Strings of Autumn

Strings of Autumn is an international music festival which takes place every year between September and November in Prague, Czech Republic. The festival features a mix of jazz, classical music, experimental music, and world music. Its program is divided into three distinct categories, each with a particular musical focus: Inspiration, Crossover, and Luminaries. Strings of Autumn has been running since 1996.

Early years

Strings of Autumn was founded by Marek Vrabec in 1996 at the instigation of then-President Vaclav Havel, who was looking to start up a regular program of concerts at Prague Castle. These concerts often took place in parts of the castle previously inaccessible to the public. The first year featured mostly Czech artists, but in 1997 the festival showcased its first international artists, among them Jan Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble, who were making their first appearance in the Czech Republic. As the festival grew in stature, it was able to attract an increasing number of high-caliber artists, including Michael Nyman, Magdalena Kozena and Oleg Maisenberg.

Fight for survival

In 2004 a new president, Vaclav Klaus, was sworn in. The change of president brought a change in cultural policy at the castle, and the new administration announced it would no longer support Strings of Autumn. This was a body blow for the festival, which by now had established itself as a major player on the Czech scene and won itself a loyal audience. Czech music lovers and media alike were horrified at the decision to abandon Strings - a leading music magazine, Harmonie, nominated the castle administration for an 'anti-award,' saying 'It has decided to cancel one of the most interesting projects – in terms of artistic programming and performance – that exist in this country.'[1]

Finding itself without financial support or venues, Strings of Autumn faced a fight for survival. The public stood by the festival, sponsors were found, and the organizers managed to put on a Strings festival in 2004, albeit in reduced form. Highlights included performances by the Kronos Quartet and the Uri Caine ensemble.

2005 - present

Strings of Autumn soon established partnerships with some of Prague’s – and Europe’s – finest venues: the Rudolfinum, the Estates Theatre, the Municipal House, Prague Crossroads: all these have become ‘Strings stages,’ and are now synonymous with the festival.

With the continued backing of the City of Prague and of private sponsors, the festival came back strongly in 2005, with a full program of ten concerts which included the return of Michael Nyman and the Czech debut of Gary Burton.[2]

In the years that followed, Strings cemented its reputation for innovative programming, and for bringing world-class artists to Prague for their first performances in the Czech Republic. Artists to have performed at Strings since 2005 include Brad Mehldau, Cassandra Wilson, Bobby McFerrin and Ute Lemper.

In 2010, the 15th anniversary of the festival, Strings of Autumn held its first-ever donors' gala evening at Municipal House in Prague, becoming one of the first non-profit cultural organisations in the Czech Republic to hold such an event.[3] Bobby McFerrin performed at the gala, which was attended by several notables, including Vaclav Havel and the Czech Prime Minister, Jan Fischer.

References

  1. ↑ Harmonie magazine, May 2004
  2. ↑ 'Autumn Enchantment,' Prague Post Sept 21st 2005, http://www.praguepost.com/archivescontent/529-autumn-enchantment.html
  3. ↑ 'Strings of Autumn takes Gala Gamble,' Prague Post March 31, 2010

External links

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