offer passengers more flights from Prague Airport to the Adriatic Sea. Croatia has long been one of the most popular destinations for Czech tourists, so expanding the range of flights for the summer holiday season is a logical choice,” Jaroslav Filip, Prague Airport Aviation Business Director, said.
Airbus aircraft for 144 or 174 passengers will operate the Dubrovnik route every Thursday, while the Split route will be serviced as frequently as twice a week, on Mondays and Saturdays, using the Dash 8-Q400 aircraft with a capacity of 76 passengers.
“I believe that many Czechs will use this fastest connection with the Croatian part of the Adriatic and that our flights will provide them with additional motivation to explore the natural, historical, and cultural attractions of the city of Dubrovnik,” Slaven Žabo, Croatia Airlines Commercial Director, added.
- Firefighters are battling to contain a forest fire that started in the Bohemian Switzerland national park in the north of the country on Thursday afternoon. Nine firefighter units and a helicopter have been deployed at the site of the blaze, which broke out between the Pravčická brána rock formation and the German border.
- Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský will visit Saudi Arabia and Iraq next week along with a delegation of Czech businessmen. Mr. Lipavský will meet with the countries’ top officials to discuss the development of bilateral relations as well as the current political and security development in the Middle East region.
.
- A Czech volunteer was injured in an accident in Ukraine, the Health Reinsurance Association announced on Thursday. The man, who was helping out in local children’s homes near Zaporozhye in southeast Ukraine, is reported to have undergone surgery and is no longer in critical condition.
- Czech Post will close 35 of its 106 branches in Prague. Prague city authorities see this as an opportunity to acquire real estate that could be used to expand the capacity of rental housing. The first project could be the purchase of a part of the building on Moravská, which could provide several apartments in the future.
- Former Central Bohemia regional governor, ex-MP and former health minister David Rath was on Tuesday released from the prison in Brno where he was serving a sentence for corruption from early January, his defence lawyer Roman Jelinek told CTK today.
The Ministry of the Environment has announced its intention to implement a ban on the sale of coal for home heating starting from January 2025.
This move aims to encourage individuals who currently rely on coal as a heating source to evaluate the condition of their stoves and coal supplies and explore alternative options.
Under the proposed amendment to the Air Protection Act, combustion appliances powered by solid fossil fuels with a capacity of up to 300 kilowatts will no longer be permitted to enter the market as of January 1, 2025.
Lucie Ješátková, the spokesperson for the ministry, has confirmed the plans, stating, “The ban on introducing combustion sources using solid fossil fuels up to 300 kilowatts to the market will be implemented from January 1, 2025.” However, the sale of existing coal stockpiles will still be allowed after this date.
It’s worth noting that the ban does not extend to certain types of coal, such as brown and black coal, anthracite, and coal briquettes. Czech manufacturers will still be permitted to produce coal-fired stoves for export.
This measure is seen as a proactive step in preparation for the expected limited availability of coal and in line with the country’s climate commitments.
Ješátková has clarified that the ban does not affect those already utilizing coal in their existing heating sources. Therefore, individuals will be able to continue using their coal-fired stoves, but they will no longer be able to purchase new ones within the country.
Theoretically, they could acquire them from abroad, but may encounter difficulties with obtaining certified installations.
Coal remains a popular choice for heating in many households due to its affordability. According to TZB-info.cz, the total annual cost for heating a home with coal, including electricity consumption and fixed payments, amounts to around 46,000 Czech koruna, which is comparable to the expenses associated with wood heating.
In contrast, households using gas for heating face an additional annual cost of 30,000 CZK, while those relying on electric heaters encounter expenses that are 60,000 CZK higher.
Additionally, next year will see the prohibition of old solid fuel-fired boilers classified as emission classes 1 and 2. The original deadline for this phase-out was last year, but the government extended it by two years due to high inflation and rising energy prices.
Every year in May, the season of Moravian and Czech rosé wines traditionally culminates. And, it is tied with quite a few “pink” events, which includes the Pink May the degustation festival of rosé wines and clarets.
The festival is a wonderful platform for winemakers to present their wines. You can make the most of the gastronomic open-air event, which would take place on Saturday, May 20, from 10.00am to 9.00pm at Náplavka (Rašín embankment).
Visitors can expect a total of 44 stalls, 25 winemakers, rosé wine tasting, claret tastings, typical food, and rich accompanying programme.
“The degustation set is made up of a 0.35l glass made from Czech glass from Crystalex (in Nový Bor), a printed catalogue with an overview of wineries and other information and a pen to make notes. You can buy this set at the festival for 100,- Kč. It will be available for purchase in advance or on the day of the festival,” described Jiří Sedláček, director of the Růžový máj festival.
In addition to stalls offering rosé wines, there will be 19 stalls offering food specialties.
“We always try to choose a kind of gastronomy that goes well with rosé wines. For example, Mediterranean specialties, Slovak handmade pagáčky, Balkan pljeskavica or burek, raclette, guacamole, and French cheeses and sausages. There will also be soft drinks, great coffee and beer from Kounice Brewery,” added Jiří Sedláček.
The festival will traditionally be accompanied by live music, from jazz to swing.
During the day, the stage will be taken over by Cimbálová muzika Vonička, a Czechoslovak group Voila and Kateřina Steinerová & Her swing boys.
The show on May 24th is sold out, but there are still tickets available for the second show on May 25th.
“This Is Not A Drill” is a groundbreaking rock and roll/cinematic extravaganza performed in the round. It serves as a stunning indictment of the corporate dystopia we struggle to survive in, while also being a call to action to love, protect, and share our precious and precarious planet home.
The show features a dozen great songs from Pink Floyd’s golden era, along with several new ones, all written and composed by Roger Waters. It may be his last hurrah and is often referred to as his first farewell tour. Don’t miss it!
“Arms wide, Waters explored the expanse of the stage, captivating all sides. Returning to the Pink Floyd canon, the group delivered an impressive setlist, including “Have a Cigar,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Shine on You Crazy Diamond,” and “Sheep.” ~ Forbes
“Roger Waters’ superpower is his ability to initiate difficult conversations through his music, and he knows it.” ~ Chicago Sun Times
Waters will be on lead vocals, guitars, bass, and piano. Joining him on stage are Jonathan Wilson on guitars and vocals, Dave Kilminster on guitars and vocals, Jon Carin on keyboards, guitar, and vocals, Gus Seyffert on bass and vocals, Robert Walter on keyboards, Joey Waronker on drums, Shanay Johnson and Amanda Belair on vocals, and Seamus Blake on saxophone.
Roger Waters has been touring relentlessly since 1999, performing both “The Dark Side of the Moon” and “The Wall” in Prague.
His performances are always a treat for the senses, with impressive visuals and lighting effects accompanying the music. His upcoming tour, “THIS IS NOT A DRILL TOUR 2023,” will also feature a generous selection of Pink Floyd’s music.
This may be the last opportunity to hear and experience the live music of a legendary musician that will never be replicated.
Last tickets available from CZK 1990 to CZK 3290 on the Live Nation website.
The Czech government on Wednesday cancelled Soviet-era decrees that granted the Russian embassy free use of land in Prague and other cities, a further step in a more than two-year diplomatic spat with Moscow worsened by the war in Ukraine.
Prague had in 2021 accused Russian intelligence agents of being behind explosions at an arms depot in the Czech Republic in 2014, leading it to drastically reduce staff at the Russian embassy, then one of central Europe’s biggest missions and which continues to operate at a greatly reduced capacity.
On Wednesday, the centre-right government rescinded orders granting Russia the use of dozens of plots of lands in the 1970s and 1980s by the country’s then Communist rulers.
The Russian embassy in Prague did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Russia will now have to pay leases to use of the land, the foreign ministry said.
“We overturned government decisions taken under the barrels of Russian tanks after the occupation of our country,” European Affairs Minister Martin Dvorak said on Twitter, referring the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion that tightened Communist rule in the country.
“Unauthorised profits from the use of these land plots cannot be allowed to support the current occupation of Ukraine.”
Prague has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since Russia invaded on February 2022 and has supplied it with military aid.
The Czech parliament designated “the current Russian regime as terrorist” in November. Last month, the government put the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, on its national sanctions list due to his support for the invasion.