What happens when more than 170 musicians from České Budějovice join their forces?

What happens when more than 170 musicians from České Budějovice join their forces?

You will hear an ODE TO MY CITY!

You don't believe it? Come and see for yourself.
 📅Mark Thursday 20 June in your calendar and come to the biggest concert in our city´s history.

WHEN AND WHERE?

On the eve of the International Music Day - Thursday 20 June at Palacký Square. The steps of the church will turn into a large stage and the street with the adjacent park into an auditorium.

WHAT?

At 18:00 you will hear for the first (and probably the last) time a unique musical project. It has brought together over 170 musicians, children, adults, seniors, professionals and amateurs. After months of preparations and rehearsals, they will play the ODE TO MY CITY which will touch your heart! For the first and the last time you will hear a unique composition written for České Budějovice. It is inspired by the tune of the Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Ode to Joy. It is not only the anthem of the European Union - it is also the most famous and universal melody in all of human history.

We have prepared a new version for České Budějovice, the capital of South Bohemia and the European Capital of Culture 2028.

The event is organized as a part of the Kul.turista project and will also celebrate the one-year anniversary of winning the title of the European Capital of Culture 2028.

WHO WILL BE PERFORMING  THE ODE FOR YOU AND WHO COMPOSED IT?

The piece will be performed by a 170-member ensemble of professional and amateur musicians from České Budějovice.

You can look forward to:

• České Budějovice Musical Academy - wind and guitar departments
• Art School ZUŠ Piaristické náměstí - students of wind instruments of Zdenek Zavičák
• Art School ZUŠ B. Jeremiáše, Palackého náměstí - students of wind instruments of Eliška Bendová
• Bigysbor ensemble from the Bishop's High School
• Choir with "Z" from Česká High School
• Jitřenka children choir
• The Choir Project
• Aktiv club , women's choir - singing for joy
• Abwun, chamber music choir
• folklore ensemble of South Bohemian Úsvit

They're all rehearsing the song right now. And you can join in too! Do you want to sing along? Come to the venue, you will get lyrics and you'll be able to join in.

The ensemble will be led by the conductor of the South Bohemian Philharmonic Patrik Červák Jr.                                                                    The music adaptation was completed by the composer Mikoláš Troup of the South Bohemian Theatre and the lyrics by Štěpán Hebík (7krát3) and partly also Vít Piskala of the South Bohemian Theatre.
 The project curator is Ondřej Horák, promoter of contemporary art

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THURSDAY 2 JUNE?

Program at the Palacký Square:

We have prepared more activities for the whole afternoon and evening at Palacký Square - you can sit and talk, get refreshment and there will be activities for kids. You can look forward to musical workshops, concerts by local bands and, of course, the Ode to My City.

A unique musical walk through the city:

Let us take you through individual musical stops from the city center to Palačák, where a brand new song created just for our city will be played immediately after our arrival. Some of the ensembles and choirs performing the Ode to Our City will get you in the mood as you stroll through the city, where they'll play one piece at a time!

More information about the preparations and the program can be found here:

THE WHOLE PROGRAM IS FREE!