Culture Minister Oto Klempíř has become chair of the board of the Prague Spring festival, replacing Baxa.
Culture Minister Oto Klempíř has become chair of the board of the Prague Spring festival. The stated reason is that the ministry founded the festival and is today among its largest financial supporters; the festival operates as a public-benefit company.[1][2]
In the post Klempíř replaced Baxa, who had chaired the board since 2023. According to iDNES.cz, Klempíř dismissed him in April 2026 after a dispute over the distribution of film subsidies; opposition representatives criticised the step. Baxa described his dismissal as a punishment for speaking out against Klempíř's plans concerning the independence of the state audiovisual fund.[1]
The festival is headed by director Robert Hanč, and it also has an administrative council and an artistic council. About half of the budget consists of contributions from the Ministry of Culture and the Capital City of Prague, the rest comes from sponsors, patrons and ticket sales. The budget of the 81st edition in 2026 was approximately CZK 120 million. According to the organisers, 97 soloists, ensembles and orchestras from 27 countries performed, 26 of the 36 paid concerts sold out and 33,504 tickets were sold. Revenue was about CZK 39.3 million, compared with CZK 36.2 million in 2025.[1][2]
The Ministry of Culture announced a review of the extent and conditions under which it cooperates with cultural bodies, Prague Spring among them. According to the ministry, the benefits of cooperation are to match the priorities of the new state cultural policy for 2026 to 2029. It is negotiating with the festival on wider access to cultural offerings, on educational activities and on support for young talents, and if agreement is reached it expects contracts to be concluded within several weeks. Hanč confirmed that festival representatives are holding intensive talks with the ministry on the form of further cooperation.[1][2]
The organisers are to present the Prague Spring 2027 programme on 3 November 2026, when the 14th Rudolf Firkušný Piano Festival is also to begin.[1][2]
Chronology
- — Culture Minister Klempíř will chair the board of the Prague Spring International Music Festival, replacing Baxa as its head. iDNES.cz Lidovky.cz
Sources
- iDNES.cz — 20 October 2026
- Lidovky.cz — 20 October 2026