Bohemian Bards

Medieval Music in a new and progressive style

We made a record and called it The Roots of Gral

The first joint album of our contemporary musical ensemble are built on the simple, yet very creative concept, which (we believe) deliver to a wide range of listeners. We called the album The Roots of Gral - referring to the band from where we all started. Listen to samples of songs.

We play on unique instruments

So old they’re new again! Our instruments are a perfect imitation of their historical patterns which together with our own suggestions of structural modifications makes the sound of each instrument original and inimitable.

Medieval Bagpipes

The favourite instrument of the Medieval street musician with an instantly recognisable sound, they can be found in a number of variations: The Czech Folk’s Elbow Bagpipes, the Spanish Gaity, the Irish Elbow, the famous Scottish War Bagpipes, which were used in battle to intimidate the enemy. This one are closest to the medieval bagpipes. We designed original construction which allow us compare to all of the above listed options to play subbass, therefore, extremely deep tones. Origin of bagpipe are unclear, the principal of bag whistle, however, were already known to the ancient Greeks, who were interested in the possibility of uninterrupted tone. Already then it was mainly goat or cow skin used for the bladder - as we use it until now.

Shawm

The word Shawm evolved from the Latin concept of Calamus, which means reed or straw. The Shawm is form of Reed Pipe and it came to Europe probably with the Moors, who conquered the Iberian Peninsula around the 7th Century. It is the front of the whistle bagpipe accompanied by extension mouthpiece into which the air is not coming from bag but directly from the mouth of the player. Same as bagpipes the Shawm has been widely used in military music.

Fiddle

Fiddle is a direct predecessor of today’s string instruments such as the Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass. It is also one of the most common instruments of the Middle Ages. It evolved from the ancient Lyre, and we can find the first mention of it in the gospel from the 9th Century. Originally it had three to five strings made of gut, and it was leaning on the shoulder or vertical on the leg. The advantage of this tool is raw and novel sound.

Cittern

Cittern is the youngest of these instruments, it reached the peak of its popularity between the 15th and 18th Century, under the names of Gittern, Zitter, Sister or Cytherne, Cittharne. It belongs to the family of Lute instruments developed in the Mediterranean region of the previously mentioned medieval Fiddle, when playing with the bow was replaced by using plectrum. Classical Cittern had one neck, and eight to ten strings. In our band, you may encounter a unique Cittern with two necks that combines two separate instruments - the aforementioned Cittern and Lute Guitar.

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Lute

The instrument was imported to Europe from the Arabian Peninsula, and even the name “Lute” in the various language modifications is taken from Arabic - ’Ud, which translates figuratively as wood. It arrived to European continent from three different directions. Firstly over Maury occupation of Spain in the years 711 - 1492, then when Sicily was attacked by Arabs in the 8th Century and, last but not least during a trade with the Middle East. Lute doesn’t have its historically anchored form, it occurs in many different versions, which differ not only in shape, but also tuning. After the regression of the late 18th Century, it’s enjoying increasing interest and popularity with the players and listeners.

Citola

At the end of 12th Century there is a new instrument appearing in Europe called Citola, which appearance and sound comes from the Greek lyre. In this period it were jugglers who had closest to this instrument and besides playing citola they had to know how to play on bagpipes, shawm, hurdy-gurdy and drums. Our citola honours preserved historical sources, particularly the original shape of the tool body. Because of tuning, which is identical to the bass or bass guitar, it is much bigger.

Djembe

The Djembe’s history dates back around 200 years to West Africa. For the drum head is used skin from African goats, because unlike Europe goats they have a rougher texture and are more suited to sound needs. Corpus or body of the Djembe is hand-carved from a single piece of wood, which was at the beginning the part of the whole tree trunk. For these purposes, the most commonly used type of wood are various kinds of African mahogany.

Davul

Predecessors of today’s drums come in many different forms, from the very beginning of humanity, when they were applied primarily for ritual and cult purposes. The drums themselves came into European culture in the early Middle Ages, in the time of Crusades. Mainly due to technical and sound defiances of these drums we do not include them in our production, but we reach out for more distinctive drums as African or Arabic which in original and appropriate manner revive our creation. The current band’s instrumentation is a large bass drum called Davul, African Djembe, Arabic Darbuka, Tambourine and classic drum set in medieval garb, which we use for the larger stage-play.

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BOHEMIAN BARDS

We are all musicians who have graduated are currently playing professionally in a variety of musical projects.

Josef
Navara Josef Navara

A graduate from the Conservatory of Pardubice, his specialism is the clarinet. Trained businessman and proud father, Josef is currently making music only as a hobby.

Igor
Khomenko Igor Khomenko

Like others in the band Igor studied at the Conservatory of Pardubice, then Academy of Performing Arts in Prague and the Toho Gakuen School of Music in Japan. He has a range of experience playing in orchestral and chamber ensembles and has collaborated with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. While studying Igor frequently participated at the International Festival of Music Masters Course in Japan and worked with George Michael on his Symphonica tour.

David
Lidmila David Lidmila

As well as being a graduate of the Conservatory of Pardubice, David is also a Drummer in the Czech military. A Teacher for many years and a member of the Old Prague galleries band. David is a seasoned musical player, he is also the Band’s designated ‘heartthrob’.

Karel
Novotný Karel Novotný

A Graduate of the Conservatory in Pardubice and Educational faculty of University in Hradec Kralove, Karel worked at the festival Shakespearience in London. He has also toured with Cantus Buranus 2 of band members Corvus Corax in Germany. Karel is a multi-instrumentalist and is devoted to teaching, composing and musical directing.

Jakub
Štrba Jakub Štrba

Another graduate of Conservatory in Pardubice who's skills are sought after in a lot of other bands. He is a teacher, lead guitarist, songwriter and sound engineer. External members:
Lukáš Král
František Uhlík
Petr Mifek
Vojtěch Donát
Lucie Novotná
Lukáš Bartoníček
Pavel Slezák
Martin Čechovič
Vít Matyska
Jan Chmelík
Jan Pfeifer
Nikita Krein
Jan Hlaváč
Martin Růžička
Marie Novotná

Where can you hear us?

Our band was found in 2009. Since then we visited lots of medieval events at castles and chateaux in Czech Republic, town festivals and themed markets. Not to forget our shows in medieval taverns. Thanks to our international cooperation we perform in Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland and Greece. For our latest news please visit our Facebook page.

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What type of event is this band good for?

Our period instruments, costumes and songs will naturally be best in a historically harmonised environment. It always depends on the nature and character of the event and the previous agreement with the organiser.

We usually play with 3-5 members and have 3-6 sets of 15-20 minutes. We also participate in parades and have the ability to play full-length concert of 1.5 hours. Our production can be tastefully complimented by oriental dancer. We can provide a complete medieval program of your liking.

We would like to come play at your wedding, birthday or corporate party. We are able to be lively and bring energy to any event but please do not expect typical party band. We can not musically entertain your guests throughout the whole night at a whim and we do not play contemporary songs on demand.

  • City ​​celebrations
  • Festivals and wine celebration
  • Events in historical buildings
  • Parades and Fairs
  • Programs in historical taverns
  • LARP events
  • Reconstruction of battles
  • Film productions
  • Corporate parties
  • Biker rallies
  • Weddings
  • Birthday parties
  • and other private events

Medieval programs

Each program is always tailored to suit unique original character of the event, venue and number of visitors. We can offer basic program which includes music and dancers or more advanced packages which can include fencers and jugglers. There is always a fire show involved in various stages of our program.

Educational concerts

The goal of our educational programs is primarily to rise awareness of medieval music. The standard teaching music education in schools starts approximately in the Baroque period, but our program focuses on a period earlier, mainly Gothic, which in primary education is often neglected. The concert is a blended with spoken word and screenings of contemporary illustrations. One of the benefit for the students is that they can see historical costumes and replicas of period instruments which help them to picture real Medieval life and music.

Music for the wedding

We would love to play music at your wedding day to make it unique and unforgettable. As a wedding package we can provide your ceremony with modern or classical music in formal wear and contemporary instruments such as violin, keyboard, guitar, bass, flute, cajon, or a drum kit.

Part of our planning includes a discussion about a playlist of your favourite songs. Please keep in mind that practice is not a matter of one day, and in this case the following idea always applies: The sooner you let us know the better.

After the ceremony, the music can follow you to the wedding table to enjoy the festive atmosphere of live music. During this time, we can play background instrumental music of The Beatles, Sting, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, film songs and classics. For the last entrance we can perform in our historical costumes and replica period instruments to play a one hour concert of medieval music, before handing you over to your ‘traditional’ band or DJ.

Other programs Other programs
 

Photogallery

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Reference

  • Die Bohemian Bards ist eine Band die mit den ersten Tönen begeistern kann. Nicht umsonst wußten wir schon nach fünf Minuten, das wir diese Band auch im nächsten Jahr, und dann gleich für zwei Tage buchen wollen. Die Band ist professionell, und Regen hat sie von einer guten Show nicht abgehalten. Ein kurzfristiges umziehen zu einem anderen Platz ging problemlos. Diese Band hat kein Star Allüren. Durch die Bank weg sind alle Mitglieder der Band freundlich, aufmerksam und einfach nur Klasse. Instrumente und Kostüm sind passend und stimmig. Nochmals recht herzlichen dank für euer kommen.

    Thomas Reich DasWhiskyReich, Germany

  • 18 czerwca 2017 gościliśmy w Chęcinach zespół Bohemian Bards. Samo pojawienie się muzyków na scenie przeniosło nas w czasy średniowiecza. Ich wspaniałe stroje oczarowały wszystkich. Profesjonalnie zagrana muzyka, wydobyta z oryginalnych instrumentów dopełniła koncert. Tańcząc, śpiewając, słuchając muzyków spędziliśmy niesamowite chwile. Bardzo dziękujemy.

    Elżbieta Michnowska Chęciny, Poland

  • In august 2016, the Bohemian Bards played at our medieval feast in Bouillon for the first time. Their performance was incredible. They pulled on the show in the streets and in the castle. Moreover the music, we also very liked the costumes and the instruments that make you immediately feel the medieval atmosphere.

    Grégory Berte Coordinateur Campement Fête Médiévale Château-Fort Bouillon (Belgium)

  • Die Bohemian Bards haben 2016 zum ersten Mal bei uns in
    Neunburg vorm Wald beim „Mittelaltermarkt mit Hussitenlager“ gespielt. Ihre Auftritte waren sehr professionell und mitreißend, die historischen Instrumente und ihr Gesang begeisterten das Publikum. Auch die Kostüme haben uns sehr gut gefallen. Wir werden diese Gruppe wieder engagieren!

    Helmut Mardanow, Vorstand Festspielverein Neunburg vorm Wald

Organisation matters

We are happy to split in half for you. Given the number of band members we are able to play multiple events at the same time on the same day.

If not agreed differently, we aim to arrive at the event at least one hour before show.
We are based in Chrudim (Czech Republic) and are happy to travel anywhere in Czech Republic and further.
When booked for two or more day events the organiser needs to provide food and accommodation.
Depending on space and number of visitors we are able to provide our own sound system.
We sound check only our own instruments. We do not rent our sound system.
In case of bigger event the organiser needs to provide a sound engineer.
Stage plans
Price of our programmes depends on various factors - number of musicians, number of sets required to play, mileage. For a quote please contact us on our e-mail.

Send a quote

Events

  • 27.1.Con Morhen - Ples, Housův mlýn, Tábor, Czech republic
  • 27.2. - 28.2.Série výchovných koncertů, M-klub, Vysoké Mýto, Czech republic
  • 12.4. - 13.4.Con Morhen - Prokletá srdce, Housův mlýn, Tábor, Czech republic
  • 26.4.Litice nad Orlicí, Czech republic
  • 30.4. - 1.5.Walpurgis Schierke, Germany
  • 19.5. - 20.5.Taggerhof, Austria
  • 31.5. - 2.6.Mittelelalterlicher Markt in Quedlinburg, Germany
  • 22.6. - 23.6.RHF Wernigerode, Germany
  • 29.6. - 30.6.Rodemack, France
  • 20.7. - 21.7.Bouillon, Belgium
  • 3.8.Opočno, Czech republic
  • 10.8. - 11.8.Bouillon, Belgium
  • 6.9.Médiévales de Braine-le-Château, Belgium
  • 14.9. - 15.9.Laxenburg, Austria
  • 28.9.Kunětická hora, Czech Republic

Would you like to hear us play at your event?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Contacts:

bohemianbards@gmail.com

Igor Khomenko
+420 776 072 962
(for Czech, English and Russian enquires)

Karel Novotný
+420 777 030 989
Chrudim
(Czech Republic)