Mixed choir GAUDIUM PRAHA
There are many choirs in our country. Especially mixed ones. One could say with exaggeration that every village has a choir, not to mention the big city of Prague. But the really good ones are much fewer. Their basic pillars are a stable membership base, a quality repertoire, but above all a top-notch choirmaster. Gaudium has the advantage of having two choirmasters.
The birth of the “adult” mixed choir Gaudium was a completely logical step. When the children’s choir Radost Praha was founded in 1961, its choirmaster was Vladislav Souček and one of its founding members was Zdeňka Řezníčková. It lasted eight years and Zdeňka became Mrs. Součková and also, together with Vláďa, the choirmaster. Together they raised hundreds of singers. The children grew up and gradually left the choir. But many of them wanted to continue singing, so Zdena and Vláďa decided to found another new ensemble together, the basis of which became these still singing children of the choir Radost. And so in 1988 Gaudium (Latin for “joy”) Praha was founded and both choirmasters have been leading it both artistically and organizationally throughout its existence.
In the 35 years of Gaudio’s life, more than 250 singers have passed through Souček’s hands. Beginners who simply had the desire and effort to join in, as well as those from other choirs who found a second family in Gaudio. Yes, one could say that Gaudium is one big family. We spend quite a lot of time together. Regular rehearsals take place every Wednesday evening at the Šimáčkova Primary School of Art in Prague 7. In addition, we also attend three weekend camps a year outside of Prague.
Our stable member who accompanies us every step of the way is our wonderful pianist and accompanist Jitka Nešverová.
In its 35 years of existence, the choir has given hundreds of concerts not only in Prague and the Czech Republic, but also in Europe. For example, in 2023 we went to the Italian Dolomites to the International Festival of Choirs Alta Pusteria.
We also cooperate with other choirs and musical groups, such as Piccolo Coro and Piccola Orchestra, the Libocky Cathedral Choir, Muzika Josef Vycpálek, Camerata Praha, ŽKS Jirkov, Chorus Egrensis from Aš and the Děčín Choir. Of course, it is worth mentioning the children’s choirs Radost Praha and Pueri Gaudentes, who share their founders and rehearsal rooms with us at the Prague 7 Elementary School. Since many of the Gaudio members are also members of Sokol
We also regularly perform at various charity events, such as in support of the St. Charles Boromean Home, the Jedlička Institute Foundation or the Olga Havel Foundation.
Our repertoire is very extensive. Today we have nearly 250 “active” compositions and works of various genres, from sacred, renaissance to contemporary authors. We also sing standard classical choral works, Negro spirituals, opera choruses and folk songs.
As a choir, we experience all sorts of joys and sorrows together, and we know that while, as in any family, we sometimes have arguments, when one of us needs help or advice, there are always a number of fellow singers willing to help. In today’s hectic times, it is great to have a place and a group where one can belong and feel comfortable. And the Gaudium Praha choir is such a place. Thank you for it.