Open air concert of united orchestras
Mahler’s Symphony No. 7
Concert programme
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 7
11 September, 2024 at 8.15 pm
Prague Exhibition Grounds
Experience the unforgettable atmosphere of an open air concert featuring Gustav Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 7, which is also sometimes known as the Song of the Night. A stage and seating area will be set up in front of the Industrial Palace at the Prague Exhibition Grounds.
The concert will begin at 8.15 pm, and will be preceded by a large-format screening of a documentary about the 7th Symphony that will start at 7.40 pm. Information about the 1908 premiere of Mahler’s Symphony No. 7 will be displayed on-site.
Details of the United by Mahler project will be provided on the display panels next to the concert venue. The screening on the main stage will also include footage from the National Film Archive of the 1908 Jubilee Exhibition, where Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 7 was premiered.
Performing artists
Experience a unique artistic constellation.
Two orchestras with a common history will perform under the direction of “their” conductor.
Jakub Hrůša
The direction of these two orchestras as a re-enactment of worldly Gustav Mahler’s role long ago, could not be entrusted to anyone other than Jakub Hrůša, the Dvořák Prague Festival's artist-in-residence and the world’s most sought-after Czech conductor.
Hrůša, the chief conductor of the Bamberg Symphony and principal guest conductor of both the Czech Philharmonic and Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, will assume the prestigious post of music director of the Royal Opera House in London next September.
The Czech Philharmonic gave its debut concert in 1896 at the Rudolfinum under the baton of Antonín Dvořák. Since then numerous world-renowned figures have led the ensemble, including Gustav Mahler, who conducted the orchestra in 1908 in the world premiere of his Symphony No. 7.
The Czech Philharmonic is currently recording the complete series of Mahler symphonies with its chief conductor and music director Semyon Bychkov.
The Bamberg Symphony was founded by former members of the New German Theatre orchestra in Prague after they were expelled from Czechoslovakia following World War II. In their hometown, they are truly a phenomenon: almost 10% of the Bamberg population subscribes to one of the orchestra’s five subscription series. The orchestra also frequently performs abroad to great acclaim.
At this year’s Dvořák Prague Festival, the Bamberg Symphony will also perform with their chief conductor Jakub Hrůša at the opening concert on 6 September and at the concert on 9 September 2024.
Genius loci
Prague Exhibition Grounds
In the past, classical music concerts took place frequently at the Prague Exhibition Grounds. Now this genre is returning to the venue.
The concert on 11 September, 2024 will recreate, as closely as possible, the context and genius loci of the world premiere. In 1908, Gustav Mahler conducted the premiere of his Symphony No. 7 here. He stood at the head of the combined orchestras of the Czech Philharmonic and the New German Theatre in Prague.
The world premiere took place in the vast Concert Pavilion, which was constructed at today’s Prague Exhibition Grounds on the occasion of the Jubilee Exhibition of the Trade and Business Chamber and was taken down after the exhibition concluded.
Open air concert
The United by Mahler concert will be held on an outdoor stage in front of the Industrial Palace. As the seating area will not be covered, we recommend wearing clothing in line with the weather forecast.
A map will be available at the venue entrance to help you locate your sector.
Why Gustav Mahler
Celebrating native Bohemian musicians
Gustav Mahler was able to harmoniously unite Czech and German elements in his time.
The historical context of Czech music is extensive. To capture this contextual breadth, we are including composers who were not Czech, but who are closely linked to our musical history in the Year of Czech Music.
A native of Kaliště u Humpolce, Mahler was, in his own words, everywhere an outsider, never welcomed, yet his music carries an urgency that moves our hearts. Perhaps this is because the melodiousness and genius of Mahler’s musical language is extraordinarily close to that of Antonín Dvořák.
Evening open air concert
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 7
Date: 11 September, 2024
Time: 8.15 pm
Venue: Prague Exhibition Grounds, Výstaviště 67, Prague 7 – Bubeneč
Who helps us to bring this unique concert to life?
This concert would not be possible without our partners and patrons. We thank all of them for their support, which is invaluable to this event.
Frequently asked questions
Please see the FAQ section below for detailed information about the venue, transportation, restrictions and operating rules.
How do I get to the Prague Exhibition Grounds (Výstaviště) and where can I park?
You can reach the venue by tram, getting off at the Výstaviště stop. Given the planned reconstruction of the tram line, please check the current operation of tram lines on the dpp.cz website.
If arriving by car, parking zones and private car parks are available in the vicinity (find more information at https://navystavisti.cz/kudy-k-nam/).
What time does the concert venue open/close?
The venue will open for the audience at 7 pm. At 7.40 pm, there will be a large-format screening of the documentary Mahler's Universe – Symphony No. 7 provided by the Mahler Foundation (with Czech subtitles).
If you arrive less than 5 minutes before the start of the concert, the organiser reserves the right to seat you in the nearest available seat so as not to disrupt the concert.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is fully wheelchair accessible. Tickets for guests with disabilities must be ordered by e-mail at info@spojenimahlerem.cz.
Is there a dress code for the concert?
There is no dress code for the open air concert. Appropriate and comfortable clothing is recommended, taking into account the weather forecast. In case of light rain, it is not possible to use an umbrella in the auditorium.
Can I buy a ticket at the venue?
Yes, tickets can be purchased on the day of the concert starting from 10 am at the venue box office. Tickets can be paid for in cash or by credit card.
What discounts can be used for tickets?
Discounts are available for ISIC and ITIC cardholders (20%), senior citizens over 65 (20%) and children under 15 (50%). Group ticket orders are possible by prior arrangement at info@spojenimahlerem.cz.
Can I buy refreshments at the venue?
The Pivovar Kolkovna restaurant at the Prague Exhibition Grounds will be open to concert visitors from 7 pm to midnight, offering drinks and cold and hot dishes (the kitchen closes at 11 pm). The restaurant offers outdoor and roofed seating areas.
Can I pay by card on the premises?
Tickets and refreshments ordered at the Pivovar Kolkovna restaurant can be paid for by card. Day programmes and selected drinks purchased at the stand of the Pivovar Kolkovna restaurant outdoors can only be paid for in cash.
Can photos or videos be taken during the concert?
Taking photographs or making audio or video recordings at the concert venue (auditorium) during the concert is not allowed. Taking photographs is only allowed before and after the concert.
Will the concert be held even in bad weather?
This is an open air concert and the venue is not roofed with the exception of the stage. It is recommended to bring a waterproof jacket or raincoat as it is not advisable to use an umbrella in the auditorium. We will let you know if there are any changes to the concert due to bad weather through an e-mail sent to the address you used to purchase your tickets.
Will there be a refund if the concert is cancelled due to bad weather?
If the concert is cancelled due to bad weather or force majeure, you are entitled to a full refund of the cost of your ticket. The same applies if the concert is cancelled within the first 20 minutes of the performance.
Rules for visitors
A valid ticket is required to enter the concert venue. Glass bottles, cans, film cameras, weapons, pyrotechnics, explosives and inflammables, etc. may not be brought into the venue. Suitcases, large bags and backpacks are also not allowed. Bringing your own food and beverages into the premises or bringing and using narcotics and psychotropic substances that are prohibited by the legislation of the Czech Republic is not allowed. Dogs or other animals are not allowed on the premises, with the exception of assistance dogs for guests with disabilities. It is forbidden to enter the premises using cars, motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, roller skates, etc. Taking photographs during the concert and making professional audio and video recordings is not allowed. The security service is authorised to conduct body searches of guests entering the concert venue.
Do you have further questions?
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@spojenimahlerem.cz or by phone at +420 775 875 875.