A sprawling, antiquated cityscape; fairytale atmosphere; centuries-old castles preserved and pristine: it’s no secret why Prague is a historical hotspot for artists, writers, and Hollywood productions like author Dan Brown’s. Prague offers an elegant backdrop and exciting locale for consumers and creators alike. Its special connection with classical music is the icing on the kolache.
PARMA has a long history of recording with many prominent Czech artists and ensembles. The recent opening of a Prague office and recording sessions with Studio Martínek were obvious choices. With a setting steeped in musical history and the majority of PARMA’s award-winning production team based in the city, Prague proved to be a perfect place to create new classical music.
Dvořák Hall | credit: kudyznudy.cz
Classical Legends in Prague
Positioned in the heart of Europe, the birthplace of Western classical music, Prague holds undeniable connections to the forefathers of our genre and the modern day masters who shepherd our celebrated traditions to new and exciting levels.
Dvořák, Smetana, Janáček, Mahler — these notorious figures and many more developed their compositional identity and produced marvelous works during their time in Prague. With a historically warm and receptive classical music audience, it’s no coincidence that Mozart himself fell in love with the City of a Hundred Spires, famously stating “my Praguers understand me.”
Today, Prague’s musical culture continues to thrive with yearly festivals, celebrated Czech artists and ensembles, and more.
Tourism Highlights
Falling in love with Prague was not exclusive to Mozart. Prague’s blooming musical culture and ample sites with significant connections to classical history offers a unique experience for modern day classical artists in search of fostering a deeper connection to their craft. Prague pays homage to several monumental musical figures with museums dedicated to their life and work, preserving artifacts and curios from their lives.
St. Vitus Cathedral and Lobkowicz Palace, Home to a Rare Beethoven Manuscript | credit House of Lobkowicz
Notable Historic Sites:
Don’t miss these historical music sites during your visit to Prague
Studio Martínek
PARMA frequently offers artists the opportunity to visit Prague to record their music at Studio Martínek and experience the rich musical culture of the city.
Studio Martínek has been a cultural landmark for over a century and a recording studio for the past 70 years. Its breathtaking Art Nouveau main hall, built in the early 20th century, offers an inspiring and immersive environment for musicians.
Optimized for a wide range of in-person and remote recording projects, PARMA-related, independent, or otherwise, Studio Martínek pairs an award-winning production team with emerging and established voices in music. Martínek’s in-house Petrof grand piano lends an authentic signature sound to modern classical recordings.
1. Author Dan Brown, 2. Radek Baborák, 3. Jan Košulič, Joseph Summer, Josef Špaček, 4. Czech Studio Orchesra, 5. Kühn Choir of Prague | credit Petra Hajska
Hear the richness of Martínek’s recording room and its fitting acoustics for choir on CELESTIAL VOICES VOL. 2 from The Kühn Choir of Prague and Navona Records.
PARMA’s work in the studio has included recordings with the likes of The New York Times bestselling Author Dan Brown, celebrated Czech hornist Radek Baborák, and more.
“I’ve had a great few days here recording. Something about Studio Martínek feels like home.”
– Author Dan Brown
Brown shares more on his recording experience in Prague in this video interview.
There are several open opportunities to record new classical music at Studio Martínek. Explore our open Featured Recording Opportunities with the Czech Studio Orchestra, Kühn Choir of Prague, and others.
