Festival Days of Contemporary Music begins in Prague, runs through November

The Prague festival Days of Contemporary Music opens today with a concert in the Foerster Hall at the parish of St. Adalbert’s Church. The program will feature mainly clarinet compositions and electroacoustic works. Now in its 36th year, the festival will offer ten concerts through the end of November. Unlike traditional recitals, each evening’s program includes performances by multiple soloists, chamber ensembles, choirs, and student groups. The event annually showcases the latest works by Czech composers in chamber, vocal, and instrumental music, with pieces from all associations united under the Czech Association of Musical Artists and Scientists. Concerts will take place in several Prague venues, including St. Clement’s Church, the Evangelical Church hall in Vinohrady, and the Unitaria Cultural Center. Admission is voluntary. In total, 70 works by 55 contemporary Czech composers will be presented, including tributes to Jaroslav Eliáš and Lenka Hlávková.