FESTIVAL DATES
March 20-24, 2024
Welcome to Prague
This festival is one of the most culturally diverse and enjoyable European events for young musicians ages 8-26. Join choirs, bands, and orchestras from around the world at the Young Prague Festival. Since 2002, this festival and competition has given youth choirs, bands, and orchestras the unique opportunity to showcase their talent. Share your skills with over 1,000 other musicians.
Young Prague includes special events hosted by Prague city officials, including ceremonies, concerts and social gatherings for guest ensembles. Additional highlights include competing in spectacular venues such as the National House, performing in the historic St. Nicholas Church, sightseeing in Prague, an evening cruise on the Vltava River, and marching in a festive parade through the heart of the city.
Performance groups can participate in adjudicated or non-adjudicated sections. Whether partaking in the competition or not, the time in Prague is highly rewarding. This time is specifically enhanced by newly formed friendships with youth from many nations.
Exemplifying music as a universal language, Young Prague has welcomed ensembles from Australia, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Ready to get started? Contact us today!
For information about non-festival travel to Prague check out the Custom Concert Tour page.
Itinerary
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024 | DEPART FOR YOUNG PRAGUE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024 | WELCOME TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Upon arrival in Prague, meet your Music Contact International Tour Manager and travel by private motor coach to your conveniently located hotel. Check in and refresh, before enjoying an orientation walk through the “city of a hundred spires.”
Scenically situated on the Vltava River, Prague is one of Europe’s most visited cities. Prague’s cobbled lanes and courtyards hold ancient chapels, castles, fragrant gardens, unique shops, atmospheric cafés and plenty of photo opportunities! Once known as the conservatory of Europe, you will be strolling in the steps of musical greats who spent time here including Mozart, Antoní Dvořák, Leoš Janáček and Bedřich Smetana.
After the walk, a wonderful welcome dinner will be served to your group at a local restaurant.
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024 | YOUNG PRAGUE FESTIVAL | CONCERT
Following breakfast in the hotel dining room, explore Prague with the help of a local Czech guide.
You might visit the Castle District, the largest medieval castle complex in Europe and the ancient seat of Czech kings throughout the ages. Alternatively, you may want to tour Jewish Prague, which recalls the years before World War II when Prague was one of the intellectual and spiritual hubs of European Judaism.
In the afternoon, return to the hotel to prepare for your first festival concert at one of Prague’s magnificent churches, such as the St. Salvator Church of the Holy Savior.
This evening, dinner is served to your group at a local restaurant. Afterward, your group is invited to a lively gathering with guest musicians from many countries at the National House. Directors are invited to a reception with city officials in Prague’s Old Town Hall.
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024 | PRAGUE | COMPETITION
After breakfast, attend the Festival Opening Ceremony along with a matinee concert given by Cancioneta Praga, one of the most prominent ensembles of young Czech choral singers.
Afterwards, festival adjudications are held. Ensembles compete in the beautiful National House in front of the jury and other participating musicians.
The afternoon is free in Prague. Be sure to spend time in Old Town with its lively Old Town Square, home of the famous Astronomical Clock. Walk along the Charles Bridge with its striking statues, street musicians and crafts sellers.
In the evening, dinner is served at a local restaurant, followed by a cruise on the Vltava River offering beautiful nighttime views of the illuminated city.
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024 | PARADE IN PRAGUE | CONCERT
After breakfast at the hotel, ensembles traditionally march in a colorful parade through Prague’s City Center. Bands and orchestras then perform on an open-air stage in the Old Town Square, while choirs sing in lovely St. Nicholas Church.
At night, a celebratory farewell dinner is served followed by an awards ceremony with group sing and a closing dance party, rounding off Young Prague on a festive note.
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2024
Depart for North America or extend your stay in the Czech Republic or another exciting destination in Europe.
Package
Accommodations
•4 nights accommodations in a quality hotel
Transportation
•A private, modern motor coach with a professional driver is provided for all transportation as described in the itinerary.
Meals
•Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
•Dinner each night as described above
Tour Manager
•Full-time Music Contact International Tour Manager to accompany your group during entire stay, from arrival to departure.
Performance Opportunities
•Concert at one of Prague’s lovely churches, such as St. Salvator Church of the Holy Savior
•Young Prague Competition at the National House
•Post-parade performance: bands and orchestras perform a concert at an open-air stage on the Old Town Square. Choirs perform a concert at St. Nicholas Church on the Old Town Square
•Awards ceremony group sing
Local Guide and Special Events
•A local, English-speaking festival guide to assist with festival related activities and events
•Guided sightseeing of Prague
•Social event on Thursday evening
•Reception for Directors in Old Town Hall
•Opening Ceremony with matinee concert
•Evening river cruise on the Vltava River
•Parade through Prague City Center
•Closing dance party
Complimentary Places
•Two complimentary land packages for every 30 paying travelers in single rooms.
Fall 2023
Departing North America
Experience incredible acoustics in historic venues…
Enjoy authentic cuisine, stunning architecture and friendly people in a culturally rich environment…
Experience this and much more at the Young Prague Director’s Orientation Program. Take the opportunity to experience what’s to come during the festival in March. See the concert venues where you will be performing and test the acoustics so that you may better plan your festival repertoire. Visit St. Nicholas Church on the Old Town Square, St. Salvator Church of the Holy Savior, and the National House Vinohrady, where the competition takes place each year. Enjoy traditional Czech cuisine in restaurants where you can look forward to shared meals with your ensemble.
You will also have the opportunity to explore the enchanted city of Prague, seeing first-hand where the amazing festival events happen, while taking in the gorgeous vistas that emerge around every street corner. Previewing the hotels, venues and locations where the festival parade, the competition, and celebratory parties are to take place will give you a better idea of what to expect in March and allow you to communicate this exciting information to your ensemble upon your return home.
Prague is a wonderful city – traditional, yet modern. Known for its garnet, amber and handmade marionettes, Prague will entice you with its beauty, relax you with its quaint cafes, invigorate you with its culture and educate you with its history. The Orientation Program will give you a glimpse into this world and provide you with a unique opportunity to prepare yourself for a wonderful festival in the early spring. We look forward to welcoming you there!
*Your travel to Prague is complimentary including the portion of your airfare from New York’s JFK Airport, accommodations in Prague, transportation, guides and most meals. This complimentary trip is available to the choir director (or official representative) of all registered choirs under deposit to attend the festival. Participation in the Orientation Program is not required for participation in the Festival.
Please inquire about our exciting festival extension options to other European cities and let Music Contact International customize an extension program complementing your trip to Young Prague.
Inclusions
Accommodations
•4 nights accommodations in a quality hotel
Transportation
•A private, modern motor coach with a professional driver is provided for all transportation as described in the itinerary.
Meals
•Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
•Dinner each night as described above
Tour Manager
•Full-time Music Contact International Tour Manager to accompany your group during entire stay, from arrival to departure.
Performance Opportunities
•Concert at one of Prague’s lovely churches, such as St. Salvator Church of the Holy Savior
•Young Prague Competition at the National House
•Post-parade performance: bands and orchestras perform a concert at an open-air stage on the Old Town Square. Choirs perform a concert at St. Nicholas Church on the Old Town Square
•Awards ceremony group sing
Local Guide and Special Events
•A local, English-speaking festival guide to assist with festival related activities and events
•Guided sightseeing of Prague
•Social event on Thursday evening
•Reception for Directors in Old Town Hall
•Opening Ceremony with matinee concert
•Evening river cruise on the Vltava River
•Parade through Prague City Center
•Closing dance party
Complimentary Places
•Two complimentary land packages for every 30 paying travelers in single rooms.
Complimentary Directors Orientation Program
Fall 2023
Departing North America
Experience incredible acoustics in historic venues…
Enjoy authentic cuisine, stunning architecture and friendly people in a culturally rich environment…
Experience this and much more at the Young Prague Director’s Orientation Program. Take the opportunity to experience what’s to come during the festival in March. See the concert venues where you will be performing and test the acoustics so that you may better plan your festival repertoire. Visit St. Nicholas Church on the Old Town Square, St. Salvator Church of the Holy Savior, and the National House Vinohrady, where the competition takes place each year. Enjoy traditional Czech cuisine in restaurants where you can look forward to shared meals with your ensemble.
You will also have the opportunity to explore the enchanted city of Prague, seeing first-hand where the amazing festival events happen, while taking in the gorgeous vistas that emerge around every street corner. Previewing the hotels, venues and locations where the festival parade, the competition, and celebratory parties are to take place will give you a better idea of what to expect in March and allow you to communicate this exciting information to your ensemble upon your return home.
Prague is a wonderful city – traditional, yet modern. Known for its garnet, amber and handmade marionettes, Prague will entice you with its beauty, relax you with its quaint cafes, invigorate you with its culture and educate you with its history. The Orientation Program will give you a glimpse into this world and provide you with a unique opportunity to prepare yourself for a wonderful festival in the early spring. We look forward to welcoming you there!
*Your travel to Prague is complimentary including the portion of your airfare from New York’s JFK Airport, accommodations in Prague, transportation, guides and most meals. This complimentary trip is available to the choir director (or official representative) of all registered choirs under deposit to attend the festival. Participation in the Orientation Program is not required for participation in the Festival.
Additional Days in Europe
Please inquire about our exciting festival extension options to other European cities and let Music Contact International customize an extension program complementing your trip to Young Prague.
Venues
ST. SALVATOR CHURCH
St. Salvator Church of the Holy Savior is located in Prague’s Old Town Square. The restored early-17th century church is the largest evangelical church in Prague and was founded in 1611. The church has beautiful acoustics and regularly hosts concerts for the public.
- Piano
Program: Open Repertoire | 20 minutes
ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH ON THE OLD TOWN SQUARE
A historic church in the heart of Prague’s Old Town Square. Built in the mid-18th century, the white facade of the church is one of the most beloved and iconic buildings in Prague’s Old Town Square. The ornate Baroque church often hosts classical music concerts and has wonderful acoustics.
- Piano
Program: Open Repertoire | 20 minutes
NATIONAL HOUSE VINOHRDAY
This striking Neo-Renaissance building in central Prague hosts many concerts throughout the year. The hall is decorated with beautiful murals, and it is the perfect location for the festival competition.
- Piano
Program: Competition guidelines will be provided
Extensions
A two-night stay in Vienna will add an exciting element to an already wonderful stay in Prague. Experiencing firsthand the vast musical history and culture of Vienna is truly a gift. From the influence of Beethoven, Schubert and Haydn in Vienna, it is clear that this esteemed city is certainly one of the main centers of the classical music world. When traveling to Vienna, you will not only have the opportunity to sing in a unique venue, but also embark on a guided tour showing you the glorious landmarks, and share delicious meals among friends. A post-extension to Austria will surely end your tour on a festive note and leave you with memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
DAY ONE
Arrival in Vienna before or after the Young Prague Festival. Afternoon hotel check-in. Take some time to settle in and refresh before beginning your introduction to Vienna with a guided walking tour. See such incredible sights as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, enjoy the morning to explore the heart of old Vienna on Kartnerstrasse and the Ring. See the Opera House, the Hofburg Palace, and the Art History Museum. Stop into Demels the Royal Café for Viennese cake and climb to the top of the spire of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for a panoramic view over the city.
In the early afternoon, perform a concert at a local senior citizens home for the residents and staff.
In the evening, travel to the nearby village of Gumpoldskirchen where you will enjoy a traditional Austrian “Heurigen,” a delicious dinner of local meats, beverages, and music, all topped off with a decadent serving of apple strudel!
DAY THREE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for the Young Prague Festival or return home!
A two-night stay in Salzburg followed by an additional two nights in Vienna will add an exciting element to an already wonderful stay in Prague. Experiencing firsthand the vast musical history and culture of both Vienna and Salzburg is truly a gift. From the influence of Mozart in Salzburg to the genius of Beethoven, Schubert, and Haydn in Vienna, it is clear that both cities are centers of the classical music world. When traveling to Salzburg and Vienna, you will not only have the opportunity to sing in such esteemed venues as the Salzburg Cathedral and Melk Abbey but also embark on guided tours showing you the glorious landmarks of each city and share delicious meals among friends. An extension to Austria will surely enhance your tour and leave you with memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
DAY ONE
Arrival in Salzburg before or after the Young Prague Festival. Afternoon hotel check-in. Enjoy an orientation walk of Salzburg before joining your choir for a group dinner at a traditional Austrian restaurant.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of Salzburg. Perform a lunchtime concert at the Salzburg Cathedral followed by free time in the city center for personal exploration and dinner.
DAY THREE
Depart Salzburg for Vienna following breakfast. En route, visit Melk Abbey where you will enjoy a guided tour and have the opportunity to sing a short repertoire in the Abbey Church before having lunch in Melk. Continue to Vienna and check in to your hotel. Enjoy an orientation walk of Vienna before returning to the hotel for a group dinner.
DAY FOUR
After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Vienna. In the afternoon, travel to a local Viennese high school where you will perform a friendship concert for the students and faculty and also have the opportunity to listen to the resident choir. Return to the hotel following the concert. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore personal areas of interest. In the evening, travel to the nearby village of Gumpoldskirchen where you will enjoy a traditional Austrian “Heurigen,” a delicious dinner of local meats, beverages, and music, all topped off with a decadent serving of apple strudel!
DAY FIVE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for the Young Prague Festival or return home!
A stay in Budapest and Vienna will add an exciting element to an already wonderful stay in Prague. Experiencing firsthand the vast musical history and culture of these two cities is truly a gift. Whether you are learning about Franz Liszt and Bela Bartok in Budapest, or Beethoven, Schubert, and Haydn in Vienna, it is clear that these esteemed cities are crucial hubs of the classical music world. Both cities will offer the opportunity to sing in unique venues and to embark on guided tours showing you glorious landmarks, and to share delicious meals among friends. An extension to Hungary and Austria will surely enhance your tour and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
DAY ONE
Arrive in Budapest before or after the Young Prague Festival. Begin your introduction to Budapest with a guided motor coach and walking tour. See such sights as Fisherman’s Bastion, the Great Market Hall, and Heroes’ Square. Afternoon, check-in to the hotel and refresh. Tonight a special welcome dinner is arranged at a restaurant serving local specialties.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, enjoy the morning to explore the heart of Budapest on your own. Stroll along the pedestrian shopping streets and perhaps choose to visit Buda Castle! In the afternoon, your choir is invited to perform a friendship concert with a local Hungarian choir. Enjoy singing for each other and exchanging culture. The evening is free for dinner on your own. Be sure to ask your tour manager for suggestions!
DAY THREE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for Vienna, Austria. Upon arrival, meet a local English-speaking guide and embark on a guided motor coach and walking tour of the city. See such sights as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Later, perform a concert at St. Peter’s Church for an appreciative audience. Dinner will be arranged this evening to complement your concert schedule.
DAY FOUR
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for the Young Prague Festival or return home!
Two Night Extension to Vienna, Austria
A two-night stay in Vienna will add an exciting element to an already wonderful stay in Prague. Experiencing firsthand the vast musical history and culture of Vienna is truly a gift. From the influence of Beethoven, Schubert and Haydn in Vienna, it is clear that this esteemed city is certainly one of the main centers of the classical music world. When traveling to Vienna, you will not only have the opportunity to sing in a unique venue, but also embark on a guided tour showing you the glorious landmarks, and share delicious meals among friends. A post-extension to Austria will surely end your tour on a festive note and leave you with memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
DAY ONE
Arrival in Vienna before or after the Young Prague Festival. Afternoon hotel check-in. Take some time to settle in and refresh before beginning your introduction to Vienna with a guided walking tour. See such incredible sights as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, enjoy the morning to explore the heart of old Vienna on Kartnerstrasse and the Ring. See the Opera House, the Hofburg Palace, and the Art History Museum. Stop into Demels the Royal Café for Viennese cake and climb to the top of the spire of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for a panoramic view over the city.
In the early afternoon, perform a concert at a local senior citizens home for the residents and staff.
In the evening, travel to the nearby village of Gumpoldskirchen where you will enjoy a traditional Austrian “Heurigen,” a delicious dinner of local meats, beverages, and music, all topped off with a decadent serving of apple strudel!
DAY THREE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for the Young Prague Festival or return home!
Four Night Extension to Vienna & Salzburg, Austria
A two-night stay in Salzburg followed by an additional two nights in Vienna will add an exciting element to an already wonderful stay in Prague. Experiencing firsthand the vast musical history and culture of both Vienna and Salzburg is truly a gift. From the influence of Mozart in Salzburg to the genius of Beethoven, Schubert, and Haydn in Vienna, it is clear that both cities are centers of the classical music world. When traveling to Salzburg and Vienna, you will not only have the opportunity to sing in such esteemed venues as the Salzburg Cathedral and Melk Abbey but also embark on guided tours showing you the glorious landmarks of each city and share delicious meals among friends. An extension to Austria will surely enhance your tour and leave you with memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
DAY ONE
Arrival in Salzburg before or after the Young Prague Festival. Afternoon hotel check-in. Enjoy an orientation walk of Salzburg before joining your choir for a group dinner at a traditional Austrian restaurant.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of Salzburg. Perform a lunchtime concert at the Salzburg Cathedral followed by free time in the city center for personal exploration and dinner.
DAY THREE
Depart Salzburg for Vienna following breakfast. En route, visit Melk Abbey where you will enjoy a guided tour and have the opportunity to sing a short repertoire in the Abbey Church before having lunch in Melk. Continue to Vienna and check in to your hotel. Enjoy an orientation walk of Vienna before returning to the hotel for a group dinner.
DAY FOUR
After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Vienna. In the afternoon, travel to a local Viennese high school where you will perform a friendship concert for the students and faculty and also have the opportunity to listen to the resident choir. Return to the hotel following the concert. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore personal areas of interest. In the evening, travel to the nearby village of Gumpoldskirchen where you will enjoy a traditional Austrian “Heurigen,” a delicious dinner of local meats, beverages, and music, all topped off with a decadent serving of apple strudel!
DAY FIVE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for the Young Prague Festival or return home!
Three Night Extension to Budapest & Vienna
A stay in Budapest and Vienna will add an exciting element to an already wonderful stay in Prague. Experiencing firsthand the vast musical history and culture of these two cities is truly a gift. Whether you are learning about Franz Liszt and Bela Bartok in Budapest, or Beethoven, Schubert, and Haydn in Vienna, it is clear that these esteemed cities are crucial hubs of the classical music world. Both cities will offer the opportunity to sing in unique venues and to embark on guided tours showing you glorious landmarks, and to share delicious meals among friends. An extension to Hungary and Austria will surely enhance your tour and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
DAY ONE
Arrive in Budapest before or after the Young Prague Festival. Begin your introduction to Budapest with a guided motor coach and walking tour. See such sights as Fisherman’s Bastion, the Great Market Hall, and Heroes’ Square. Afternoon, check-in to the hotel and refresh. Tonight a special welcome dinner is arranged at a restaurant serving local specialties.
DAY TWO
Following breakfast, enjoy the morning to explore the heart of Budapest on your own. Stroll along the pedestrian shopping streets and perhaps choose to visit Buda Castle! In the afternoon, your choir is invited to perform a friendship concert with a local Hungarian choir. Enjoy singing for each other and exchanging culture. The evening is free for dinner on your own. Be sure to ask your tour manager for suggestions!
DAY THREE
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for Vienna, Austria. Upon arrival, meet a local English-speaking guide and embark on a guided motor coach and walking tour of the city. See such sights as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Later, perform a concert at St. Peter’s Church for an appreciative audience. Dinner will be arranged this evening to complement your concert schedule.
DAY FOUR
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for the Young Prague Festival or return home!
Your Tour Includes
Traveler's Resource Website
The site is customized exclusively for your group, and is full of exciting and interactive features that you will find informative and helpful before, during, and after the tour.
•Current tour itinerary with full descriptions of each day
•Detailed maps of the places you will visit
•Blog platform to communicate with group members
•Recommended books, movies, websites, and videos
Online Payment System
Group leaders have the option to use our Online Payment System, which enables you to effortlessly collect payments for your trip. Group leaders receive weekly automated reports with traveler balances and due dates.
Travelers can log in to our secure website to review the cost of their trip and all payment deadlines, register for the trip, and make credit card payments. All travelers receive automated reminders when payments are coming due.
Additional Materials
•Customized handbook for each person traveling with your choir, including a detailed program and travel information.
•Electrical adapters*
•Luggage tags
•Passport holder*
*for international travelers