Educational Concerts of Prague Symphony Orchestras: Programs, Perceptions of Art School Teachers, and Possibilities for Further Development

This thesis focuses on analyzing and comparing the educational programs of three Prague-based symphony orchestras the Czech Philharmonic, Prague Philharmonia, and the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK with an emphasis on activities designed for children, youth, and schools, particularly for elementary art schools. The aim is to map the structure, dramaturgical concept, and target groups of these programs, analyze how they are promoted, and determine how elementary art school teachers perceive the quality, benefits, and accessibility of educational concerts for their students. The theoretical part draws on literature dealing with the history, typology, benefits, and risks of educational concerts, as well as current international trends in orchestral education. The practical part combines document analysis of orchestra websites and promotional materials with a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews with elementary art school teachers. The results show that educational concerts are perceived by teachers as a significant contribution to students’ musical education, although their use is limited by organizational, time, and informational barriers. The thesis formulates recommendations for orchestras and schools aimed at increasing accessibility, participation, and more effective communication of educational programs.