The Choir Studio "Zvoneček – Praha" (Prague Little Bell) was founded in 1996 at the Prague Music School. Over the years the initial modest group of eleven children has expanded into its current form, where the main concert choir Zvonky acquires its new members from the most experienced graduates of the preparatory choir II while the very youngest children learn the basics of singing in a beginner preparatory choir I. The oldest and best singers of the Zvonky concert choir (The Bells) may also become members of the select girls´ chamber choir, Abbellimento. At present the entire Studio comprises about 220 children and youth, aged 4 – 21. The repertoire of the choirs is chosen with the singer’s ages in mind, while at the same time striving for maximum richness and variety of musical styles. The youngest children begin with little homophonic tunes, the more experienced, as well as the concert choir, sing more complicated music including organ-accompanied sacred works. The oldest sing not only classical music tested by time, but also polyphonic works from contemporary composers. In addition to piano and organ we employ a broad range of accompanying instruments e.g. violin, violoncello, clarinet, drums etc.
The choirs participate regularly in national and international competitions. The first trips abroad brought not only our first international experience (at the 11th Festival of Choral Singing, Nancy, France 2000), but also surprising results. In 2001, the children won a gold diploma in traditional singing and a silver in the sacred music category at an international competition at Riva del Garda, Italy. In addition, our choir director was awarded a special prize for her pedagogic achievements. In May 2002 the choir won first prize in pennant series at the 50th International Music Festival at Neerpelt, Belgium, and was honoured to sing in an improvised performance to the Queen of Belgium. One of the most valued awards is undoubtedly the Petr Eben Prize from the 13th International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music (Prague 2003). In October 2004 the concert choir Zvonky won two golden diplomas in the 6th International Competition in Grado, Italy, both in the category of children choirs up to age 16, as well as in the category of sacred music, where they competed with adult choirs without any age limit. Later that year, in November, we won a gold medal in a prestigious national competition of children’s choirs at Nový Jičín, and the jury awarded our interpretation of folk song a special prize. Nevertheless, the greatest success was four gold medals at the 35th International Festival and Choir Competition at Olomouc (2007) and absolute victory among 127 choirs from 15 countries around the world. Most recently Zvonky received two gold medals and a victory in the category of sacred music from the Venezia in Musica International Festival 2008.
The concert choir also made two two-week tours to England and France (in 2003 and 2006). The children participated in festivals in London and Harpenden, and gave concerts in two of England’s oldest cathedrals (Canterbury and Rochester). Zvonky successfully participated in a very special event at the Prague State Opera, where they sang with the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir. At the end of 2007 we were honoured to perform a special Christmas concert for Czech President, First Lady of the Czech 
Republic, and their guests. In May 2009 we were invited to sing at the opening concert of the Charles-the-Great Prize awarding ceremony program in Aachen, Germany. In Summer 2009 we made a three-week tour to North America and participated in two festivals (Vancouver, Canada, and Missoula, MT, U.S.A.)
So far we have recorded seven CDs (click here for more details) and collaborated also in further projects (commercial spots, children’s programmes, theatre performances). The Choir Studio is supported by the Civic Association Zvoneček – Praha, which organizes all the out-of-school activities (weekend and summer workshops, concerts, performances, CD recordings etc.). Financing is supported by grants awarded by Capital of Prague Municipal Authorities, Prague 3 District Authorities, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic as well as by sponsorships.
CONTACT DETAILS
Choir Studio Zvoneček - Praha Choir Director Choir President
The Choir thanks for support to Municipal Authorities of Capital of Prague as well as to Prague 3 City District Authorities.
Since the beginning, the Choir Studio Zvoneček – Praha has been directed by Jarmila Novenková. In working with children, Ms. Novenková exploits not only her long-term experience from the Karviná Permoník Choir and her rare pedagogic gifts, but most of all her lifelong love for choral singing. Born in Vendryně, a small Silesian village, she acquired her first choral experience as a chorister and soloist in the Štývar Children’s Choir of Třinec. After graduation from Třinec secondary school she continued her studies at Ostrava Conservatory, where she majored in piano. Later she worked as a choirmaster and pianist for the Permoník Children’s Choir of Karviná. In 1996 she moved to Prague to fulfil the idea of the then-director of the Prague Music School to establish a school children’s choir. Over the years, the shape of Choir Studio Zvoneček rapidly outgrew the scope of the original idea, and eventually reached its current form. Such fast development was naturally enabled by the inspiring environment of the Prague Music School and the collaboration of its many outstanding teachers and musicians.
Hudební škola hl.m. Prahy
Komenského nám. 9/400
CZ 13000 Praha 3
Czech Republic
zvonecek@zvonecek.cz
Jarmila Novenková +420 604 216 918
j.novenkova@zvonecek.cz
Jan Vančura +420 603 514 072
j.vancura@zvonecek.cz