Collegium Marianum - Týnská vyšší odborná škola, s.r.o.

Collegium Marianum – Vocational Týn School

Since the middle ages, the Latin Týn School and Reček University College Collegium sanctissimae Mariae have ranked among the most important educational organizations in the Old Town of Prague.

Týn School (founded in the 13th century) was a preparatory school, educating members of the bourgeosie and future students of Charles University. Reček College was founded in 1438 by the Old Town citizen Jan Reček of Ledeč to raise the spiritual and educational level of Prague University. Reček College had an extensive library and was famous for its theatre performances.

In 1990 the renewed Týn School moved its premises to the former Servite monastery in the Old Town of Prague. The music specialization is aimed at choir conducting and interpretation of instrumental and vocal repertoire of the 16th to 18th centuries. Since 1992 the institution has provided, in co-operation with the Pedagogical Faculty of Charles University in Prague, a degree course in sacred choral music. Collegium Marianum - Týn School also organise interpretation workshops led by distinguished European experts. The study in the field of visual arts offers a specialization in the restoration of historical monuments where the main emphasis is put on historical painting techniques, calligraphy, reproduction and preservation.

In most European capitals early music forms integral part of cultural milieu. Collegium Marianum has contributed to the replenishment of this gap in Prague cultural life. In collaboration with its ensemble in residence, Collegium Marianum, it organizes an early music concert series which is a continuation of the tradition of regular music life in the 18th century Prague. Since June 2000, Collegium Marianum has organized Summer Festivities of Early Music.