Who we are
The Premonstratensians at Strahov are one of the long-standing protectors of the spiritual and cultural heritage in the heart of Prague. The Strahov monastery has played an important role in the history of the Czech lands and the Premonstratensians have been developing their life there since 1143.
The Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary at Strahov is home not only to spiritual life but also to an important organ tradition. The organ in this basilica, both the small choir organ and the large organ, is a precious cultural heritage that the Premonstratensians carefully preserve and restore. Their goal is not only to preserve these musical instruments for future generations, but also to continue the tradition of church music, which is an integral part of the spiritual life and cultural heritage of the community.
Strahov Monastery has existed since 1143 as a community of Premonstratensian brothers living according to the Gospel and the Order of St. Augustine. Throughout its history, the monastery has faced fires, robberies, wartime looting, political upheaval and, in the 20th century, Nazi and Communist persecution. Members of the Order offer their services in the spiritual and social spheres, and are also active in the fields of education and science. In Strahov Monastery there is a living community that draws on its tradition and is open to new forms, needs and challenges of our time. In wonder of God, it wants to encourage and transform itself and others on the way to the fullness of life.
Strahov Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is the heart of the monastery. Mass is celebrated here daily and the local religious regularly gather in the church for communal prayer. The original Romanesque building has undergone Gothic, Renaissance and finally Baroque reconstruction, preserved to this day. The decoration of the basilica is dominated by frescoes with Marian motifs and scenes from the life of St. Norbert of Xanten. The remains of St. Norbert, the founder of the Premonstratensian Order, have been preserved in the church since 1627. Music, whether Gregorian chant, folk singing or playing the organ and other instruments, was and is an important part of local worship. W. A. Mozart improvised on the organ during his visit to Strahov. The Strahov church was awarded the title of basilica minor by Pope John Paul II in 1991.
Our team
Stepan Svoboda
prominent Czech organologist
Known for his expertise in organ music and organ history, he has participated in a number of organ projects in the Czech Republic. He was introduced to organ building in the 1990s by František Krutský. Since 1992 he has been accompanying the liturgy at the Church of St. Thomas in Prague's Lesser Town; since 2013 he has worked as an organologist for the Archdiocese of Prague; he is the author of a database of organs and organ builders in the Czech Republic; within the framework of NAKI and GAČR grants he has been involved in the musical and acoustic and technical documentation of important organs and the verification of technological procedures and materials used in organ repairs.
Vladimir Roubal
Czech organist, organ improviser
Since 1990 he has been the director of the church music of the Royal Canon of the Premonstratensians at the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Strahov, Prague. There he founded and leads the Collegium Strahoviense church choir and chamber orchestra. His extensive concert activity includes not only the Czech Republic and European countries, but also the USA and Japan. He has recorded for Czech Radio and Czech Television, and composed music for several films, such as Jaromír Polišenský's In nomine patris.
ThLic., PhDr. Daniel Peter Janáček, PhD., O.Praem
71st Abbot of the Royal Canon of the Premonstratensians at Strahov
He comes from Slovakia, where he was exposed to the Premonstratensian Order since childhood. His priestly life is connected with the Royal Canonry of the Premonstratensians in Strahov, Prague, and also with the Archdiocese of Prague, which he served in pastoral ministry. He worked in the parish of St. Norbert's Church in Střešovice, Prague, in Hostivice, as well as in the churches of St. Martin and Holy Family at the Monastery of St. Charles Borromeo in Prague-Repi. He also serves in the Premonstratensian parish in Úhonice, Central Bohemia. His leadership focuses both on the spiritual life of the community and on the restoration of the historical heritage of the Strahov monastery.
Mgr. et. Mag. Christian Martin Pšenička, O.Praem
Provost of Strahov Monastery
He studied theology at the Charles University and music - Kirchenmusik at the UNI Mozarteum, Salzburg. He works in pastoral ministry as a Roman Catholic priest - St. Vojtěch, Dejvice. He is also engaged in music and teaching activities, he teaches at Arcs Prague and KTF UK. His interests include Logotherapy. He is responsible for the care of historical musical instruments in the possession of Strahov Monastery.