Kinderchor « Kajetán », Czech Republic
Kajetán, the children’s opera choir of the Josef Kajetan Tyl Theatre in Pilsen, was founded in 2014 and brings together young singers aged 11 to 19. The choir is led by conductors Anna-Marie Lahodová and Zuzana Kuncová, with piano accompaniment by Olga Cviková. A warm, friendly, and family-like atmosphere is combined with the conductors’ careful, systematic, and highly professional approach. Through their work in the choir, children develop not only solid vocal technique and musical skills, but also grow aesthetically, socially, and personally. The choir’s repertoire includes children’s parts of operas as well as classical choral compositions, which the choir performs at various cultural events and concerts.
Children in the choir have the opportunity to experience an unparalleled connection with theatrical art, where their vocal abilities and harmonious performances contribute to the overall artistic experience for the audience. Their participation in diverse productions, ranging from classical operas and ballet to modern musicals, represents not only a challenge for the Kajetán choir but also an opportunity for cultural enrichment and the development of their artistic skills.
Currently, the children are participating in productions of Hänsel und Gretel (E. Humperdinck), The Chap-Book (B. Martinů), The Bartered Bride (B. Smetana), The Kiss (B. Smetana), Czech Christmas Mass (J. J. Ryba), The Nutcracker (P. I. Tchaikovsky). In the upcoming theatre season, the choir is eagerly anticipating its participation in the premiere of Giacomo Puccini’s renowned opera La Bohème.
As part of its concert repertoire, Kajetán explores a wide range of musical styles, from folk songs and Christmas carols to ancient music and Romantic-era compositions, all the way to 20th-century and contemporary works by Czech and international composers. The core of the repertoire includes compositions by Bohuslav Martinů, Antonín Dvořák, Josef Suk, Bedřich Smetana, Petr Eben, Zdeněk Lukáš, Veljo Tormis, Darius Lim, Josu Elberdin, Samo Vovk, Francis Poulenc, Efrem Podgaits.
Beyond its theatrical and concert activities, Kajetán serves as a respected cultural ambassador. The choir is frequently invited to open festivals, take part in competitions, and appear as a distinguished guest at important cultural events, underscoring its dynamic presence and strong reputation within the international choral community.
Competition Successes
Season 2022/2023
Kajetán achieved outstanding results in international competitions. The choir won the Gold Medal and the Overall Winner title at the Porta Musicae children’s choir competition. At the Franz Schubert Choir Competition & Festival in Vienna, Kajetán was awarded a Golden Diploma (Level VI). At the International Choir Competition – Festival of Songs Olomouc, the choir won both entered categories, received the Audience Award, and crowned its success by winning the Grand Prix, becoming the absolute winner of the festival’s 50th anniversary edition.
Season 2023/2024
In 2024, Kajetán gained further international acclaim by winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes at the prestigious Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
Season 2024/2025
In 2025, Kajetán continued its exceptional success by becoming the Grand Prix winner in the children’s choir category at the European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations in Aarhus, Denmark. In addition, the choir received three further Gold Medals at TOP level in other festival categories.