unibz Voices on a Trip to Prague
- Our choir had an unforgettable experience in Prague, combining musical excellence with cultural exploration. Over four days, we participated in competitions, concerts, and shared the magic of Christmas music with audiences across this beautiful city.
The journey began on December 4th with a ten-hour bus ride from Italy to Prague. After settling into Hotel Krytsal, we explored the enchanting Christmas market, sampling traditional Trdelník (chimney cake) and soaking in the festive atmosphere that would become even more meaningful in the days ahead.
Friday brought our first major performance at the beautiful Church of St. Martin in the Wall, where we shared the stage with the University of Pretoria Youth Choir from South Africa and Chór PMDKiS w Wieluniu from Poland. The experience of singing in such a historic venue alongside international choirs was truly unique. Between rehearsals, we enjoyed guided tours of Prague’s Old Town, visiting iconic landmarks including the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, and Wenceslas Square, while sampling local specialties like houskové knedlíky (bread dumplings).
Saturday, December 6th, marked the competition day at Hotel Olšanka. Despite our nerves, we delivered a strong performance and were thrilled to receive a Silver Diploma for our efforts. The evening brought an especially magical moment: performing at Prague’s famous Christmas market under a pavilion, in a joint concert with all participating choirs. As we sang, the Christmas tree illuminated, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Our conductor, Johann van der Sandt, led us brilliantly before a large crowd, making us all incredibly proud.
Our final day concluded with a concert at Charles University alongside the Vinzentiner Mädchenchor and Jiřičky Children’s Choir, providing a perfect finale to our musical journey.
This trip wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated team: Giovanni (our bus driver), Carlo Nardi (playing guitar for us), Janthé van der Sandt (assistant conductor), and especially Professor Johann van der Sandt, whose expertise and passion made this entire experience possible.
Prague gave us more than a Silver Diploma—it gave us memories, international friendships, and a deeper love for choral music that we’ll carry with us always.
This account of the experience is wirtten by Choir member and student Ana-Maria Sanda.
Related people: Carlo Alessandro Nardi, Johannes Theodorus van der Sandt