SpringTEEN: And what does Beethoven say to this?
Prague Spring and the National Gallery Prague for Children
Partner SpringTEENU
And what does Beethoven say to this?! Beethoven’s big anniversary will also play its part in the SpringTEEN family day! On 30 May one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time will be with you in St Agnes’ Convent literally every step you take, both inside the building and out in the gardens. The nearly thousand-year-old convent walls will echo with the “fateful” da-da-da-dum, played on a vacuum-cleaner tube; with help from the elements you can create your own symphony, you can also visit the DJ workshop Für Elise, join in the BeethoBattle à la Wellington’s Victory; or you might like some romantic painting by moonlight, Beethoven’s family photo corner, or even the chance to ask Beethoven himself anything you like! You can also look forward to the popular live karaoke session with Honza Cina and, as part of the Grand Finale, you can join forces with our SpringTEEN Band to sing a special SpringTEEN version of Ode to Joy!
WHAT’S NEW | Individual tickets will be replaced in 2027 by a pass and a family ticket which provides access to all SpringTEEN events. Concerts and workshops are set up to ensure that everyone is included and that you’re always on the move! The SpringTEEN pass and family ticket also allow you to:
- take advantage of a 20 % discount on tickets to the Mozart Interactive Museum in Prague until 30 September 2027;
- make use of discounts and other benefits on offer via our Beethoven pass.
Entry to all concerts and workshops with a pass or family ticket
250 CZK child
180 CZK adult
390 CZK adult + 1 child
620 CZK 1 adult + 2 children
560 CZK 2 adults + 1child
770 CZK 2 adults + 2 children
CONCERTS
Opener: Who was this Beethoven, then?
3 pm, Main Stage
A lightning excursion into the life and music of Ludwig van Beethoven. Did you know that he was quite a grumpy guy, that he drank coffee made from exactly sixty beans, and that he poured ice-cold water over himself when he was composing? And by the way, he was chatting long before the invention of the internet… Or maybe not…?
SpringTEEN Band
Klára Boudalová
Beethoven Quartet or the Odd One Out
3.45 pm, Main Stage
Play Quartets with a string quartet. Part concert, part board game and part Black Peter, aka the Odd One Out. Let’s see who exposes him!
SpringTEEN Band
Live Karaoke with Honza Cina
5 pm, Main Stage
Your song and your moment on the concert stage with the SpringTEEN Band. Bonus points for anyone who sings something by Beethoven!
Jan Cina
SpringTEEN Band
Grand Finale: Ode to Joy
6 pm, Main Stage
Beethoven may not have been the most cheerful of fellows but he certainly wrote the most famous piece of music about joy – the Ode to Joy. And we will gladly guide you through a variety of music across genres and historical eras to find out how others wrote about joy. But, don’t worry, we’re not abandoning the Ode to Joy! At the end of the Grand Finale we will play and sing a brand new “Springteen” arrangement of the piece, where children will be able to put into practice everything they have learned or crafted during the afternoon workshops.
SpringTEEN Band
Klára Boudalová
WORKSHOPS
Dance of Destiny to the Fate Symphony
15.30 & 16.15 & 17.00
Monastery Garden
A fun dance workshop where you get to do comical poses and facial expressions and, of course, the famous da-dada-dum! Did you know that Beethoven apparently came up with this rhythm when an angry neighbour yelled at him, banging on the ceiling with her broom? True or false? We don’t know but, as a ballet, it’ll make for a thrilling story! A workshop for everyone, especially those who absolutely do not dance.
BeethoBattle: A Rhythmical Battle
15.30, St. Francis Church
Two teams, one event, one victory. Wellington’s Victory! A rhythm workshop freely inspired by this lesser-known but witty Beethoven piece.
Instachoir with the Ode to Joy
16.15, St. Francis Church
Learn one of the most famous works in music history with us – the Ode to Joy – in a special “Springteen” arrangement. Playing with sounds, improvising and, of course, rehearsing for the Grand Finale.
Pastoral Scores
17.15, St. Francis Church
Step into Beethoven’s shoes for a while and write your own Pastoral Symphony! You don’t know anything about musical notation? Don’t worry, we’ll write everything down together in a picture score. Expect thunder, lightning, meadows, animals… and maybe even a football stadium! All supervised by an experienced composer.
Coffee Break with Beethoven
15.30, Church of the Holy Saviour
Have you got a question you’d like to put to the great master Ludwig van Beethoven himself? At SpringTEEN you can ask him anything. But just to let you know: there’ll be a bit of piano playing here. A kind of mini piano recital from close up, including a practical test involving a special method of listening to music with a “broom in your teeth”.
DJ für Elise
15.30–17.45
Ceremonial Hall
What if Beethoven were alive today? What would his famous piece Für Elise sound like if he unleashed the power of modern technology? Find out in our creative workshop, where we will mix, remix, add beats and use AI in imaginative ways to transform one of classical music’s most iconic melodies.
Moonlight Garden
15.30–17.45
Garden of the Minorites
Painting in a garden in full bloom with our ears immersed in Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata for piano. A space to daydream and create canvases together as romantic as a night under the stars.
Getting Beethoven Under Your Skin
15.30–17.45
Banqueting Hall
A stage where you’ll be able to feel Beethoven’s music with your entire body through vibrations. A unique relaxation and music experience which will help you to understand the world of those who are unable to listen to music with their ears.
Beethoven’s Photo Corner
15.30–17.45
Agnes’ Oratory
Would you like to look like Beethoven for a while? No problem! In the photos from our Classical photo corner you’ll be the spitting image of Beethoven.
Pastoral Strawboe
15.30–17.45
Garden of Eden
In his famous Pastoral Symphony Beethoven used bassoons and oboes to imitate the sound of a babbling brook, but we at SpringTEEN are going to try to recreate the sound of a major river. Make a Strawboe with us and become a part of the Grand Finale orchestra!
Art Studio
15.30–17.45
A creative space for children and adults alike will be open for the entire duration of the SpringTEEN event. In association with the National Gallery Prague.
