Krucemburk to commemorate 100th anniversary of composer Karel Bříza

The town of Krucemburk will host a two-day commemorative program on October 17 and 18 to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Karel Bříza. Bříza was a Redemptorist priest, organist, and composer known for his famous Czech Mass Ordinary.

The festivities include a solemn Mass at St. Nicholas Church led by Hradec Králové Bishop Jan Vokál, followed by a concert of Bříza’s choral works performed by the Krucemburk Choral Temple Choir and the Kameničky Choir. An interactive exhibition and a walking game titled ‘Putování s Karlíčkem’ will also be available to participants.

Born in Krucemburk in 1926, Bříza’s life was marked by the challenges of the communist regime, during which he was interned and eventually received secret priestly ordination in 1951. He dedicated his life to both religious service and music, contributing significantly to liturgical music and organ building before passing away in Prague in 2001.