This Saturday, the Wallenstein Garden Transforms into a Hub of Music, Dance, and Theatre

The ZUŠ Open Festival will kick off with a grand performance called Coronation intrados by J. I. Link, brought to you by the talented Prague Trumpeters’ College. Following that, the 100-piece United Guitar Orchestra, which includes students from all across the country, will take the stage. Throughout the afternoon, many other musical groups will perform, including a special guest appearance by the Big Band from the music school in Feldbach. Additionally, attendees can take part in afternoon workshops on hammering and shaping metal sheets. The young musicians will also venture to the nearby Holubička Park, located next to the Malostranská metro station, where they will entertain audiences with short performances.

The event will wrap up at 20:00 with a festive evening concert in the sala terrena of Wallenstein Gardens. This concert will highlight exceptional young performers who will receive the prestigious Magdalena Kožená Foundation Director’s Award, along with renowned piano virtuoso Ivo Kahánek. Their performances will showcase compositions from famous composers like Domenico Cimarosa, Mikuláš Schneider-Trnavský, Bohuslav Martinů, and Alessandro Longo. The evening will conclude with a breathtaking rendition of Mixed National Songs by Otakar Jeremias, performed by over 350 pupils from the ZUŠ. Conducted by Jan Kučera, they will play along with the ZUŠ Symphony Orchestra from the Liberec Region as well as various combined choirs from across the nation. Adding to the evening’s atmosphere, a dance ensemble from the Frýdlantská School of Music in Liberec will also perform.

ZUŠ Open in the Waldstein Garden is a much-anticipated annual event, celebrating the talent of the younger generation in the arts. This national festival is organized by the Magdalena Kožená Foundation in collaboration with ZUŠ. This year, the festival will take place from 14 May to 6 June 2025, marking its ninth appearance.

ZUŠ Open 2025 Festival in Prague

• Dates: 14 May – 6 June 2025

• Location: Waldstein (Wallenstein) Garden, Prague

About the Festival:
ZUŠ Open is a nationwide festival celebrating primary art schools, organized by the Magdalena Kožená Foundation. The event features a rich and diverse program, highlighting music, dance, and a variety of artistic performances by talented young artists from all over the country.

Program Highlights:

• Concerts and dance performances

• Artistic showcases by students of primary art schools

• Interactive workshops, including mallet making and sheet metal hammering

• A special international guest performance by the Big Band from the Feldbach Music School

• Gala evening concert with celebrated young talents and renowned piano virtuoso Ivo Kahánek

• Grand finale featuring Otakar Jeremiáš’s “Mixture of National Songs”

About the Venue:

• Waldstein (Wallenstein) Garden: A historic early Baroque garden, serving as a cultural hub and tranquil retreat for festival visitors.

• Wallenstein Palace: An important Baroque landmark, currently home to the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic.