Strings of Autumn
Strings of Autumn is an international music festival which takes place every year between September and Novemeber in Prague, Czech Republic. The festival features a mix of jazz, classical music, experimental music, and world music. Its programme is divided into three distinct categories, each with a particular musical focus: Inspiration, Crossover, and Luminaries. Strings of Autumn has been running since 1996, and in 2010 celebrates its 15th anniversary.
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 programme 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-calibre artists, including Michael Nyman, Magdalena Kozena, and Oleg Maisenberg.
Fight for Survival
In 2004, Vaclav Havel's term as President came to a close and 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, against the odds, the organisers 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 programme 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.
Critical Reception
Strings of Autumn has been highly praised both in the media and by artists who have performed at the festival. Czech TV described Strings as 'this country's most exciting music festival.' [4] According to the Prague Post, 'for sheer variety and vitality, nothing in Prague touches Strings of Autumn.'[5] Among performers, the Michael Nyman has said he is 'pleased to see Strings going from strength to strength,' Ute Lemper praised 'a fascinating mix of artists and a genuine commitment to the live music experience,' and Bobby McFerrin has said 'Strings of Autumn is doing great things for music in the Czech Republic.'
References
- ↑ Harmonie magazine, May 2004
- ↑ 'Autumn Enchantment,' Prague Post Sept 21st 2005, http://www.praguepost.com/archivescontent/529-autumn-enchantment.html
- ↑ 'Strings of Autumn takes Gala Gamble,' Prague Post March 31, 2010
- ↑ ČT 24 television channel, Otakar Svoboda, May 2, 2007
- ↑ Prague Post, Sept 24th, 2008, http://www.praguepost.com/archivescontent/6985-winning-combinations.html