Preview: Prague Proms

From hot jazz to cool classical, Prague Proms is back

An eclectic annual summer concert series of jazz and classical music, Prague Proms is returning to Prague, just in time to fill the concert schedule as many theaters and clubs shut down for the dog days. With everything from intimate classical quartets to big bands and even salsa, Prague Proms has something for every taste. Here are some of the highlights of the festival. For the full program, see Pragueproms.cz.

Kurt Elling Trio With seven albums on Blue Note Records since the early 1990s and a number of DownBeat Readers' Poll Awards, Kurt Elling is one of the most lauded contemporary America male jazz vocalists. Listening to his scat-inflected singing, which seems both off-the-cuff and remarkably precise, it's easy to hear why. Born in Chicago, the Grammy Award-winning Elling got his start among the legendary clubs of the Windy City and has retained the smoky charm of those famed nightspots. He brings his trio to Prague, featuring guitarist Charlie Hunter and drummer Derrek Phillips, both of whom are consummate performers in their own right. Žofín Garden, July 7 at 8

Lenka Dusilová Returning to the stage with a new band and new material, one of the leading Czech singer-songwriters, Lenka Dusilová will perform at Prague Proms with harpist Hedvik Nouzová, the rhythmic trio of Miloš Dvořáček, Marta Minárik, Rasťo Uhrík, as well as guitarist and singer Justin Lavash and singers Ema Brabcová-Ditrichová and Dorota Barová. As if that wasn't enough, Orchestra Berg will also be providing accompaniment. This will be perhaps the most eclectic concert from one of the most interesting contemporary Czech performers with an ensemble of extremely talented local musical favorites. Mercedes Forum Prague, July 12 at 8

Night in a Cathedral Organist Drahomíra Matznerová and brass players Jan Hasenöhrl, Jan Hykrda and Jan Burian will give a concert of Reger, Piazzolla, Michael, Guilman, Viklický and Telemann in one of the festival's most beautiful and intimate venues, St. Barbora's Cathedral in Kutná Hora. This will be an evening of fine classical music from three exquisitely talented Czech classical musicians in a unique venue that perfectly complements the program. St. Barbora's Cathedral, Kutná Hora, July 13 at 7

New Orleans Night Where can one go in Prague for a taste of the classic New Orleans style: gin joints, flappers and zoot suits? Look no further than New Orleans Night, which will feature the Saint Blažej Big Band, led by Kryštof Marek. For big band jazz and swing music in the Czech Republic it doesn't get more legit than this. The group will be premiering Marek's Sinael Jazz Symphony and will also perform Duke Ellington's New Orleans Suite. This will be a grand summertime concert that is sure to have the entire crowd on the dance floor. A perfect way to spend a summer night. Žofín Garden, July 16 at 8

Pragason Last but certainly not least on the festival program is Pragason, Prague's go-to band for authentic Cuban music and salsa. Founded in Prague in 2000 by singer Jorge Concepcion and other Cubans in the city, Pragason has had regular gigs at U Malého Glena and other venues in Prague, garnering them a significant following. This is infectious, authentic Cuban music that is perhaps best heard with an icy cold cocktail in hand. Žofín Garden, July 17 at 8

Source: The Prague Post

Author: Stephan Delbos