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The 20th century Czech composer is not well-known outside of the Czech Republic, but the surprisingly hip Bohuslav Martinu Foundation is aiming to change all that. This is their big effort at showcasing the best of the prolific artist's more than 400 compositions, and features ensembles such as the Martinu Quartet and the Prague Philharmonic. Other plans they have in the works to promote Martinu, who is a favorite in his native land despite that he is virtually unknown abroad, include multi-media pages on the Internet's World Wide Web.
Mid-December at different venues; most of the concerts start at 19:30; for more information see local listings, or call 533 765, or 53 11 57, or e-mail the Bohuslav Martinu Foundation at martinu@login.cz.

The first Cardiac Massage Festival in September 1995 drew a crowd of some 3,000 fans and sold out the Lucerna concert hall. With a focus on a harder brand of rock than the mainstream, "Cardiac Massage" features metal and goth bands such as "Miscellane" (Slovakia), "Root" and "Masturbation" (Czech Republic), and "My Dying Bride" and "Anathema" (UK).
September, Belmondo Revival Club Vltavska, Bubenska 1, Prague 7, tel. 879 683

This annual festival, running since 1991, features the best of the best - from excellent performers like the Stamic and Talich Quartets, the Czech String Trio and the Radio Prague Orchestra - performing inspiring programs that range from Schulhoff, Ravel and Gershwin to Janacek and Martinu - in some of Prague's foremost concert halls, like those at the beautiful St. Agnes Convent and the Rudolfinum, both of which are on the banks of the Vltava(Moldau) river. The concerts attempt to capture the greatest diversity of musical styels and national cultures.
Late October, various concert halls, more information from festival organizers at tel. 232 10 86 or fax 232 78 62, information and tickets available from Ticketpro at tel. 24 81 40 20

One of the biggest festivals of alternative music in the Czech Republic, Festival Alternativa was begun in 1993 and features everything from beginning bands to well-known artists - and genres from jazz to rock, and electronic to industrial. 1995 was the first year they were well-financed enough to invite international bands to play at the festival, such as She-Love (Russia) and the Cool Shakes (Finland).
Mid-December, Roxy, Dlouha 33, Prague 1, tel. 231 6331, 24 81 09 51 and Divadlo Archa, Na Porici 26, Prague 1, tel. 232 88 00

Get away from Prague's maddening crowds and enjoy traditional Czech folk, country and "tramp" music under the clear blue skies of June. Held in Revnice, which is just outside of Prague, this festival features groups like Kvokal, Lokalka, Nezmari, Grass Colors, Juniori, Folk lok, Spiritual Quintet - and performers like Jiri Suchy and Zuzana Navarova.
Late June, Lesni divadlo (Theatre in the Wood), Revnice (between Prague and Beroun), (no phone)

That the closing concert of the festival falls on International Students' Day is no accident. It is meant to commemorate both the death of Czech student Jan Opletal at the hands of the Nazis on November 17, 1939 - the impetus for the creation of the original holiday - as well as the overthrow of communism in the Czech lands, which happened on the 50th anniversary of that date in 1989. The closing concert in 1995 featured music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Bartok and Martinu as played by the Prague Students' Orchestra, which is the co-organizer of the festival along with the Prague Hlahol. Soloists for this festival, established in 1994, are students from around the world.
Mid-November, Dvorak Hall, Rudolfinum, Alsovo nabrezi 12, Prague 1, tel. 24 89 33 52, 293 430

Taking place before the May Prague Spring Festival since 1994, Festival "Musica Spiritualis Ecumenica" is another opportunity to see some of Prague's loveliest concert halls and spaces, from the Lichtenstein Palace to St George's Basilica. The music on offer is similarly varied, and includes classical composers like Vivaldi, Mozart and Zelenka, but also baroque, renaissance, and even gospel music concerts as well.
Early April, various times and venues - for details or complete program call festival organizers Music Art Prague at tel. 643 48 50, or Ticketpro at tel. 24 81 40 20

Another best-new-band contest, New Rock Generation competes with the Marlboro Rock-In, which is held somewhat concurrently. Under the communists, Pragokoncert was the only entertainment agency which was allowed to present international talent in Czechoslovakia or represent Czechoslovak artists abroad. They produced the first Marlboro Rock-In in 1993, but after a falling out with sponsors they debuted their own band competition the next year. Of 370 amateur and semi-professional rock bands from all over the Czech Republic which competed in 1996, only 13 made it to the semifinals in April: Virgin Scream, Treskot Hlav, Pipiping-Zip-Pong, Existence, Canal Islands, The Sticks, Si, Anarchuz, Eleison, Peprmint President, Hellfish, Echt!, and Gallery of the Dirt. One finalist is chosen per concert, and the three finalists from these three concerts battle it out for cash and equipment at the final concert in May.

After the first Trutnov festival in 1987 - which was broken up by the police - the communists kept this happening from happening until after the Velvet Revolution. Since then, it has consistently topped other open-air festivals in talent and in audience figures. 1996 had two stages - one for the almost 50 Czech and foreign bands that played, the other for a huge tent which featured non-stop DJs. The festival also boasts bungee jumping, swimming, dozens of food (including veggie) and beverage stands, and fireworks to close the show. Camping is allowed at the festival grounds.
Mid-August, "Na Bojisti," Trutnov (Northeast of Prague) more info - Prague tel. 24 31 50 08, fax 24 31 35 48, Trutnov tel. (0439) 23 98

Find out why the Czech Republic is known as "the conservatory of Europe" at the annual nationwide contest for soloists aged 14 or less, held since 1992. Categories are piano and violin, and the contest and festival are held under the auspices of the City of Prague, in cooperation with the Prague Music School and the Musical Faculty of the Prague Arts Academy. The opening, competition, finalist and closing concerts are all held at various times in mid- May, so it's best to call ahead for tickets or for a complete festival programme.
Mid-May, Lichtenstein Palace, Malostranske namesti 13, Prague 1, tickets and information 10am-3pm, tel. 24 81 23 49

Hundreds of young musicians compete in the annual Prague Spring Competition for young interpreters of music. The competition is held before the festival proper (which begins in mid-May) not only to pique interest in the famous festival, but also because the winner of the competition then performs in the Prague Spring. The competition is for players of different types of instruments each year, and contestants come from all over the world and are chosen anonymously from recordings that they send in. Preliminary round concerts are played as solos, in the final round contestants are accompanied by the Prague Chamber Orchestra. All contestants must also master four new compositions by contemporary Czech composers that the festival organizers order for each year's Prague Spring.
Late April, Rudolfinum, Alsovo nabrezi 12, Prague 1, tel. 24 91 34 37

This is a chance to escape the city for a music-filled weekend in the country. Begun in 1995 with over 15 bands at the sports stadium in Cesky Brod near Kolin (about twenty minutes from Prague by train). The show begins at noon sharp and consists of a collection of mostly Czech groups playing unadulterated rock - the first show included Bast, Slunicko, Bila Nemoc, Dorota B.B., and Phil Schoenfelt (from the UK). Proceeds of this charity concert go to benefit the mentally handicapped in the Czech Republic, and the event's organizers will accept donations of children's clothing and toys during the marathon day of play.
End of June, Atleticky stadion, Cesky Brod, tel. 65 16 976.

The best-known and most important of the Czech Republic's folklore festivals, Straznice has a long tradition and a great many fans. The town of Straznice, near Brno, has been hosting this international event since time immemorial.
End of June, Straznice (near Brno), info tel. (05)42 21 10 90, tickets tel. (05)42 21 08 63

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