There is lovely town Nový Jičín at the foot of the Beskydy Mountains near the south entrance to the Moravian Gate where music has been resonating for seven centuries. Ondrášek, the choir of children and youth of Nový Jičín, was born there in spring time of 1967. Its founder, Prof. Václav Ptáček has carved, though not knowingly, freedom and unchained independence characteristics to a legend about Ondrášek, the Walachian Robin Hood in the name of the choir. Being conducted by its founder the new born baby had been doing very well which is supported by number of awards Ondrášek had collected for more than 25 years.

When Josef Zajíček began to conduct the choir in 1992 a fresh chapter of history was started. The name Ondrášek has been pronounced in many international festivals and competitions, the choir has given concerts all over Europe and gained abroad experience in Japan and South Africa. Back home various choir shows and workshops have been organized. Due to school and public concerts a children’s singing has been promoted and the choir became a well respected body. New Year’s concerts have been considered an enevitable part of a town cultural life enriched by quests from USA, Japan, South Africa, Italy, etc. Under the Art School of Nový Jičín all artistic departments hosted various prestigious Czech artists and music composers have entered into closer relations and thus Ondrášek has found a brand new path to promote choir music on continous base.

At this moment are 4 independent departments of Ondrášek each of them living a separate concert life.

Hrášek
I.Junior department, Children of 6-7

Rarášek
II.Junior department, children of 7-9 are introduced to basics of voice technique and music theory

Kulihrášek
III.Junior department, children of 9-14 face increased requirements on voice production, refined intonation and reading notes

Ondrášek
IV.Concert choir represents he best voices of children and young people of 13-20
There are more than 300 girls and boys in the choir with a home base in Art School. Association of Ondrášek Supporters runs the choir day-by-day activity.

The ultimate goal of choir is to give concerts. Czech and abroad audiance enjoy more than 50 concerts a year. Regular contacts with top European choirs, exchange trips to local choirs and frequent participation in reputable choir festivals have positively effected overall artistic performance of the choir.


Since the very early days Ondrášek has been closely cooperating with radio and television studios. Czech TV shot an artistic documentary "Jak se zpívá v NJ" in 2000. The choir has released four profile CDs under cooperation with the studio of Ostrava. During thirty years Ondrášek is firmly rooted in the cultural life of Nový Jičín. Its rich artistic activity was awarded by numerous prizes.

INFORMATION: http://www.ondraseknj.cz