Rytíři talentu – koncert, který si můžete znovu užít online!
Pokud jste nestihli sledovat benefiční koncert Rytíři talentu na ČT art, nezoufejte!
Celý koncert je dostupný na iVysílání ČT.
Navíc si můžete užít krátký video sestřih z koncertu na našem YouTube kanále.
Nechte se vtáhnout do atmosféry tohoto jedinečného večera plného hudby, tance a dobré energie!
Hudba, emoce, vášeň – Benefiční koncert zahájil ZUŠ Open
Radost, emoce a silné dojmy z benefičního koncertu Rytíři talentu, který otevřel letošní 9. ročník celostátního festivalu ZUŠ Open, v nás budou ještě dlouho doznívat. Z celého srdce a s hlubokou pokorou děkujeme všem, kdo se podíleli na tomto výjimečném večeru.
Děkujeme všem talentovaným žákům ZUŠ a jejich pedagogům za profesionální přístup a obdivuhodné nasazení během příprav. Velké díky patří Jiřímu Kabátovi za vedení orchestru, dirigentovi Janu Kučerovi i Miloslavu Tenglerovi za jejich neocenitelnou podporu. A v neposlední řadě děkujeme i celému produkčnímu týmu.
Koncert byl výjimečný hned z několika důvodů – tím nejdůležitějším však bylo symbolické ocenění práce všech pedagogů ZUŠ, kteří dennodenně předávají dětem své zkušenosti, probouzejí v nich vášeň k umění a provázejí je na jejich tvůrčí cestě.
Zvláštní poděkování patří také České televizi, která nám již podruhé projevila důvěru a nabídla přímý přenos koncertu nejširší veřejnosti.
Děkujeme moderátorovi večera, řediteli České filharmonie Davidu Marečkovi.
Děkujeme, že jste u toho byli s námi. Vaší práce si hluboce vážíme.
Magdalena Kožená a Irena Pohl Houkalová
Slavnostně zahajujeme 9. ročník festivalu ZUŠ Open!
Ve středu 14. května 2025 zahájíme již 9. ročník festivalu základních uměleckých škol – ZUŠ Open. Až do 6. června přineseme stovky inspirativních vystoupení, koncertů, výstav a dalších kulturních akcí, do kterých se zapojí tisíce žáků, pedagogů i renomovaných umělců.
Slavnostní zahájení proběhne v pražském Karlíně, kde se v kostele sv. Cyrila a Metoděje uskuteční benefiční koncert Rytíři talentu s patronkou festivalu Magdalenou Koženou. Tento výjimečný večer bude živě přenášet Česká televize na ČT art od 20:15.
Výtěžek koncertu bude věnován na podporu vzdělávacích projektů Nadačního fondu Magdaleny Kožené.
Vaše podpora však nemusí končit s posledním tónem koncertu!
Pomáhat můžete po celý rok – a to formou DMS nebo převodem na účet.
Jak přispět?
- Sledujte koncert na ČT art a zapojte se do sbírky.
- Stačí zaslat dárcovskou SMS:
DMS RYTIRI 30, DMS RYTIRI 60, DMS RYTIRI 90 nebo DMS RYTIRI 190 na číslo 87 777
Podpořte nás již nyní prostřednictvím online daru na našich stránkách. Stačí kliknout zde.
Před koncertem nabídneme od 14:00 Karlínském náměstí šestihodinový umělecký maraton, který představí mladé talenty ze ZUŠ z celé České republiky. Srdečně vás zveme na vystoupení hudebních, divadelních, tanečních souborů či výtvarné dílny.
V 19.30 pak Open air program završí vystoupení Clarinet Factory Orchestra.
Společně pak můžete na velkoplošné obrazovce na Karlínském náměstí sledovat přímý přenos benefičního koncertu Rytíři talentu.
Festival ZUŠ Open dále zavítá do různých koutů republiky. Vrcholem programu bude 31. května celodenní akce ve Valdštejnské zahradě Senátu ČR, kde se představí na 800 žáků z uměleckých škol. Připraveno je také množství krajských akcí oživujících historické památky, benefiční koncerty i speciální projekty, jako je uvedení barokní opery Dido a Aeneas v podání žáků ZUŠ.
Kompletní program festivalu ZUŠ Open naleznete na www.zusopen.cz.
Přijďte nás podpořit. Těšíme se na vás!
Generální zkouška na zítřejší koncert Rytíři talentu právě probíhá!
Spojený orchestr ZUŠ Open, dětské sbory a sólisté se dnes sešli v pražském sále Hlaholu, aby doladili každý detail před zítřejším Benefičním koncertem nadačního fondu Rytíři talentu.
Velký večer se blíží!
Už zítra, 14. května od 20:15, můžete díky štábu České televize sledovat přímý přenos této jedinečné události z kostela sv. Cyrila a Metoděje na ČT art.
Dívejte se s námi. Jste srdečně zváni!
Přidejte se k Rytířům talentu a podpořte budoucnost talentovaných dětí!
Přidejte se k Rytířům talentu a podpořte budoucnost talentovaných dětí!
Nadační fond Magdaleny Kožené dlouhodobě podporuje umělecké vzdělávání a rozvoj mladých talentů. Benefiční koncert Rytíři talentu, který budete moci sledovat 14. května od 20:15 na ČT art, nabídne nejen krásnou hudbu, ale i možnost přispět na projekty fondu.
Vaše podpora však nemusí končit s posledním tónem koncertu!
Pomáhat můžete po celý rok – a to formou DMS nebo převodem na účet.
Jak přispět?
- Sledujte koncert na ČT art a zapojte se do sbírky.
- Stačí zaslat dárcovskou SMS:
DMS RYTIRI 30, DMS RYTIRI 60, DMS RYTIRI 90 nebo DMS RYTIRI 190 na číslo 87 777
Podpořte nás již nyní prostřednictvím online daru na našich stránkách. Stačí kliknout zde.
- Staňte se Rytířem talentu a pomozte nám tvořit budoucnost!
Za vaši podporu vám z celého srdce děkujeme.
Workshop s Clarinet Factory jede na plné obrátky!
Máme za sebou první den ze čtyřdenního intenzivního programu, během kterého se 20 talentovaných mladých klarinetistů z celé České republiky pod vedením Jindřicha Pavliše, Vojtěcha Nýdla, Luďka Boury a Petra Valáška z renomovaného souboru Clarinet Factory ponořilo do fascinujícího světa hudby, improvizace a společného tvoření.
Hudební experimenty se prolínají s radostí z objevování nových možností, a to vše pod vedením těch nejlepších.
Vrcholem celé této hudební cesty bude společné vystoupení 12. května na zahájení prestižního festivalu Pražské jaro, kde se děti postaví na pódium po boku těchto zkušených hudebníků. Vystoupení proběhne od 14 hodin před Rudolfinem.
A to není vše! Na závěr si společně zahrají i na slavnostním zahájení festivalu ZUŠ Open ve středu 14. května v 19.30 na Karlínském náměstí.
Srdečně Vás zveme. Přijďte si poslechnout výsledek!
ZE ŽIVOTA ZUŠ: Výstava fotografií na Karlínském náměstí
Od 6. května do 20. května 2025 se na Karlínském náměstí koná jedinečná open-air výstava ZE ŽIVOTA ZUŠ, která vznikla v rámci festivalu ZUŠ Open ve spolupráci s Czech Photo a ČTK.
Těšit se můžete na kolekci 28 fotografií žáků základních uměleckých škol z různých koutů České republiky. Odborná komise vybrala ty nejautentičtější snímky, které nabízejí pohled do každodenního života ZUŠ – od soustředěné tvorby až po radost z objevování a zákulisí uměleckého vzdělávání, jak jej zachytili samotní žáci.
Slavnostní zahájení festivalu ZUŠ Open proběhne 14. května, ale výstava je vám k dispozici už dnes.
Přijďte se podívat. Těšíme se na vás!
Od housenky k motýlovi: ZUŠ Open má nový spot
Festival základních uměleckých škol ZUŠ Open 2025 má nový animovaný spot z dílny kreativního studia Fuksaworks. Spot poeticky vypráví příběh čtyř housenek, symbolizujících jednotlivé umělecké obory ZUŠ, které se proměňují v motýly – metaforu cesty mladých talentů od prvních krůčků k plnému rozkvětu jejich schopností.
„Pracovali jsme s motivem mladých tvůrců, kteří čekají na možnost ukázat svůj talent, roztáhnout křídla a vletět do světa. Přirozeně jsme tedy nemohli použít jiný motiv než propojení entomologie a umění,“ vysvětluje oceňovaný designér a kreativní ředitel Pavel Fuksa, který stojí se svým týmem za autorským konceptem.
Kreativní tým dále tvoří Andrei Gurǎu a Jindřich Jinoch, animaci a ilustrace vytvořil britský výtvarník Lewis Osborne, umělecký dohled zajistila Ivana Fuksová. Hudbu složil Jan P. Muchow, zvukovou režii vedl Michal Pekárek a hlasy postavám propůjčili žáci dramatického oboru ZUŠ Biskupská, která zároveň zapůjčila studio pro výrobu spotu.
Spot je ke zhlédnutí ve vysílání České televize, hlavního mediálního partnera festivalu a také zde.
ZUŠ Open v éteru! Irena Pohl Houkalová hostem Ondřeje Fischera na rádiu Classic Praha
V úterý 6.5.2025 si nalaďte rádio Classic Praha a nechte se ředitelkou Nadačního fondu Magdaleny Kožené Irenou Pohl Houkalovou pozvat na letošní ročník festivalu ZUŠ Open. V rozhovoru s redaktorem Ondřejem Fischerem v pořadu Hudba v miléniu vám přiblíží nejen program této celostátní přehlídky základních uměleckých škol ZUŠ Open, ale také význam uměleckého vzdělávání.
Premiéra pořadu proběhne v úterý 6. května od 19 hodin, s reprízami 9. května od 22:00 a 10. května od 11:00. Nepromeškejte tuto jedinečnou příležitost dozvědět se více o festivalu, který propojí tisíce mladých talentů po celé republice!
Rozhovor poslouchejte zde.
Tickets for Baroque opera: Dido and Aeneas in Valtice
On May 25, under the auspices of the Knights of Talent initiative, the Baroque Theatre in Valtice will host two performances—at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM—of a shortened stage version of Henry Purcell’s famous Baroque opera, Dido and Aeneas, performed by students of elementary art schools.
This unique production, titled Dido and Aeneas: Voice of the Future, aims to foster the artistic growth of the youngest generation of performers. It provides a rare opportunity for young talents to develop their skills and gain valuable experience through collaboration with professional mentors and artists in a fully staged Baroque opera.
The project involves experienced teachers and experts in stagecraft and historically informed performance. They have worked closely with the children on their acting and singing techniques, helping them both improve technically and engage with the opera's dramaturgical depth.
Mentors include leading artists from South Moravia specializing in historically informed performance:
- Stage director Jana Krajčovičová Tajovská
- Harpsichordist Martin Hroch
- Violinist Ludmila Netolická
- Flutist Martina Komínková
- Cellist Petra Machková Čadová
- Supported by soprano Irena Pohl Houkalová
This performance by the youngest generation, guided by active professionals and teachers, promises an extraordinary experience for both audience and performers. The innovative approach makes Baroque opera accessible and engaging even for family audiences.
Tickets:
- Adults: CZK 250
- Children, students, seniors, and disability card holders: CZK 150
Buy your tickets here.
Limited seating capacity: 130 seats
The performance is held under the patronage of the Governor of the South Moravian Region, Mgr. Jan Grolich.
The next opera performances are scheduled for May 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Lysice and August 19, 2025, in Kroměříž.
ZUŠ Biskupská at the Czech Photo Awards Ceremony
The brass quartet from ZUŠ Biskupská, led by teacher Martin Švadlenka, performed on April 22, 2025, as part of a partnership with Czech Photo at the Czech Photo Nature and Czech Photo Nature Junior awards ceremony held at Prague Castle.
The ceremony took place under the personal patronage and in the presence of Mrs. Eva Pavlová, the First Lady of the Czech Republic.
Looking Back at the Night of Female Singers
The festival once again showcased top female vocalists from the Czech and Slovak music scenes and featured performances by young talents from elementary art schools (ZUŠ), recommended by the Magdalena Kožená Foundation.
The festival opened on April 11, 2025, with a gala concert at the prestigious Jazz Dock in Prague, featuring leading figures of the Czech scene, including singer and festival organizer Petra Ernyei. The program reflected the diversity of female vocal expression, spanning from jazz to world music and original compositions. The evening was enriched by a performance from Emilie Bukajová, a gifted student from ZUŠ Františka Jílka, guided in her musical journey by teacher MgA. Petr Šmiřák.
The second day of the festival took place in the elegant setting of the Winternitz Villa, offering a more intimate atmosphere. In addition to established artists, young vocalist Adéla Řehořová from ZUŠ Beroun, a student of Renée Nachtigallová, brought fresh energy and a distinctive performance to the program with her interpretation.
Both evenings thus provided a unique opportunity for gifted young ZUŠ singers to shine on a professional stage alongside seasoned performers.
Join Us in Helping
Our partner organization Patron dětí also supports children and their families in the context of elementary art schools. At the moment, you can contribute to help purchase musical instruments for:
Join us in helping.
Press Conference of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation
It was a great honor to welcome our founder, Magdalena Kožená, at the press conference of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation, held in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in the hall of the Ministry of Culture.
Speakers included the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, doc. PhDr. Mikuláš Bek, Ph.D., Deputy Minister of Culture, MgA. David Kašpar, Director of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation, MgA. Irena Pohl Houkalová, Executive Director of the Association of Elementary Art Schools and Director of ZUŠ Kroměříž, MgA. Ivona Křivánková. The conference was moderated by the General Director of the Czech Philharmonic, MgA. David Mareček, Ph.D.
The press conference was primarily dedicated to the program of the ninth edition of the nationwide festival ZUŠ Open, which will run until June 6, 2025. The opening benefit concert with the participation of Magdalena Kožená will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius on Karlínské náměstí in Prague.
Invitation to the VOCAL Festival – Night of the Singers
We are honored to invite you to the third edition of the VOCAL – Night of the Singers music festival. Once again, the festival will showcase leading female vocalists from the Czech and Slovak music scenes, and will also feature performances by young talents from elementary art schools (ZUŠ), recommended by the Magdalena Kožená Foundation.
The festival will open on April 11, 2025, with a gala concert at the prestigious Jazz Dock in Prague, featuring prominent figures of the Czech music scene, including singer and festival organizer Petra Ernyei. The concert program will highlight the diversity of female vocal expression—from jazz to world music and original songwriting. The evening will also include a performance by the talented Emilie Bukajová from ZUŠ Františka Jílka, guided on her musical path by teacher MgA. Petr Šmiřák.
The second day of the festival will take on a more intimate atmosphere in the elegant setting of the Winternitz Villa. Alongside established artists, young talent Valerie Stojková from ZUŠ Beroun—student of vocal coach Renée Nachtigallová—will bring fresh energy and a unique style to the stage with her performance.
Both evenings will offer a special opportunity for gifted ZUŠ students to shine on the festival stage alongside experienced professionals.
Without Prejudice, Without Barriers - Invitation to a Concert
We warmly invite you to a joint concert of sacred music featuring three choirs: Pueri gaudentes, Severáček, and the Jaroslav Ježek School.
The concert will take place on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM
at the Church of St. John of Nepomuk, Kanovnická 5/72, Prague – Hradčany.
The concert is held with the kind support of the Chaplaincy of the Army of the Czech Republic.
Admission is free – voluntary donations welcome.
Knights of Talent: Rehearsals in Full Swing in Pardubice and Brno
Incredible energy and enthusiasm from students and teachers of elementary art schools (ZUŠ) from across the Czech Republic filled the halls of ZUŠ Pardubice – Polabiny on Saturday. The combined orchestra rehearsed intensively for the Knights of Talent benefit concert, which will open this year’s ZUŠ Open festival and will be broadcast live by Czech Television on May 14.
But the musical spirit wasn't limited to Pardubice. In Brno, preparations continued for the baroque opera Dido and Aeneas. Its perfect execution still lies ahead, but we believe an extraordinary experience awaits us.
The second part of this working Saturday belonged not only to young singers but also to the brilliant Martin Hroch and his wonderful team from GYMUM and ZUŠ Pavla Křížkovského in Brno, under the direction of stage director Jana Krajčovicová.
Another Chapter of Filming with Czech Television: Without Prejudice, Without Barriers
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the first rehearsal took place at the Liberec Elementary Art School (ZUŠ Liberec), bringing together the Severáček children’s choir and students from the Jaroslav Ježek School. The vocal talent and enthusiasm of the young singers set the tone for the upcoming Knights of Talent concert, which will open this year's ZUŠ Open festival with a live broadcast on Czech Television.
This occasion also marked the filming of the third feature in the Without Prejudice, Without Barriers series, capturing the collaboration between talented art school students and young people whose lives are shaped by physical or mental disabilities. It was clear from the rehearsal that working together brings mutual inspiration and joy through shared creativity.
The Magdalena Kožená Foundation is proud to support their journey.
We warmly invite you to watch the live broadcast on Wednesday, May 14 at 8:00 PM on ČT art.
Support for Artistic Education: Joint Press Conference at Maltese Square
The Magdalena Kožená Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, invites you to a press conference on March 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Knight's Hall of the Ministry of Culture in Prague.
The main topic will be "Art Education in the Context of 21st-Century Challenges – ZUŠ as an Example of Inspirational Practice." The discussion will focus on interdisciplinary cooperation between the two ministries and the foundation, aiming to support and develop primary art education in the Czech Republic.
Speakers will include:
- Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports, doc. PhDr. Mikuláš Bek, Ph.D.
- Deputy Minister of Culture, MgA. David Kašpar
- Director of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation, MgA. Irena Pohl Houkalová
- Executive Director of the Association of Primary Art Schools and Director of ZUŠ Kroměříž, MgA. Ivona Křivánková
- Opera singer and founder of the foundation, Magdalena Kožená
The conference will be moderated by MgA. David Mareček, Ph.D., General Director of the Czech Philharmonic.
Last Spots Available for the Clarinet Factory Workshop
The Magdalena Kožená Foundation invites you to an exclusive workshop led by members of the renowned ensemble Clarinet Factory, a group that has crossed genre boundaries for over 30 years. This intensive clarinet laboratory will culminate in performances in Prague as part of the 9th ZUŠ OPEN festival.
4 Clarinetists
4 Creative Workshops
4 Days of Training
4 Intensive Rehearsals
All artistic efforts will culminate in open-air concerts on May 12 in front of the Rudolfinum as part of the Prague Spring Festival opening and on May 14 at Karlínské Square for the ZUŠ OPEN festival opening, where all participants will perform as the Clarinet Factory Orchestra.
For more details and registration, please refer to the attached flyer.
We look forward to seeing you!
First Vocal Rehearsal for Dido a Aeneas opera
Over the weekend, the Dido a Aeneas: The Voice of the Future project began with an intensive full-day rehearsal. Young singers from ZUŠ worked under the guidance of musical director and harpsichordist Martin Hroch, director Jana Tajovská, and a team of educators from GYMUM and ZUŠ Pavla Křížkovského. Language coach Adrian Hundhausen and vocal mentor Irena Pohl Houkalová also contributed to the rehearsal. The project aims to support stylistic interpretation and stage performance in primary art schools. Thank you to all participants for their dedication – the results promise to be outstanding.
Czech Television Recorded the Second Episode: ZUŠ Schools Help!
Czech Television, our main media partner, has produced the second episode in the ZUŠ Schools Help! series, which will be part of the opening concert of ZUŠ Open on May 14, broadcast live on ČT Art.
Students from the visual and dance departments of ZUŠ Rychnov nad Kněžnou have prepared a rich program for Neratov (Bärnwald), a traditional host of artistic showcases. Stay tuned for a unique insight into the world of artistic education.
Preparations for the Benefit Concert Have Begun in Pardubice
On Saturday, February 15, the first rehearsal took place in Pardubice for an orchestra composed of talented students from art schools across the Czech Republic, led by Jiří Kabát, director of the host ZUŠ Pardubice Polabiny.
During the orchestra's training, director Markéta Oddfish Nešlehová and a Czech Television crew recorded the first episode of a three-part series that will be broadcast during the live transmission of the concert. The series includes short recordings of orchestra rehearsal and interviews with guitarist Žofie Danešová and her teacher Tomáš Hradecký from ZUŠ Střezina in Hradec Králové, as well as Jiří Kabát. The talented Žofie will perform a solo part in a Vivaldi piece at the Beneficiary Concert, which will inaugurate the 9th edition of the ZUŠ OPEN festival in the presence of Magdalena Kožená. The concert will be broadcast live on May 14 by Czech Television. We sincerely invite you to join us!
Patron dětí Helps Alongside Us
We thank our partner organization Patron dětí for supporting children and their parents in the environment of primary art schools. If socio-economic circumstances hinder your child or student from developing their talent, do not hesitate to apply for assistance. Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year.
Schools Can Participate in Joint ZUŠ Open Projects
We are pleased to remind you of the opportunity to participate in major ZUŠ Open events in Prague, as well as other foundation projects. Detailed information and applications can be found at zusopen.cz.
ZUŠ Open 2025
9th edition of the ZUŠ Open festival, May 14 - June 6, 2025
- May 12, 2025 – Festive Opening of the Prague Spring – Festival Overture Open-air program at the opening of the international music festival.
- May 14, 2025 – Open Air at Karlínské Square Accompanying program of the festival's opening concert. Schools are encouraged to participate in a nationwide happening in their home ZUŠ or surroundings to invite audiences to the evening Beneficiary Concert of Magdalena Kožená and ZUŠ.
- May 20, 2025 – Břevnov Monastery Two concerts in the Terezian Hall and an opportunity for outdoor performances.
- May 21, 2025 – Literary and Dramatic Arts Showcase at Werich Villa
- May 31, 2025 – ZUŠ Open in the Senate Nationwide event in the Wallenstein Garden, featuring music, dance, and art workshops.
- June 2, 2025 – National Literary and Dramatic Arts Showcase in Zlín. More info (here)
Other Magdalena Kožená Foundation Projects:
- Clarinet Factory Workshop for Students and Teachers of Prague ZUŠ In collaboration with and financially supported by the Magdalena Kožená Foundation as part of the Knights of Talent project, May 8–11, 2025, at ZUŠ Ilja Hurník.
- Collaboration with Czech Photo
Opportunity to participate in an open-air exhibition as part of the accompanying program for the ceremonial opening concert of Magdalena Kožená and ZUŠ.
Invitation to take part in Czech Nature Photo Junior and Czech Press Photo Junior competitions, along with the Don't Snap, Take Photos workshops.
Looking Back at the Audition for the Baroque Opera Dido and Aeneas
The Magdalena Kožená Foundation is preparing a shortened version of Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas for 2025. We sincerely thank all the participants and their teachers who attended the audition for solo and choral roles in Brno on January 29, 2025. All performances were powerful and beautiful, and we are grateful for so many talented singers. The opera will be performed on May 25 at the Baroque Theater in Valtice (two performances), on May 29 at the ZUŠ Open festival at the Lysice Chateau, and later on August 18 and 19 at the Summer Music Academy in Kroměříž.
"We are at the beginning, but we already have the most important elements – a great team of creators and mentors, the determination to guide young talented performers to their best achievements, and most importantly, to provide them with a valuable experience they will carry with them for life, no matter where their path leads. And that is the essence of what we strive for. ♥"
Irena Pohl Houkalová, Director of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation
Invitation to the Music Without Borders 2025 Festival
We are delighted to invite you to the 3rd annual Music Without Borders festival, focused on integrating improvisation and original compositions into arts school (ZUŠ) education. This year, the festival will take place in two stages.
The festival is supported by ZUŠ Open, the Magdalena Kožená Foundation, and the Muza Association.
Music Without Borders provides a space for experimental creation by students and teachers, concerts featuring winners of composition competitions, creative methodological sessions, opportunities for sharing inspiration, and support for outstanding figures in the field.
Complete information and registration details can be found here.
Stage 1: March 20–21, 2025
Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Concert: "Small/Great Composers Olomouc"
Premiering compositions by students, teachers, and graduates in harmonious collaboration.
📍 Vlastivědné Museum Olomouc, Václav III Hall
Friday, March 21, 2025, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Non-competitive Improvisation Showcase for ZUŠ Students in the Czech Republic
📍 Chamber Hall of ZUŠ "Žerotín" Olomouc
Friday, March 21, 2025, at 4:30 PM
"Concert of Young Authors"
Including premieres of compositions by winners of the National Composition Competition Múzy Ilji Hurníka 2025.
📍 Evangelical Academy Conservatory Hall, Olomouc
Stage 2: June 3–4, 2025
Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM
Concert of Original Works on the Theme "Roots of Music"
The first half will feature premieres of compositions by winners of the National Composition Competition Múzy Ilji Hurníka 2025.
The second half will include performances by festival patron Jiří Pavlica, his guests, and students and teachers of ZUŠ "Žerotín" Olomouc, accompanied by the Iša Krejčí Chamber Orchestra (conductor: Tomáš Klásek).
📍 Grand Hall of the Archbishop’s Palace, Olomouc
Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Workshop on "Roots of Music"
Led by festival patron Jiří Pavlica and his guests for registered participants.
Offer for Students and Teachers of Arts Schools in Prague and the Central Bohemian Region
Clarinet Factory, in collaboration with and with the financial support of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation, offers workshops and seminars for students and teachers of art schools (ZUŠ) in Prague and the Central Bohemian Region as part of the Knights of Talent project by the Magdalena Kožená Foundation.
From May 8–11, 2025, joint rehearsals and preparation of concert repertoires for concerts in May will take place at Ilja Hurník Arts School (ZUŠ). Applications, along with CVs, can be submitted by February 14, 2025, to the following emails: reditelka@nfkozena.cz, zuzana.minarikova@nfkozena.cz
Further details can be found in the attachment.
See the poster for more information.
PF 2025
The Magdalena Kožená Foundation would like to wish you a Merry Christmas, a well-deserved extended holiday, and a successful start to the New Year 2025.
Offer for Young Photographers with Czech Photo
As part of the collaboration with Czech Photo, we bring an opportunity for visual arts students – young photographers to join the accompanying program of the opening concert by Magdalena Kožená and ZUŠ on May 14, 2025. An open-air photo exhibition featuring students from elementary art schools on the theme Life at ZUŠ will be installed in the park at Karlín Square around the Church of St. Cyril and Methodius, where the concert will take place.
In collaboration with Czech Press Photo and ČTK, we are preparing a photographic exhibition that will also serve as a teaser for the joint concert, the ZUŠ Open festival, and give a glimpse into the "behind-the-scenes" of work at ZUŠ. We will have 14 double-sided panels available – the ideal scenario would be to present photos from all 14 regions. The final photos will be 120x100 cm in size. Therefore, it is necessary to submit photos by March 15, 2025, in the largest possible size and resolution – ideally in TIFF or JPG format, with a size between 2–20 MB. The final selection of photos will be made in cooperation with Czech Photo, which will also support some participants through a workshop with one of the leading photographers.
If you are interested, please contact us at: svobodova@zusopen.cz. You can also send photos via Úschovna or another large-file transfer application to this address.
Further details can be found in the attached document here.
NFMK Announces Opera Auditions
The Magdalena Kožená Foundation is announcing an audition for a shortened version of H. Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas. The performance will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the ZUŠ Open festival at Lysice Castle and in August 2025 as part of LHAK Kroměříž. In addition to students from elementary art schools, our Knights of Talent—top creators of authentic baroque music interpretation—will participate.
We are looking for young singers from ZUŠ who want to experience this exceptional opportunity!
The audition will be held on two dates: Wednesday, January 29, and Thursday, January 30, 2025, in Brno.
For more information, please visit: https://drive.google.com/.../10GBnoYcl8...
We look forward to seeing you!
Together for Linda
On Thursday, December 12, a benefit Advent concert was held at the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord in support of the Patron of Children endowment fund. The event featured performances by the ČSDN Double Reed Ensemble, the EN ARCHÉ chamber choir, and the premiere of the carol Panenka Maria composed by Gabriela Vermelho.
The goal of the benefit concert was to support Linda, a 17-year-old girl born with autism spectrum disorder, who is exceptionally talented at playing the harp. Linda dreams of studying harp at the conservatory, and passing her entrance exam would be a life-changing achievement for her.
You can learn more about her story and contribute to Linda’s journey toward her dream [here].
We thank everyone who was part of this beautiful evening and who continues to help us make a difference.
Special thanks to photographer Petra Hajská for capturing the event’s magic in her wonderful photographs.
NFMK Allocates an Additional CZK 70,000 for Flood Relief
We are pleased to announce that the Magdalena Kožená Endowment Fund (NFMK) will distribute an additional CZK 70,000 from the public collection for flood relief to support elementary art schools affected by the devastating floods.
This brings the total amount allocated for this cause to CZK 370,000 this year. The public collection will remain open for this purpose until December 15, 2024. After this date, the funds will be redirected to new projects and initiatives in support of schools and other activities of the endowment fund.
Collaboration with Prague Sounds
We are honored that, as part of the collaboration with Prague Sounds, two talented students from ZUŠ Jižní Město and ZUŠ Králíky had the opportunity to perform at the concert on December 4, 2024, at Žofín Palace in Prague. This was an invaluable experience and opportunity for them.
Photography: Petr Šola
Invitation to Advent Concerts Under the Patronage of NFMK
This year, the Magdalena Kožená Endowment Fund (NFMK) has once again prepared a series of Advent concerts to mark the end of the year, and we warmly invite you to join us:
- December 10: Students and teachers from elementary art schools in South Bohemia and Prague will perform at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in Opařany, bringing joy and hope to the clients and staff of the Opařany Children’s Psychiatric Hospital.
- December 12: A benefit concert titled “Knights of Talent for the Patron of Children” will take place at the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord in Prague. The program will feature more than 50 students specializing in double reed instruments, performing alongside members of the Czech Philharmonic. Proceeds from voluntary donations will go to support the Patron of Children charity project. For more information, visit www.patrondeti.cz.
- December 14: In collaboration with the Neratov Association, we cordially invite you to the traditional Advent concert in Neratov. The concert, featuring students and teachers from elementary art schools in the Hradec Králové Region and Prague, will be held in the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Ryba’s Czech Christmas Mass: A Generational Gathering
We are pleased to invite you to a wonderful concert on December 11 and 12, 2024, starting at 7:30 PM, held in the Atrium Hall of the Imperial Spa in Karlovy Vary. The stage will bring together musicians from the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra and students from the Karlovy Vary Elementary School and Elementary Art School.
This year’s beloved Rybovka stems from a longstanding collaboration between the orchestra and the school. Over the years, the children have repeatedly performed with the KSO during events such as the City Evenings for the Spa Season Opening, open-air concerts at Rolava, and multiple editions of ZUŠ Open, including this year’s joint performance at the Wallenstein Garden. These collaborations have involved not only shared performances by the orchestras but also KSO’s accompaniment of soloists, choirs, and dancers from the school.
The Karlovy Vary Elementary School and Elementary Art School have presented Rybovka for several years now, with the school orchestra under the baton of Marek Rothbauer (a teacher at the school and the KSO’s principal bassoonist), supporting soloists from among the students. The choir features school faculty members under the direction of Miroslava Lendělová.
Given the exceptional quality of these performances, the KSO decided to organize this year’s Rybovka in collaboration with the school. KSO musicians will join the students in the orchestra, with several members (including Chief Conductor Ondřej Vrabec and Director Michaela Káčerková) also strengthening the choir. Parents of some of the students will sing alongside the choir this year. The solo parts will be performed by the school’s students, creating a multi-generational ensemble on stage.
This unique blend of youthful enthusiasm and energy with the experience of professional musicians promises to offer the audience an extraordinary experience.
The concert will open with special guests:
- 7-year-old violinist Julie Vrabec, performing the third movement of Oskar Riedinger’s Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 35.
- Fiona Žáková, presenting Georg Wilhelm Weissman’s Pastorella for Bagpipes and Orchestra, a rare treat in classical music concerts.
Program:
- Oskar Riedinger: Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 35, 3rd movement
- ○ Julie Vrabec – Violin
- Georg Wilhelm Weissman: Pastorella for Bagpipes and Orchestra
- ○ Fiona Žáková – Bagpipes
- Jakub Jan Ryba: Czech Christmas Mass
- ○ Klára Whitney – Soprano
- ○ Lucie Albrechtová – Alto
- ○ Jan Marek – Tenor
- ○ Vojtěch Přiklopil – Bass
Performers:
- Orchestra: Musicians from the Karlovy Vary Elementary School and Elementary Art School and the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra
- Choir: Faculty of the Karlovy Vary Elementary School and Elementary Art School, parents of the students, and members of the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra
- Conductor: Marek Rothbauer
- Choirmaster: Miroslava Lendělová
Invitation to the Advent Benefit Concert on December 12
The Magdalena Kožená Endowment Fund and the Czech Association of Double Reed Instruments warmly invite you to the Advent Benefit Concert, taking place on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 8:00 PM in the church Nejsvětějšího Srdce Páně in Vinohrady.
The performers include musicians from the Czech Philharmonic, students and teachers from elementary art schools, the ČSDN Double Reed Ensemble, "Dobrotón," ZUŠ Jana Hanuše, and the mixed choir En Arché, conducted by Vojtěch Jouza.
The program will feature works by A. V. Michna of Otradovice, selections from the Benešov and Steier hymnals, G. F. Handel, T. Františ, G. Vermelho, and other composers.
Admission is by voluntary donation, with proceeds benefiting the Patron of Children charity project – www.patrondeti.cz.
The concert is held with the kind support of the Roman Catholic Parish at the church Nejsvětějšího Srdce Páně.
NFMK Allocates CZK 300,000 for Flood Relief
The Magdalena Kožená Endowment Fund promptly responded to the needs of elementary art schools (ZUŠ) affected by the floods by organizing benefit concerts and launching a public fundraiser to assist the schools, their teachers, and students.
The public fundraiser was initiated on October 18, 2024, with the support of the Czech Philharmonic during Magdalena Kožená’s autumn concerts at Prague’s Rudolfinum.
The fund supported the first applicants with a total of CZK 300,000. This financial assistance comprises the Endowment Fund’s own resources and contributions from the public collection. The current aid is directed toward the reconstruction of ZUŠ Krnov, ZUŠ Bohumín, and ZUŠ Jeseník, as well as the repair of instruments for teachers at ZUŠ Opava and ZUŠ Bohuslav Martinů in Havířov.
You can still contribute by transferring funds to account number 8462353018/2700, variable symbol: 2, with the note “POVODNE.” Alternatively, you can use the QR code below.
Thank you for helping us make a difference!
Saint Martin’s Concert by ZUŠ Hořice for Flood Relief
On Monday, November 11, 2024, ZUŠ Hořice organized a Saint Martin’s Concert. During the event, CZK 15,174 was raised to support elementary art schools affected by the recent devastating floods.
Special thanks go to Principal Blanka Bihelerová for her efforts in organizing this concert and for raising funds that will help some of the smaller ZUŠ schools that were severely impacted by this year's floods.
Collaboration with Czech Photo
The Magdalena Kožená Endowment Fund has partnered with Czech Photo to support young talents in photography from elementary art schools. Together, they will create opportunities for students and their teachers, enabling them to develop their skills through projects and workshops. 
Public Fundraiser for Flood-Affected Schools
Fundraiser Closed on December 15, 2024
The devastating floods affecting elementary art schools prompted the Magdalena Kožená Endowment Fund to organize benefit concerts and a public fundraiser, in collaboration with the Czech Philharmonic and the schools themselves. The first beneficiaries received a total of CZK 300,000 for reconstruction and equipment repair. Contributions can still be made to account 8462353018/2700, variable symbol 2, with the note "POVODNE."
Thank you for your generosity.
Magdalena Kožená Endowment Fund Welcomes a New Director
Symbolically, on the day of Magdalena Kožená's performance at Prague's Rudolfinum, the Endowment Fund's Board of Trustees appointed Irena Pohl Houkalová as its new director on October 18, 2024. Irena has been leading the ZUŠ Open festival since its inception and managing various artistic and educational projects. A graduate in classical singing from HAMU Prague and a teacher at an Elementary Art School, she brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Biography
Irena Pohl Houkalová studied at the Faculty of Education at Charles University and continued her singing studies at HAMU Prague and the Karlsruhe University of Music. She is a laureate of the Antonín Dvořák International Singing Competition and a recipient of awards from Czech Radio, the Jarmila Novotná Society, the Bohuslav Martinů Foundation, and others. She has performed as a soloist in numerous productions and at several international festivals in the Czech Republic and abroad. Her repertoire includes many premieres of vocal works, and she has recorded several song cycles for Czech Radio.
She has collaborated on historically informed performances with ensembles such as Collegium 1704, Collegium Marianum, and Capella Regia Musicalis. She also focuses on interpreting song and chamber music with various instrumentalists, including prominent Czech pianist Karel Košárek.
Since 2008, she has been professionally dedicated to managing cultural and educational projects and teaching. She was a long-standing team member of the Strings of Autumn Festival and was also involved with the Dvořák’s Prague Festival. Since 2024, she serves as the director of the Magdalena Kožená Endowment Fund, where she has lead the nationwide ZUŠ Open Festival since its inception in 2016. For eight years, she also worked on building the MenART Scholarship Academy, leading its classical music section.
She teaches singing at the Pštrossova Elementary Art School in Prague and is a sought-after instructor. For many years, she was part of the creative team of the Strings for Children festival. Through her work at the Magdalena Kožená Endowment Fund and her artistic and educational activities, she emphasizes the importance of art and arts education, highlighting its role in fostering solidarity, social sensitivity, and the development of artistic talent in children and youth, regardless of potential health or social disadvantages.
She is also a frequent performer and initiator of benefit concerts and artistic projects supporting those in need. She collaborates with organizations such as Caritas Czech Republic, the Neratov Association, the Girls' Catholic Secondary School, Women’s and Girls’ Counseling Centers, and other non-profits. She is an honorary member of the Czech section of INSEA, serves on the Education Committee of the Prague City Council, and is a member of several school boards.
In 2022, she was responsible for curating a presentation of the unique Czech ZUŠ (Elementary Art Schools) system at the European Parliament, marking the end of the Czech EU Council Presidency.
General Assembly of the Association of Elementary Art Schools
On October 17, 2024, the General Assembly of the Association of Elementary Art Schools was held in Ostrava. The Magdalena Kožená Endowment Fund has been a professional partner of the Association since its inception. Representing the Endowment Fund, Director Irena Pohl Houkalová presented the fund’s new concept and updates on preparations for the upcoming ZUŠ Open festival. We are honored to support artistic education and talent development.