The vocal and instrumental ensemble Ad Vocem was founded in 1995 by the lutenist Přemysl Vacek, bringing together many of Prague´s leading singers and instrumentalists specializing in authentic period interpretation of Renaissance and Baroque Music.
The main aim of the ensemble is to present the works of many wrongfully neglected, and perhaps forgotten, composers of the 16th and 17th centuries. The members of the ensemble choose its repertoire mainly from Prague University Library, the musical archives of Kroměříž and the Lobkowicz family collection, where it is still possible to find incredible treasure of relatively intact music either produced in, or linked with the Czech Lands.
By using original period singing techniques as well as performing on historical instruments or copies of them (lute, theorbo, viola da gamba, baroque violin, etc.) the ensemble is better able to re-create the actual sound of early music and reveal its original beauty and purpose.
The most siginificant Ad Vocem´s achievements are its performances at the 1996 Prague Spring International Music Festival, the St. Wencelas Celebrations, the retrospective festival Glory of Baroque Bohemia, as well as the festivals in Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary and many others. Ad Vocem also completed a series concerts for the exhibition Rudolf II and Prague and they are featured regularly in the musical programs of the Czech National Gallery.
In addition to performances in the Czech Republic the ensemble also tours abroad (Germany, Slovinia, Italy etc.). In 1998 they recorded a CD for Studio Matouš, entitled Music of Prague Palaces & Gardens 1620.