Prague concert hall

Now in its 67^th year, the 2012 festival will be held from May 12 through June 4. It has long been considered one of the most prestigious music festivals in Europe. The celebration has always been an international one, featuring top conductors, composers and musicians from all over the world.

The festival is an evolving creative showcase, offering a mix of chamber orchestras, big bands, soloists and symphonies, while casting a special spotlight on Czech composers.

Concerts are held throughout the city in a variety of venues, such as the 19^th century neo-renaissance Rudolfinum, a sumptuous venue by the Vltava River. Other venues include acoustically perfect churches and abbeys, and Prague Castle’s own Italianate concert hall.

Certain traditions are always observed: since 1952 the festival has opened with a series of symphonic poems by Czech composer Bedrich Smetana, “Ma vlast (My Country),” and finished on the last night with Beethoven’s ninth symphony.

The celebration also celebrates special moments in the classical world, hosting performances of works by composers whose pieces have reached a milestone anniversary. Each year, audiences also enjoy the world premieres of contemporary works.

A violinist playing in Prague

Many classical music stars have performed or conducted over the years, such as Arthur Rubinstein, Lorin Maazel, Michael Tilson Thomas, Mstislav Rostropovich, Lucia Popp, Sir Colin Davis, Maurice André, Sir Simon Rattle, Anne-Sophie Mutter and Leopold Stokowski. Since 1947, young musicians have also been welcome, for the Prague Spring Competition.

The festival, called simply “the Prague Spring,” was founded in 1946 as part of the celebration of the end of World War II and the Nazi occupation that has gripped the city for six long years.

The May 1990 festival was a similar time of celebration, coming seven months after the Velvet Revolution and the end of 40 years of communist rule in the country. The opening concert that year was a moment of joyful renewal of the Czech culture. Czech conductor Rafael Kubelik, also one of the founders of the Prague Spring, returned to his home country to conduct “Ma vlast”, performed under the magnificent Art Nouveau rotunda of the Smetana Hall.

While there, visit Prague Castle as well, and not only for its architectural beauty. Among the paintings by Brueghel and Canaletto and other priceless artwork you’ll find a score of “The Messiah” reorchestrated in Mozart’s hand.

Also preserved are original pages of Beethoven’s Fourth and Fifth symphonies, inscribed with the composer’s own corrections, annotations and signature. You will learn that Prince Joseph Lobkowicz was a leading patron of Beethoven.

Rudolfinum concert hall

Go to http://www.festival.cz/cz/program for the 2012 program, sporting stars such as the Dun Huang New World Ensemble, the Agon Orchestra, violinist Marianna Vasiljeva, pianist Arta Arnicane, Vasilij Petrenko conducting the Czech Philharmonic, Koji Kawamoto conducting the Pilsen Philharmonic, and Jakub Hrůša conducting the Prague Philharmonic. Tickets are available at http://www.festival.cz/cz.

Caroline Ryan is the author of An Old Castle Standing on a Ford: One Yank’s Life in an Almost Peaceful Belfast (Eloquent Books), a cultural narrative about life in Belfast after the Troubles. She writes often about intercultural issues, and currently writes for Pimsleur Approach, a leading seller of audio based language learning software, including learn to speak Brazilian Portuguese.

featured image by Loozrboy

 

 

iTunes Festival London 2011 - July 1-31, London

Featuring 31 consecutive nights of brilliant live music, iTunes Festival will showcase both established and emerging artists. Each performance will be recorded and made available for download on iTunes. Tickets for the iTunes Festival are free but you have to apply for tickets! There will be about 60 artists performing, including Paul Simon, ADELE, Foo Fighters and Duran Duran.

 

 

Berlin Festival 2011 – September 9-10, Berlin

Berlin is a city like no other; especially known for its underground music scene, its definitely a city worth visiting just for its musical influence alone. Berlin Festival takes place just days after Berlin Music Week (September 7-11), making this week one of the best times to visit this vibrant city. Berlin Festival 2011 will feature a Boy George DJ Set, The Drums, Suede, Beirut, Mogwai, Battles, Hercules and Love Affair, Deus, Santigold, A-Trak, Yelle, Diplo and many other unique acts.

 

 

Fête de la Musique – June 21, Paris

Allowing for the expression of all types of music, Fête de la Musique is completely different from most music festivals. It is open to both emerging and professional musicians, and all musicians are asked to perform for free as the event itself is free to the public.

 

 

Make Music New York (MMNY) – June 21, New York

Now in its fifth year, Make Music New York is a unique festival filled to the brim with free concerts, taking place in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City. All taking place on the first day of summer, June 21, MMNY takes place simultaneously with similar festivities in over 460 cities across the world. The lineup hasn’t been announced yet but it should be any day now. In past years, the lineup has ranged from hip hop to opera, Latin jazz to punk rock, all performed on the streets, sidewalks, stoops, plazas, parks and gardens of New York.

 

 

Pitchfork Music Festival – July 15,16,17, Chicago

This three-day event showcases over 40 of independent music’s best bands and artists. It is one of the few music festivals that keeps ticket prices reasonably low. Among the many artists you will see Animal Collective, DJ Shadow, Toro Y Moi, TV on the Radio. Activities include a Record Fair, presented by the Chicago Independent Radio Project, Coterie handmade goods, FLATSTOCK poster show series and Rock for kids.

 

 

Lollapalooza – August 5-7, Chicago

Whereas the Pitchfork festival focuses on independent music, Lollapalooza is a destination for music lovers all over the world. It just so happens that this year is the 20th Anniversary of the Festival and festival-goers can look forward to a full and exciting lineup. Artists include: Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, Deadmau5, Cee Lo Green, Girl Talk, Kid Cudi and so many more. As always, the festival will take place in historic Grant Park, between the iconic Chicago skyline and the shores of Lake Michigan. FYI – if you have kids 10 and under, they get in free to Lolla when accompanied by a ticket holding adult.

 

 

Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival – August 12-14, San Francisco

Taking place in San Francisco’s historic Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands invites guests to celebrate not only the best in music, but also food, wine and art. From singer-songwriters to DJs, jazz acts and cutting edge rock bands, all major music movements are celebrated alongside a host of local musicians, food vendors and visual artists representing SF’s vibrant cultural community. This green-conscious event will feature artists like Arcade Fire, Black Keys, The Shins, MGMT, Girl Talk, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Major Lazer, OK GO. Other attractions will include tastes of the Bay Area, many wine offerings, festival market place, and the eco lands area, powered entirely by solar energy.

 

 

Osheaga – July 29th to 31st, Montreal

There’s no better city to enjoy an outdoor music festival than Montreal. The summer is when Montreal shines the most and the energy of the city is always outstanding, especially during the outdoor festivals. There are no shortage of them in Montreal and Osheaga is one stellar festival not to be missed. Last years addition with Arcade Fire performing during the fireworks was spectacular. Osheaga acts this year include The Tragically Hip, Cypress hill, Eminem, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, The Flaming Lips, Death Cab for Cutie, Kid Cudie, City & Colour, Broken Social Scene, Lupe Fiasco, Bright Eyes, Ratatat, Bran Van 3000, Crystal Castles, MSYRKRFT, The Joy Formidable, Sam Roberts Band, Jamie xx, Manchester Ochestra, Malajube and a host of other amazing bands. And don’t miss out on Osheaga in the City, which features acts outside the days of the festival. The lineup will be announced in the coming month.

 

 

Glastonbury Festival – June 22 to 26th, Glastonbury

The lineup is endless and Glastonbury’s following is so large that they are already sold out of tickets. If you were planning to attend, we hope you already grabbed your tickets. The festival began the day after Jimi Hendrix died in 1970 and so marked one of the best festivals. In 2011, this festival is still going strong and with so many stages, we couldn’t possibly list all the bands. Some stellar acts include U2, Coldplay, Paul Simon, Queens of the Stone Age, The Naked & Famous, The Streets, Lykke Li, Wu Tang Clan, Beyonce and so many more that my eyes are watering looking at the lineup.

 

 

Sonar – June 16-18, Barcelona

Taking place in Barcelona, Sonar will be showcasing famous artists and DJ’s like M.I.A., Underworld, Janelle Monae, Steve Aoki and many more. To add to the already full lineup, there will be some interesting showcases by Ninja Tune, BBC Radio and others.

 

And one extra…Piknic Electronik – WEEKLY, Montreal and soon Barcelona!

This unique weekly event helps you get the most out Montreal’s summer weather, while enjoying an incomparable view of the city and quality electronic music. They highlight the many talents of both the local and international electronic scenes, featuring classic acts as well as audacious newcomers. The Barcelona version appears to be next on their list of cities!

What music festivals will you be attending this summer? Add yours to the comments.

Download a city guide to get you around during festival season!

Image sources: Anirudh Koul, stevenboegborn, tom-jenkins, tkaravou, toombsday, jaywei80, Jason Bryant for Glastonbury Festival, SPACEBAR.ca [Simon], scannerfm_flickr, zenra, bumpershine, tammylo

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Image source: A. Vente at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jimi_Hendrix_1967.png

The tour was prompted due to a clause in Conan’s contract with NBC, preventing him from being on television until September. The tour promises to be filled with music, comedy, hugging and most importantly, awkward silence. The tour will include Conan’s sidekick, Andy Richter and the former “Tonight Show” band.

Added shows:
CHICAGO, IL: May 20 @ Chicago Theatre
NEW YORK, NY: June 2 @ Radio City Music Hall

For more city dates and to buy tickets visit Team Coco.

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About METRIC
METRIC is a Canadian Indie Rock band. Although the band has been based in various North American cities, they were originally formed in Toronto, Ontario. The band is comprised of its lead vocalist, Emily Haines, guitarist James Shaw, bassist Josh Winstead and drummer Joules Scott-Key. The bands first full-length album, Old World Underground was launched in 2003, followed by Live it Out in 2005, and Grow Up and Blow Away in 2007. Among many other notable awards, METRIC received recognition as Canadian album of the year from the Polaris Music Prize in 2009 for the current album they are touring with, Fantasies.

Click here for more information on ticket prices.

More on the band.

Listen to METRIC.

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The Festival kicks off on June 13th with an Opening Gala featuring performances by Robert McDuffie and the Venice Baroque Orchestra. The Festival comes to a close on June 17th, marked by not-to-be-missed performances by Stephen Prutsman on piano, Amy Schwartz Moretti on violin, Julie Albers on cello and a few other notable musical extraordinaires.

For the past seven years the most legendary musicians have been brought in to perform classical and contemporary masterpieces from different musical worlds, combining the traditional with the modern in one brilliant festival unlike any other cultural experience in Rome.

Click here to view the program for June 2010 & have a look at the Festival’s YouTube Channel to get a taste of the talent!

SPINDLER & KLATT

[mappress]Address: Köpenicker Straße 16, 
10997 Berlin

Laidback restaurant by day, transformed dance party by night. If you are visiting for the restaurant experience, you can expect chilled out music and cocktails. By night however get ready to experience house, trance and techno DJ’s showing off their skills non-stop. The far away location in Friedrichshain ensures an in the know, cool crowd frequenting the venue.

For more information click here.

TRESOR

Address: Straße 70 Köpenicker, 10179 Berlin

Tresor only just returned to Berlin. In 2004 the establishment was forced to close its doors, putting an end to what felt like an era for electronic music lovers. For fourteen years Tresor was undeniably at the forefront of Berlin’s club scene, introducing the capital to techno music in 1991. Tresor reopened its doors in May, welcoming back the loving crowd it once housed.

For more information click here.

KING KONG KLUB

Address: Brunnenstrasse 173, 10115 Berlin

King Kong Klub is an exotic hangout in an intimate atmosphere. Experience Berlin nightlife in the comfort of its cozy environment. For more information click here.

KAFFEE BURGER

Address: Torstraße 60, 10119 Berlin

An eclectic calendar of arts events – poetry readings, film screenings and live music, including the infamous bi-monthly Russian Disco. The ambiance is comparable to a smoky den. Here you will find a lot of student types dancing to anything from German punk to ambient jazz.

For more information click here.

WEEKEND

Address: Alexanderstraße 5, 10178 Berlin

The Weekend is one of the top house and techno clubs in Berlin. Situated on the 13th floor of a Soviet block on Alexanderplatz, you can catch a perfect viewing of sunrise. The outside isn’t much for viewing but don’t be fooled – the inside is modern chic with lots of geometric lines. DJ’s from around the world will excite your ears on any regular night. Don’t miss out.

For more information click here.

MARIA AM OSTBAHNHOF aka ‘CLUB MARIA’

Address: Straße der Pariser Kommune 10, 10243 Berlin

Known to be one of the coolest nightspots in Berlin, Club Maria is funky with creative lighting, transforming an uninspiring building into an inspirational hot spot. Top music acts like Coldcut, Le Tigre, The Fall and The Knife have performed here so definitely add this one to your list of musts if you are a fan!

For more information click here.

BERGHAIN & PANORAMA BAR

Address: Am Wriezener Bahnhof, 10243 Berlin

Berghain is an industrial-style warehouse club with minimalist interior design, an 18m high dance floor and space for 1500 guests. Berghain is known for hedonism and decadence and is often described as the world capital of techno. If you want a little break or a more relaxed vibe though, head over to Panorama Bar.

For more information click here.

B FLAT

Address: Rosenthaler Strasse 13, 10119 Berlin

B Flat is a nice alternative if you are the jazz music type. Very often live, enjoy jazz melodies from all corners of the world every night of the week. Founded on the principle of always playing “real jazz,” B Flat brings an authentic experience to locals and travelers alike.

For more information click here.

REINGOLD

Address: Novalisstraße 11, 10115 Berlin Mitte

Seeking an off the beaten path experience? Want to experience Berlin the way a local would or with a local for that matter? Go a little out of your way and get yourself to Reingold. This is one of those “favorite places to hang for locals” kind of bars. Sit comfortably for hours with an excellent cocktail in a relaxed atmosphere.

For more information click here.

BAR AM LUTZOWPLATZ

Address: Lützowplatz 7, 10785 Berlin

Classic cocktail excellence! A vast collection of Champagne and rare malt whiskeys. A proud documentation of the bar’s awards is displayed and rightfully so. A modern, classy bar with beautiful architecture and carefully chosen music, everything about this bar seeks to please.

For more information click here.

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