ENSEMBLES 2026
Abbellimento Zvonky - Praha Choir
Zvonky - Praha Children's Choir was founded in 1996. Since then, the choir participated in numerous national as well as international competitions and toured most European countries, USA, Canada, and China. Among our most valued awards is the Petr Eben Prize from our national competition (2003) and absolute victory in the 35th International Festival Festa Musicale Olomouc 2007 in a strong competition of 127 choirs from fifteen countries. In 2025 Zvonky - Praha participated at European Choir Games in Aarhus, Denmark, and was awarded a gold medal. In 2009 we were honoured yet another very prestigious invitation – a concert given at the opportunity of Charles-the-Great International Prize Award in Aachen, Germany, and a subsequent participation in a Holy Mass in Cathedral of Aachen. In 2013, the choir was awarded the Charles IV. Prize. We also collaborate in many other projects – theatre performances, TV series, radio broadcasts etc.
Abbellimento, young ladies´ Choir represents a natural age and generation succession of Zvonky - Praha Concert Choir. Founded in 2005, it comprises the oldest and most experienced young female singers of the Prague Music School Choir Studio. Abbellimento has also participated in numerous national and international competitions and festivals, and travelled around the world (usually together with Zvonky as mentioned above), with two additional separate tours to Japan (2016) and Germany (2024). Among many awards from international contests we highly value the Grand Prix awards and absolute victories at 6th Per Musicam ad Astra (Toruń, Poland 2018), and 14th In…Canto sul Garda (Riva del Garda, Italy 2023). Abbellimento have been repeatedly invited to sing at festive occasions (e.g. anniversaries of Czech Republic foundation, opening concert of 23rd Bohuslav Martinů International Music Festival etc). Both choirs sing not only traditional Czech music and classical music, but also polyphonic works from contemporary composers as well as sacred music. Both choirs were founded and since then have been directed by Jarmila Novenková. Up to now they have recorded 10 CDs. The Prague Music School Choir Studio is supported by the City of Prague, Prague 3 Municipal Authorities, and Czech Ministry of Culture.
www.zvonecek.cz
Jarmila Novenková
Conductor
Born and spent her childhood in Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mountains, her affection for choral singing originated in her activities with Štývar Children’s Choir in Třinec, where she had been singing since her early years as a soloist. After graduation from the high school she continued her education by piano studies at the Ostrava Conservatory. Then she had been active for many years with the Permoník Choir of Karviná; here she worked as a choirmaster and pianist. She participated in many Permoník choir concerts both in Czechoslovakia and abroad. In 1995 she moved to Prague and was appointed to the Prague Music School where she taught piano, introductory music lessons, and music theory. In 1996, she founded the Zvoneček Children Choir (which gradually expanded into the full-scope Zvoneček – Prague Choir Studio) and similarly to the past, she has been transmitting her all-life affection for choral singing to Prague children. Under her conduction, her choirs successfully participated in numerous competitions and festivals not only in Czech Republic, but also on the international scene (Europe, North America, Asia). Jarmila has also been repeatedly appointed as a jury member of international choir competitions. The complete Choir Studio including its preparatory departments presents itself to Prague public during the spring concerts at St. Simeon and Judah Concert Hall or traditional Boxing Day Christmas concerts at Prague Rudolfinum Hall.
