Ostrava Days 2025: Where established composers and new talent in contemporary music meet

For this week’s Sunday Music Show, we’re shining a spotlight on the musical output of Ostrava. The Silesian city is best known in terms of music for the Colours of Ostrava festival of pop and rock, but it also contributes to the artistic life of Czechia through Ostrava Days.

This celebrated music festival, organised by the Ostrava Centre for New Music and running since 2001, aims to champion “contemporary classical music, whether it be avant-garde, experimental, or otherwise challenging musical efforts”. It brings established and world-renowned figures in contemporary music to Ostrava, to work alongside and mentor upcoming composers. Soloists, groups of musicians and orchestras then bring their work to life in front of appreciative audiences.

Since its launch, over 250 young composers from twenty-eight countries have participated. Ostrava Days 2025 kicks off on August 21st and concludes on August 30th. This Sunday Music Show offers a taster of the musical talent that we can expect from the festival, by showcasing some performances recorded at previous Ostrava Days.