On the Trail of Dvořák

When people think of Dvořák’s life, they often associate it with Prague, his summer retreat in Vysoká u Příbramě, or even New York. Few realize, however, that the city he visited most frequently was Vienna—one of the world’s foremost cultural and political centres of the time. In total, he travelled there twenty-seven times. This year’s journey highlights not only Dvořák’s frequent presence in the Austrian capital but also Vienna’s ongoing role as a major hub of cultural life.

The tour will take participants to some of the key locations connected to Dvořák’s time in Vienna, including Musikverein and the Vienna State Opera. It will provide a rare glimpse into the Vienna Philharmonic archives, which house remarkable materials related to the composer’s work in the city. The itinerary will also include the Upper Belvedere, where Dvořák and the Czech Quartet visited Anton Bruckner, the Hofburg, where he was granted an audience with the Emperor, and the historic Parliament building, where he served as a lifelong member of the Imperial Council. Other stops include Karlgasse, where he met Johannes Brahms, and the Goldenes Lamm Hotel, where Dvořák stayed during his visits to Vienna. A special musical experience will also be part of the journey.

Although Dvořák’s stays in Vienna were never long, their impact was profound. Here, he maintained friendships with key figures such as Johannes Brahms, his mentor and supporter, Hans Richter, the esteemed conductor, and Eduard Hanslick, the influential critic. All three greatly admired both Dvořák and his music, and their opinions carried immense weight in the musical world of the time.

Twice, the composer was received in Vienna by Emperor Franz Joseph I, who, alongside his long reign and architectural legacy, also left behind an affection for tafelspitz, a simple yet iconic dish of Austrian cuisine. One can only imagine whether the two men ever found common ground in their shared appreciation of straightforward, honest flavours.

Dvořák conducted his Violin Concerto and the cantata The Spectre’s Bride in Vienna. His Heroic Song was premiered there under Gustav Mahler, then Generalmusikdirektor of the Court Opera. His Requiem was performed in the city, and even the patriotic oratorio Saint Ludmila found success despite the often dismissive—if not outright hostile—attitude of some sections of the Viennese public and press towards all things Czech.

Yet, even during Dvořák’s lifetime, his music transcended such prejudices. Today, his orchestral and chamber works are a staple of Vienna’s concert programmes, and Rusalka has been staged at the Vienna State Opera nearly fifty times.

A truly special highlight awaits participants on this journey—a chance to experience the Sommernachtskonzert by the Vienna Philharmonic in the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. While the programme may not focus on Dvořák, the event itself evokes the spirit of old Vienna. One of the world’s greatest orchestras, founded just a year after Dvořák’s birth, performs under the open sky in a setting rich with history—history in which the Czech lands played an integral role.

This year’s On the Trail of Dvořák journey is a demanding one, so the festival is preparing several programme options. Participants will be able to choose an experience tailored to their own pace, ensuring a fulfilling day without unnecessary haste.

A detailed itinerary, along with possible alternatives, will be published on this webpage by the end of April 2025.