“If the Bohemians had the advantages enjoyed by the Italians they would surpass them. They are perhaps the most musical race in all Europe”. Charles Burney (1773)

The celebrations for the crowning of Charles VI as King of Bohemia in Prague in 1723 included an opera performance by 200 musicians and 100 voices. “History does not furnish a more glorious event for music”, Burney boldly asserted. Despite lacking the wealth of neighbouring countries, Bohemia benefited from generous patrons who capitalised on the region’s excellent education system in which music was a core subject, resulting in an exceptionally musically cultured society where creativity flourished.