Classical music organizations and festivals are making student access easier through discounted rates and online purchases in Prague.
Many well known composers have lived, studied, and premiered their works in the Czech Republic such as Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana, and even Wolfgang Amadus Mozart. The capital’s storied history with classical music continues today through the echoes of The Estates Theatre (Švandovo Divadlo), State Opera house (Státní Opera), and the Rudolfinum. Though students may pass these performance spaces every day, they are unaware of discounted tickets to classical music concerts many arts organizations have made available.
Speaking to students at Anglo American University, they expressed interest in going to classical music concerts once reduced ticket prices were mentioned.
“I didn’t know you got discounts,” Abby Fenchak stated, “I’d totally go.”
Another student, Noelle O’Braitis, brought up how it can be hard to get groups of people their age to go to performances with them.
“You don’t really see {young} people going to shows,” O’Braitis expressed. She said that she herself has taken advantage of the student offers on multiple occasions.
Arts organizations in Prague have noticed this, and many have provided heavily reduced rates for students. Often, last minute tickets are also offered at a lower rate for students prior to performances. The Czech Philharmonic website says, “Our goal is to make our concerts accessible to everyone whose heart is open to music.”
One of the most well known organizations is The National Theater (Národní Divadlo), and it’s home to four companies– ballet, drama, opera, and Laterna magika, all of which perform in four different theaters in Prague. They often premiere new pieces from both Czech and international composers, and are a longtime fixture of the fine arts in Prague. Home to the Czech national ballet company, they also perform a wide variety of dance styles to see. For select performances, The National Theater offers a 50% discount for students up to 26 years old with a valid ISIC card, for prices as low as 150 CZK.
The Czech Philharmonic (Česká Filharmonie) also offers a standard student discount of 50% off with reserved seating to both its Orchestra and chamber ensemble concerts. Besides the standard discount, they have ‘Last Minute’ tickets available online or in person at Rudolfinum box office so that students can purchase tickets for 100 CZK the day of the performance.
The Philharmonic’s Chamber music division, The Czech Chamber Music Society (Český spolek pro komorní hudbu), has hosted concerts since 1894 in the Rudolfinum. The society often hosts concerts with various chamber ensembles, including the upcoming Czech Saxophone Quartet on November 4th. The Czech Philharmonic is opening its next season on the 27th of September with violinist Augustin Hadelich and conductor Semyon Bychkov.
The other Philharmonic in town, Prague Philharmonia, also offers 100 CZK tickets to various concerts 24 hours prior to their concerts online and in person. The Philharmonia hosts chamber music concerts as well as orchestral performances.
Along with all of the regular opera and orchestra seasons in Prague, annual events such as The Dvorak Festival (Dvořákova Praha), running until September 25 this year, also have various discounts for students. The Dvorak Festival offers the Youth Club which entitles students to a 20% discount on all tickets, and for particular concerts such as the Belcea Quartet recital, they sell a 100 CZK ticket with a valid ISIC. The festival is internationally renowned for bringing famous artists to Prague every year, and often hosts world premiere performances.
A classically-related exhibit, NAVE, is open free to the public at Galerie Rudolfinum till September 24. Created by Jiří Příhoda and with music by Brian Eno, the gallery-goer immerses themself in ambient music through the theme of “Silence and Peace.” Eno is known as a pioneer of electronic and ambient music.
Along with price reductions, classical organizations regularly have kid-friendly performances. On October 8, Prague Philharmonia will perform Traveling Through Nature, a family friendly production that guides children to explore the outdoors through the help of an orchestra.
Discounted tickets are readily available, they just have to know where to find them. AAU university student O’Braitis said, “I knew I wouldn’t have been able to go without the discount. Young people would rather go to clubs, even though I feel like I’m getting a deal every time I go.”
