The Anglo-Czechoslovak Trust was created in 1990. The objectives of the Trust are to advance the education of the general public and make it possible for young Czech and Slovak students to travel, perform and share experiences with their British counterparts and in the process to expand awareness within the UK of Czech and Slovak contemporary art science and music.

During the last 16 years over a thousand students from the UK, Czech and Slovak Republics have participated in our programme. We have a growing interest within the British public, especially in London, where we are based. In 1992 we established a strong link with the North London Music Festival. Two special categories of Czech and Slovak music were introduced within their festival, which takes place over 6 weeks in April and May.

Each year about 35 students representing all the academies and conservatoires in the Czech and Slovak Republics come to London in order to perform and compete with British music students as well as young professional musicians.

By 1993 we started to attract British competitors at the appropriate level, and in 1994 and 1995 prizes were awarded to a singer from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and to a professional flautist.

By 1996 we started our own competition attracting attention from the five leading music colleges in Britain.

We have around 40 host families on our list providing accommodation. Most of them have become more and more interested in Czech and Slovak culture, history and language. Looking after practicing young musicians for a week each year has become a delightful tradition for them. Many exchanges and friendships have been encouraged. The Czech and Slovak students stay with families from North London.

The non Czech/Slovak winners of the 1996 London Music competition performed in Prague in December 1996 in Lichenstejn Palace.

By 1997 our second own music festival attracted 79 competitors from Czech, Slovak and British music colleges. Our substantial sponsor was Euro-Lines.

The non Czech/Slovak winners of the 1997 London Music competition performed in Prague in December 1997 in Palfy Palace.

By 1998 our third own music festival attracted 85 competitors from Czech, Slovak and British music colleges. Our substantial sponsor was Euro-Lines.

The non Czech/Slovak winners of the 1998 London Music competition performed in Prague in October 1998 in Bertramka - Mozart's Museum.

In 1999 the non Czech/Slovak winners of the competition played in Prague in Lichtenstejn Palace, Academy of Performing Arts.

In 2000 the non Czech/Slovak winners of the competition played in Prague in Kaiserstejn Palace.

From 2001 the non Czech/Slovak winners of the competition played in Prague in Lichtenstejn Palace, Academy of Performing Arts.

The winners of the 2006 competition performed on November 29^th 2006 at Lichtenstejn Palace, Academy of Performing Arts.

The winners of the 2007 competition will be performing on November 28^th 2007 at Lichtenstejn Palace, Academy of Performing Arts. (click here for more details)

Contact at natasa.actrust@blueyonder.co.uk