CZECH PHILHARMONIC 2021 | 2020 |

Czech Philharmonic

125th SEASON 125th SEASON 2020 | 2021

SEASON GUIDE Czech Philharmonic

01 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

SEASON GUIDE

125th SEASON 2020 | 2021

Semyon Bychkov Chief Conductor and Music Director

We are delighted to bring you joy in another, this time anniversary season. Czech Philharmonic Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic – Establisher Česká spořitelna, a.s. – General Partner

02 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 Introduction 133 Czech Chamber Music Society 7 Czech Philharmonic 134 Introduction 12 Semyon Bychkov Concerts 17 Jakub Hrůša 137 I Cycle 20 Tomáš Netopil 147 II Cycle 23 Orchestra 157 HP Early Evening Concerts 25 Orchestral Academy of the Czech Philharmonic 167 DK Morning Concert Concerts 181 R Recitals 27 A Subscription Series 188 Tickets Information 45 B Subscription Series 193 Student Programme 61 C Subscription Series 194 How to get to the Rudolfinum 73 M Special Non-Subscription Concerts 198 Dynamic Club of the Czech Philharmonic 86 Other Concerts in Prague 200 Partners of the Czech Philharmonic 90 Tours 203 Contacts 102 Broadcasts and Recordings 204 Calendar 107 Programmes for children with parents, youth, and adult listeners 109 Romano Drom 2020

2 3 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

INTRODUCTION

Dear Friends of the Czech Philharmonic, Following the four years that it has taken us to realise ‘The Tchaikovsky Project’, we will be On behalf of both the Orchestra and myself, performing and recording the symphonies of I would like to take this opportunity to wish Gustav Mahler, whose music will form one of you a very warm welcome to our 125th Anni- the main pillars of future seasons. versary Season. With such an auspicious anni- versary, we were even more conscious than ever It is surely fitting that in our 125th season, the of the need to highlight this Orchestra’s very Orchestra will tour to various European capitals, special artistic DNA and to integrate works that as well as major cities in China and Taiwan. The define its identity into our programmes for the Czech Philharmonic is one of the few ensem- season. Looking through the Czech Philhar- bles in the world that has a very special identity monic’s history it is striking to see the institu- and, not only does international touring bring us tion’s attachment from day one to the tradition the opportunity to represent the Czech Republic of Czech music. Dvořák’s compositions are clas- culturally, it also lets the world know the impor- sics today. Yet as he conducted his Ninth Sym- tance of Prague as a musical capital. In Japan, we phony at the Czech Philharmonic’s inaugural moved the audience to tears with Má Vlast and, concert, the music was as new to the audience as we concluded our Tchaikovsky residencies in as it was to the musicians performing it. Vienna and Paris, I realised that this orchestra has become an extension of myself, and conse- Today, 125 years later, the musical legacy that quently I have become an extension of them. has come into being since Dvořák’s Ninth is even more extensive. How we go about protecting Finally, on a very personal note, I would like to the best of the old while also encouraging new thank everyone of you for supporting us ever so creativity is a challenge that we are constantly generously and particularly at this time of exis- striving to meet. Our greatest wish is that in tential crisis. Without a doubt we shall emerge every programme we present, each of you hear from it stronger than ever, carried by the height- something that you will feel connected to and ened relevance of Art in our life, the spiritual moved by. This is why the spectrum of repertoire sustenance it provides and, the support we re- and artists interpreting it must continue to be as ceive from you. It is truly a privilege to lead wide-ranging as possible; and this is why next this unique assembly of great colleagues. It is to the beloved names of Smetana, Dvořák, Suk, an equal privilege to share with you the music Janáček, Martinů, Kabeláč and so many others, that we love more than anything. there will be world premières by Detlev Glanert, Bryce Dessner and Thomas Larcher. Semyon Bychkov

5 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

CZECH PHILHARMONIC

“The Czech Philharmonic is among the very turbulent political history, for which Smetana’s few orchestras that have managed to preserve Má vlast (My Homeland) has become a potent a unique identity. In a music world that is in- symbol. The Orchestra gave its first full ren- creasingly globalized and uniform, the Or- dition of Má vlast in a brewery in Smíchov in chestra’s noble tradition has retained authen- 1901; in 1925 under Chief Conductor Václav ticity of expression and sound, making it one of Talich, Má vlast was the Orchestra’s first live the world’s artistic treasures. There is no great- broadcast and, four years later, the first work er privilege for an artist than to become part that the Orchestra committed to disc. During of and lead an institution that shares the same the Nazi occupation, when Goebbels demanded values, the same commitment and the same de- that the Orchestra perform in Berlin and Dres- votion to the art of music.” den, Talich programmed Má vlast as an act of defiance; while in 1945 Rafael Kubelík con- Semyon Bychkov ducted the work as a ‘concert of thanks’ for the newly liberated Czechoslovakia. 45 years later, The 125 year-old Czech Philharmonic gave its Má vlast was Kubelík’s choice to mark Czech- first concert – an all Dvořák programme which oslovakia’s first free elections and in January included the world première of his Biblical 2018, Decca Classics released Jiří Bělohlávek’s Songs, Nos. 1–5 conducted by the composer recording of Má vlast to mark the 100th anni- himself – in the famed Rudolfinum Hall on versary of Czechoslovak independence. For the 4 January 1896. Acknowledged for its defini- opening subscription concert of the 2019/2020 tive interpretations of Czech composers, whose season, Chief Conductor and Music Director music the Czech Philharmonic has championed Semyon Bychkov conducted Má vlast with the since its formation, the Orchestra is also recog- Czech Philharmonic. nised for the special relationship it has to the music of Brahms and Tchaikovsky – friends of Where Bychkov’s second season with the Czech Dvořák – and to Mahler, who gave the world Philharmonic’s saw the culmination of The première of his Symphony No. 7 with the Or- Tchaikovsky Project, their third sees them chestra in 1908. turn their focus to the works of Mahler. The 2020/2021 season opens with performances The Czech Philharmonic’s extraordinary and of the Fifth Symphony in Prague and Vien- proud history reflects both its location at the na, while later in the season tours to Taiwan, very heart of Europe and the Czech Republic’s China, Spain and Slovakia include Mahler’s

7

CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

symphonies which they will also commit to Czech Philharmonic’s Orchestral Academy and the great success of his opera The Marriage of Their names are joined by the many luminaries disc. In addition to subscription concerts fea- newly launched Jiří Bělohlávek Prize for young Figaro here, he wrote Don Giovanni and La who have collaborated with the Orchestra over turing music by Shostakovich, Dvořák, Strauss, musicians, a comprehensive education strategy clemenza di Tito specifically for Prague. He the years: Martha Argerich, Claudio Arrau, Evg- Mozart, Rachmaninov and Brahms, Bychkov engages with more than 400 schools bringing conducted the premieres of both operas himself eny Kissin, Erich Kleiber, Leonid Kogan, Erich and the Czech Philharmonic will give premières all ages to the Rudolfinum – some travelling in 1787 and 1791 at the Nostitz Theatre. Five Leinsdorf, Lovro von Matačić, Ivan Moravec, of works by Bryce Dessner, Detlev Glanert and as many as four hours – to hear concerts and years later, Beethoven made two trips to Prague Yevgeny Mravinsky, David Oistrakh, Antonio Thomas Larcher; three of the fourteen commis- participate in masterclasses. An inspirational returning again in 1798 to give the première of Pedrotti, Sviatoslav Richter, Mstislav Rostrop- sions initiated by Bychkov at the start of his music and song programme led by singer Ida his Piano Concerto No. 1. His Seventh Sym- ovich, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Wolfgang tenure with the Czech Philharmonic. A further Kelarová for the extensive Romany communi- phony was composed in the spa town of Teplitz Sawallisch, Wolfgang Schneiderhan, George initiative sees the commencement of an annual ties within the Czech Republic and Slovakia has (now Teplice). Mahler’s ties ran even deeper. Szell, Henryk Szeryng, Bruno Walter and Ale­ November concert honouring the anniversary helped many socially excluded families to find Born in the Bohemian village of Kaliště, now xander Zemlinsky. of the Velvet Revolution. a voice. From 2020, the Orchestra will embark part of the Czech Republic, he was 23 when on a series of ongoing education exchanges in he conducted the Royal Municipal Theatre in Throughout the Czech Philharmonic’s histo- the UK with the Royal Academy of Music and Moravia and first came to Prague to conduct ry, two features have remained at its core: its in China with the Jiangsu Centre for the Per- the Neues Deutsches Theatre before giving the championing of Czech composers and its be- forming Arts, Nanking. world première of his Symphony No. 7 with the lief in music’s power to change lives. Defined Czech Philharmonic. from its inauguration as ‘an organisation for An early champion of Martinů’s music, the Or­ the enhancement of musical art in Prague, and che­stra premièred his Czech Rhapsody in 1919 Mahler, however, was not the first non-Czech a pension organisation for the members of the and, its detailed inventory of Czech music, un- composer to conduct the Czech Philharmon- National Theatre Orchestra in Prague, its wid- dertaken by Václav Talich included the world ic. Edward Grieg conducted the Orchestra in ows and orphans,’ the proceeds from the four premières­ of Martinů’s Half Time (1924), Ja­ 1906; Stravinsky performed his Capriccio for concerts that it performed each year helped to ná­ček’s Sin­fo­nietta (1926) and the Prague pre­ Piano and Orchestra under Václav Talich in support members of the orchestra who could mière of Janáček’s Taras Bulba (1924). Rafa­ ­ 1930; Leonard Bernstein conducted the Euro- no longer play and the immediate family of de- el Kube­ ­lík was also an advocate of Mar­ti­nů’s pean première of Aaron Copland’s Symphony ceased musicians. music and premièred Field Mass (1946) and No. 3 at the Prague Spring in 1947; Arthur Hon- Symphony­ No. 5 (1947), while Karel­ Ančerl­ egger conducted a concert of his own music in As early as the 1920’s, Václav Talich (Chief Con- conducted the première of Mar­ti­nů’s Sympho- 1949; Darius Milhaud gave the première of his ductor 1919–1941) pioneered concerts for work- ny No. 6 Fantaisies symphoniques (1956). Fan- Music for Prague at the Prague Spring Festival ers, young people and other voluntary organ- taisies symphoniques has also featured twice in in 1966; and, in 1996, Krzysztof Penderecki con- isations including the Red Cross, the Czecho- the Orchestra’s programmes at the BBC Proms, ducted the première of his Concerto for Clar- slovak Sokol and the Union of Slavic Women first in 1969 under Chief Conductor Václav Neu- inet and Chamber Orchestra. During the past and, in 1923 gave three benefit concerts for mann and then in 2010 under Sir John Eliot seasons, the Czech Philharmonic has continued Russian, Austrian and German players includ- Gardiner. its tradition of inviting composer-conductors – ing members of the Vienna and Berlin Philhar- in 2016 Peter Eötvös conducted his composi- monic Orchestras. The philosophy continues Prague has long attracted composers, and Wolf- tion Speaking Drums at the Rudolfinum, and today, and is equally vibrant. In addition to the gang Amadeus Mozart was one of them. After in 2018 Thomas Adès presented his Totentanz.

10 11 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

SEMYON BYCHKOV Chief Conductor and Music Director

“Bychkov launched The Tchaikovsky Project, an season the focus moves from Tchaikovsky to ambitious exploration of the composer’s orches- Mah‑​ler with performances of the symphonies tral repertoire, with a spacious, somewhat Teu- both at home and abroad, and a continuing re- tonic Pathétique in 2015. This was followed by a cording cycle for Decca Classics. New music compelling Manfred: dark and brooding, theat- will also be brought to the fore when Bychk- rically exhilarating. Now the series is complete, ov and the Czech Philharmonic give the world the Czech Phil responding to the conductor’s premières of works by Bryce Dessner, Detlev lithe, flexible baton with gripping freshness in Glanert and Thomas Larcher: three of the four- the rarely programmed early symphonies. Con- teen composers – nine Czech, five internation- trasting accounts of great love stories – Romeo al – whose new commissions were initiated by and Juliet, lyrical and romantic, and Francesca Bychkov at the start of his tenure. Following da Rimini, peering into the abyss of hell – are their premières in Prague, Bychkov and the thrilling, as are the Third and Fourth Sympho- Czech Philharmonic will tour both Dessner’s nies… the symphonies and other orchestral Symphony and Larcher’s Piano Concerto com- works are for the ages.” posed for Kirill Gerstein to Vienna, Paris, Brus- sels, Amsterdam and London. The Sunday Times, 15 August 2019 Recognised for his interpretations of the core Semyon Bychkov’s second season as the Czech repertoire, Bychkov also worked closely with Philharmonic’s Chief Conductor and Music Di- many extraordinary contemporary composers rector saw the culmination of The Tchaikovsky including Luciano Berio, Henri Dutilleux and Project started in 2015 before Bychkov’s ap- Mauricio Kagel. In recent seasons he has col- pointment to the Orchestra. In addition to the laborated with René Staar, Thomas Larcher, release on Decca Classics of all of Tchaikovsky’s Richard Dubignon, Detlev Glanert and Julian symphonies, the three piano concertos, Romeo Anderson, conducting premières of their works & Juliet, Serenade for Strings and Francesca da with the Vienna Philharmonic, New York Phil- Rimini, Bychkov led Tchaikovsky residencies harmonic, Royal Concertgebouw and the BBC with the Orchestra in Prague, Tokyo, Vienna Symphony Orchestra at the BBC Proms. and Paris as well as conducting the Orchestra for the first time at the BBC Proms. Highlights In common with the Czech Philharmonic, in Prague included Bychkov’s first Má vlast Bych­kov has one foot firmly in the culture of with the Czech Philharmonic. In the 2020/2021 the East and the other in the West. Born in

12 13 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

St Petersburg in 1952, Bychkov emigrated to Bychkov’s symphonic and operatic repertoire at the BBC Proms – reflect the warmth of the lenspiegel), Mahler (Symphony No. 3, Das the United States in 1975 and has lived in Eu- is wide-ranging. He conducts in all the major relationships. In Europe, he tours frequently Lied von der Erde), Shostakovich (Symphony rope since the mid-1980’s. Singled out for an ex- houses including La Scala, Opéra national de with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Nos. 4, 7, 8, 10, 11), Rachmaninov (The Bells, traordinarily privileged musical education from Paris, Dresden Semperoper, Wiener Staatsop- Munich Philharmonic, as well as being a fre- Symphonic Dances, Symphony No. 2), Verdi the age of five, Bychkov studied piano before er, New York’s Metropolitan Opera, the Royal quent guest of the Vienna and Berlin Philhar- (Requiem), a complete cycle of Brahms Sym- winning his place at the Glinka Choir School Opera House, Covent Garden and Teatro Real, monics, the Leipzig Gewandhaus, the Orchestre phonies, and works by Detlev Glanert and York where, aged 13, he received his first lesson in Madrid. While Principal Guest Conductor of National de France and the Accademia Nazion- Höller. BBC Music Magazine voted Bychov’s conducting. He was 17 when he was accepted Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, his productions of ale di Santa Cecilia; in the US, he can be heard recording of Wagner’s Lohengrin Disc of the at the Leningrad Conservatory to study with the Janáček’s Jenůfa, Schubert’s Fierrabras, Pucci- with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Year in 2010; and his recording of Schmidt’s legendary Ilya Musin and, within three years ni’s La bohème, Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth Symphony, Los Angeles Symphony, Philadel- Symphony No. 2 with the Vienna Philharmonic won the influential Rachmaninov Conducting of Mtsensk and Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov phia and Cleveland Orchestras. This season, in Record of the Month, while Record Review’s Competition. Denied the prize of conducting each won the prestigious Premio Abbiati. New addition to his commitment to the Czech Phil- Building a Library on BBC Radio 3 chose his re- the Leningrad Philharmonic, Bychkov left the productions in Vienna include Strauss’ Der harmonic which include tours to the Far East cording of César Franck’s Symphony in D minor former Soviet Union. Rosenkavalier and Daphne, Wagner’s Lohen- and across Europe, Bychkov will conduct the as their Recommended Recording. grin and Parsifal, and Mussorgsky’s Khovan- Vienna Philharmonic for the 150th anniversary By the time Bychkov returned to St Petersburg shchina; while in London, he made his debut of the Musikverein, as well as the Munich Phil- In 2015, Semyon Bychkov was named Conductor in 1989 as the Philharmonic’s Principal Guest with a new production of Strauss’ Elektra, and harmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus and Royal Con- of the Year by the International Opera Awards. Conductor, he had enjoyed success in the US subsequently conducted new productions of certgebouw in Germany and the Netherlands; as Music Director of the Grand Rapids Sym- Mozart’s Così fan tutte, Strauss’ Die Frau ohne the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Royal Acad- phony Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic. Schatten and Wagner’s Tannhäuser. Recent pro- emy of Music Symphony Orchestra in London; His international career, which began in France ductions include Wagner’s Parsifal at the Bay- and the Cleveland Orchestra and New York with Opéra de Lyon and at the Aix-en-Provence reuth Festival Staatsoper; Strauss’s Elektra at Philharmonic in the United States. Festival, took off with a series of high-profile the Wiener Staatsoper. cancellations which resulted in invitations to Bychkov made extensive recordings for Philips conduct the New York Philharmonic, Berlin On the concert platform, the combination of with the Berlin Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio, Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw Or- innate musicality and rigorous Russian peda- Royal Concertgebouw, Philharmonia, London chestras. In 1989, he was named Music Director gogy has ensured that Bychkov’s performanc- Philharmonic and Orchestre de Paris. Later, his of the Orchestre de Paris; in 1997, Chief Con- es are highly anticipated. In the UK, in addi- 13-year collaboration (1997–2010) with WDR ductor of the WDR Symphony Orchestra Co- tion to regular performances with the London Symphony Orchestra Cologne produced a series logne; and the following year, Chief Conductor Symphony Orchestra, his honorary titles at the of benchmark recordings that included works of the Dresden Semperoper. Royal Academy of Music and the BBC Sympho- by Strauss (Elektra, Daphne, Ein Heldenle- ny Orchestra – with whom he appears annually ben, Metamorphosen, Alpensinfonie, Till Eu-

14 15 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

JAKUB HRŮŠA Principal Guest Conductor

Jakub Hrůša is Chief Conductor of the Bam- to The Glyndebourne Festival to conduct The berg Symphony, Principal Guest Conductor of Rake’s Progress. the Czech Philharmonic, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra. His relationships with leading vocal and instru- mental soloists have included collaborations He is a frequent guest with many of the world’s in recent seasons with Behzod Abduraimov, greatest orchestras – in November 2019 he Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Piotr Anderszewski, made his debut with the Vienna Philharmon- Leif Ove Andsnes, Emanuel Ax, Lisa Batiashvi- ic, and in the 2018/19 season made debuts with li, Joshua Bell, Jonathan Biss, Yefim Bronfman, the Berlin Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Sym- Rudolf Buchbinder, Renaud Capuçon, Isabelle phony, Orchestre de Paris and NHK Sympho- Faust, Bernarda Fink, Martin Fröst, Julia Fis- ny, to all of which he was immediately re-in- cher, Vilde Frang, Sol Gabetta, Véronique Gens, vited. In addition to his titled positions, he Christian Gerhaher, Kirill Gerstein, Vadim also enjoys close relationships with the Royal Gluzman, Karen Gomyo, Augustin Hadelich, Concertgebouw Orchestra, The Cleveland Or- Hilary Hahn, Barbara Hannigan, Alina Ibragi- chestra, Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale mova, Janine Jansen, Karita Mattila, Leonidas di Santa Cecilia, the New York Philharmonic, Kavakos, Sergey Khachatryan, Denis Kozhukh- Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Chicago Sym- in, Lang Lang, Igor Levit, Jan Lisiecki, Albre- phony, Vienna Symphony, Mahler Chamber cht Mayer, Johannes Moser, Viktoria Mullova, Orchestra, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Anne Sofie Mutter, Kristine Opolais, Stephanie Berlin, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, d’Oustrac, Emmanuel Pahud, Olga Peretyatko, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Jean-Guihen Queyras, Josef Špaček, Jean-Yves Vienna Radio Symphony, Tokyo Metropolitan Thibaudet, Daniil Trifonov, Simon Trpčeski, Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne Sympho- Mitsuko Uchida, Klaus Florian Vogt, Yuja ny Orchestra. The 2019/2020 season saw him Wang, Frank Peter Zimmermann and Nikolaj return to the Berlin Philharmonic and make Znaider. debuts with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Zurich Opera (a new production of the The Makro- As a conductor of opera, he has been a regular pulos Case) and the Dutch National Opera guest with Glyndebourne Festival, conducting (a new production for the Holland Festival of Vanessa, The Cunning Little Vixen, A Midsum- Rusalka with the Royal Concertgebouw Or- mer Night’s Dream, Carmen, The Turn of the chestra). In summer 2020, he will also return Screw, Don Giovanni and La bohème, and serv-

17 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

ing as Music Director of Glyndebourne On Jakub Hrůša studied conducting at the Acad- Tour for three years. Elsewhere he has led pro- emy of Performing Arts in Prague, where his ductions for the Royal Opera House, Covent teachers included Jiří Bělohlávek. He is current- Garden (Carmen), Vienna State Opera (a new ly President of the International Martinů Circle production of The Makropulos Case), Opéra and The Dvořák Society, and was the inaugural National de Paris (Rusalka and The Merry recipient of the Sir Charles Mackerras Prize. Widow), Frankfurt Opera (Il trittico) and Zu- rich Opera (Makropulos Case), among others.

As a recording artist, his most recent releases are the first two instalments of a new cycle of Dvořák and Brahms Symphonies, and Smet- ana’s Má vlast with The Bamberg Symphony (Tudor). Other releases have included, Concer- tos for Orchestra by Bartók and Kodály with RSB Berlin (Pentatone). He has also record- ed Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, Strauss’s Eine Alpensinfonie and Suk’s Asrael Symphony with Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra (Octavia Records); the Tchaikovsky and Bruch violin concertos with Nicola Benedetti and the Czech Philharmonic (Universal); and nine discs (with Pentatone and Supraphon) of Czech rep- ertoire with PKF – Prague Philharmonia, where he was Music Director from 2009 until 2015.

19 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

TOMÁŠ NETOPIL Principal Guest Conductor

Since the 2013/2014 season, Tomáš Netopil has which was broadcast live on Bavarian Radio. held the position of music director of the Aalto In early Spring 2018 he led the orchestra on an Theatre and the Essen Philharmonic Orchestra extensive UK tour, and conducted Má vlast in in Essen, Germany, and since the 2018/2019 the opening concert of the 2018 Prague Spring season he has been Principal Guest Conductor Festival, which was televised live. of the Czech Philharmonic. A regular guest with major opera houses, Neto- In Summer 2018, Tomáš Netopil created the pil made his debut with Sächsische Staatsoper International Summer Music Academy in Kro- Dresden in 2008 and has subsequently conduct- měříž offering students both exceptional artistic ed La clemenza di Tito, Rusalka, The Cunning tuition and the opportunity to meet and work Little Vixen, La Juive, The Bartered Bride, and with major international musicians. In Summer Busoni’s Doktor Faust for them. Following pre- 2020, in association with the Dvořák Prague vious successes in Vienna Staatsoper, including Festival, the Academy will establish the Dvořák most recently Idomeneo and Der Freischütz, Praha Youth Philharmonic with musicians from he returns to the house this season for a new conservatories and music academies, coached production of Leonore. He will also conduct by principal players of the Czech Philharmon- National Theatre Brno Opera’s production ic. Tomáš Netopil has held a close relation- of The Greek Passion. One of the highlights ship with the Dvořák Prague Festival for some of last season was Katie Mitchell’s acclaimed time: in 2017/2018, he served as their Artist in production of Jenůfa for Netherlands Opera, Residence, opening the festival with the Essen featuring Annette Dasch, Hanna Schwarz and Philharmoniker and closing the festival with Evelyn Herlitzius. Dvořák’s Te Deum and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. This new undertaking will consoli- On the concert platform, upcoming orchestral date this relationship still further. engagements include Orchestre National de France, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre An inspirational force in Czech music, Tomáš National de Montpellier, RAI Torino, Accadem- Netopil also holds the position of Principal ia di Santa Cecilia and Yomiuri Sym­pho­ny Or- Guest Conductor of the Czech Philharmonic. chestra in Tokyo. Highlights of recent seasons He ended the 2018/2019 season with two pro- included Zürich Tonhalle,­ as well as engage- grammes at the Kissinger Summer Festival with ments with Orchestre de Paris, London Philhar- Leif Ove Andsnes and Truls Mörk, the first of monic Orchestra, Netherlands Radio Philhar-

20 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

ORCHESTRA

monic at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw and CONDUCTORS VIOLINS II the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo. Semyon Bychkov Ondřej Skopový section leader chief conductor and music director Markéta Vokáčová 1st deputy Tomáš Netopil’s discography for Supraphon Jakub Hrůša principal guest conductor Václav Prudil 2nd deputy includes Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass (the first Tomáš Netopil principal guest conductor Petra Brabcová ever recording of the original 1927 version), Xenie Dohnalová Dvořák’s complete cello works, Martinů’s Ar- VIOLINS I Zuzana Hájková iane and Double Concerto, and Smetana’s Má Jan Mráček section leader, concertmaster Petr Havlín vlast with the Prague Symphony Orchestra. Jiří Vodička concertmaster Pavel Herajn Olga Šroubková concertmaster Jitka Kokšová In 2008–2012 Tomáš Netopil held the position Irena Jakubcová 1st deputy Milena Kolářová of Music Director of the Prague National The- Magdaléna Mašlaňová 2nd deputy Marcel Kozánek atre. Tomáš Netopil studied violin and con- Ota Bartoš Veronika Kozlovská ducting in his native Czech Republic, as well Luboš Dudek Jan Ludvík as at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm Marie Dvorská Vítězslav Ochman under the guidance of Professor Jorma Panula. Jan Jouza Jiří Ševčík In 2002 he won the 1st Sir Georg Solti Conduc- Bohumil Kotmel Helena Šulcová tors Competition at the Alte Oper Frankfurt. Jiří Kubita Libor Vilímec Lenka Machová Viktor Mazáček Pavel Nechvíle Aida Shabuová Helena Skopová Zdeněk Starý Jindřich Vácha Milan Vavřínek Miroslav Vilímec Zdeněk Zelba

22 23 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

VIOLAS DOUBLE BASSES CLARINETS TROMBONES Jaroslav Pondělíček section leader Adam Honzírek section leader Tomáš Kopáček section leader, principal player Robert Kozánek section leader, principal player Pavel Ciprys 1st deputy Petr Ries 1st deputy Jan Mach principal player Lukáš Moťka principal player Dominik Trávníček 2nd deputy Pavel Nejtek 2nd deputy František Bláha Karel Kučera Pavel Hořejší Ondřej Balcar Petr Sinkule Jan Perný Ondřej Kameš Jaromír Černík Jan Brabec Bohumil Tůma Jaroslav Kroft Martin Hilský Jan Mareček Jiří Hudec BASSOONS TUBA Ondřej Martinovský Tomáš Karpíšek Ondřej Roskovec section leader, principal player Karel Malimánek Jaromír Páviček Roman Koudelka Jaroslav Kubita principal player Jiří Poslední Jiří Vopálka Martin Petrák PERCUSSION Jiří Řehák Tomáš Františ Petr Holub section leader Jan Šimon HARPS Ondřej Šindelář Michael Kroutil principal timpanist René Vácha Jana Boušková section leader Daniel Mikolášek Lukáš Valášek Barbara Pazourová deputy FRENCH HORNS Pavel Polívka Jan Vobořil section leader, principal player Miroslav Kejmar CELLOS FLUTES Ondřej Vrabec principal player Václav Petr concertmaster Andrea Rysová section leader, principal player Kateřina Javůrková PIANO Josef Špaček 1st deputy Naoki Sato principal player Mikuláš Koska Václav Mácha Ivan Vokáč 2nd deputy Roman Novotný Jindřich Kolář Jakub Dvořák Jan Machat Hana Sapáková Josef Dvořák Petr Veverka Petra Čermáková ORCHESTRAL ACADEMY OF THE Jan Holeňa Petr Duda CZECH PHILHARMONIC FOR THE František Host OBOES 2020/2021 SEASON Tomáš Hostička Ivan Séquardt section leader, principal player TRUMPETS Anna Masojídková violin Jan Keller Jana Brožková principal player Jaroslav Halíř section leader Lukáš Holubík double bass František Lhotka Jiří Zelba Stanislav Masaryk principal player Zdeněk Pazourek double bass Peter Mišejka Vojtěch Jouza Ladislav Kozderka principal player Barbora Trnčíková oboe Marek Novák Vladislav Borovka Jiří Šedivý Kryštof Koska French horn Karel Stralczynský Antonín Pecha Roxana Hädler harp Eduard Šístek Jakub Chmelař tuba

Additional players will be selected at auditions in autumn 2020.

24 25 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

SUBSCRIPTION SERIES

A

Two world premières of works by leading foreign composers, a concert performance of the opera The Cunning Little Vixen, commemoration of the Ludwig van Beethoven anniversary, Dvořák’s Biblical Songs, 7th and 9th Symphony, Sibelius, Mozart. Subscription Series A gives the listener a very erudite overview of music history and genres presented by the very best: Chief Conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Semyon Bychkov, legendary British conductor John Eliot Gardiner, Manfred Honeck, who is a regular guest at the Rudolfinum, and Chief Conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra Sakari Orama. The soloists engaged for Series A are real stars: sopranos Kateřina Kněžíková and Elena Tsallagova, mezzo-sopranos Daniela Sindram and Jarmila Balážová, bass-baritone Albert Pesendorfer, bass Jan Martiník twice, the piano duo of Katia and Marielle Labèque, and finally popular violinist Leonidas Kavakos.

27 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

PRELUDES TO SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS

The Czech Philharmonic invites its subscribers Preludes include the playing of examples from and others to attend regular gatherings before audio or audiovisual recordings. The Czech the concerts of subscription series A, B, and Phil­harmonic offers these Preludes as a free C. These forums and lectures prepare audience bonus with its evening concerts. They always members, set the mood, and lure visitors to an take place at 6:30 p.m. (or at 2 p.m. on Satur- evening with the Czech Philharmonic. Conduc- days) in the Suk Hall unless stated otherwise. tors, soloists, or musicians of the Czech Philhar- monic as well as musicologists or music jour- Eva Hazdrová-Kopecká, Jindřich Bálek, Pavel nalists discuss the composers and works on the Ryjáček, or Petr Kadlec lead the discussion. programme and interesting circumstances and curiosities.

The subscription concerts of series A are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. in the Dvořák Hall.

The prices of single tickets range from CZK 290 to 1,400 Subscription prices range from CZK 1,550 to 4,800

Individual tickets and subscriptions are sold at the Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum and on-line at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Reservations and information are available through the Czech Philharmonic Customer Service.

29 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

A1

November 2020 Leoš Janáček “Once I was reading – there happened to be a Thus began the story of one of the world’s most The Cunning Little Vixen, concert picture of Bystrouška (the vixen Little Sharp famous twentieth century operas, as described 25 Nov. 2020 Wednesday Ears) walking hand in hand with Zlatohřbítek by the Janáček family’s housekeeper Marie performance of the opera 26 Nov. 2020 Thursday (Gold-Spur) and carrying a flower. The way they Stejskalová in 1920. Janáček did not begin work were strutting about seemed terribly funny to on the opera until two years later, as he wrote to 27 Nov. 2020 Friday Elena Tsallagova soprano me. I didn’t think anyone could hear me laugh- his friend Kamila Stösslová: “I’m now working soprano ing out loud. The lady of the house was not at on the girls’ novel ‘Liška Bystrouška’. Now I 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Kateřina Kněžíková home just then and the gentleman was in his have no time to think about myself. There has Jarmila Balážová mezzo-soprano study. But suddenly he appeared at the kitch- never been a year when I worked as hard men- Jan Martiník bass en door: ‘If you please, woman, what are you tally as this year.” Janáček had to adapt Rudolf Other singers TBA laughing at?’ ‘Well, it’s the Vixen here, sir.’ Těsnohlídek’s popular serial with illustrations ‘What Vixen?’ ‘You don’t read it? It’s a reporter by Stanislav Lolek into the form of an opera Prague Philharmonic Choir from [the Brno newspaper] Lidové noviny, Mr. libretto, which he then filled with beautiful Lukáš Vasilek choirmaster Těsnohlídek, who wrote it.’ I handed him the musical content, bringing together the worlds newspaper and he looked at the picture, read a of nature and of human fates. Janáček’s musi- Prague Philharmonic Children’s Choir bit, started smiling and I said to him: ‘Sir, you cal world is so evocative that even without the Jiří Chvála choirmaster know quite well how animals are always talking set and costumes, it takes you into forests, the John Eliot Gardiner conductor to each other, how you’re always notating bird- Beskid Mountains countryside, or wherever else song – Lord, what an opera that would make!’ you would want to experience one of the love- And he said nothing. He just started watching liest stories about life that has ever been made for each continuation of the Vixen’s story.” into an opera.

30 31 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

A2

January 2021 Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 13 Jan. 2021 Wednesday (“Pastoral”) 14 Jan. 2021 Thursday 15 Jan. 2021 Friday Ludwig van Beethoven 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67

Manfred Honeck conductor

The performances of Beethoven’s complete exhausted the audience. What would we give symphonies will conclude with two of the best today for a chance to hear Beethoven improvise! known, the Pastoral Symphony and the Fifth Symphony, interpreted by Manfred Honeck. Half a year after the Fifth Symphony was pub- Maestro Honeck’s decision to play them in re- lished, E. T. A. Hoffmann wrote a brilliant ana­ verse order, with the Fifth Symphony following lysis and enthusiastic review of the work and it after the Sixth, was no accident. This was exactly soon became one of the key works in all of music how the two symphonies were premièred on 22 history, a source of inspiration for Brahms, December 1808 at the Theater an der Wien, but Tchaikovsky, Bruckner, Mahler, and Berlioz. the whole programme was much longer. Follow- Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony opened one of ing the Sixth Symphony were the aria Ah per- the world’s most famous concert halls, Vienna’s fido, the Gloria from the Mass in C Major, the Musikverein, it was played at the inaugural con- composer playing his Fourth Piano Concerto, cert of the New York Philharmonic in 1842, and then after the intermission the Fifth Symphony, Jiří Bělohlávek chose it for his return to the helm the Sanctus and Benedictus from the Mass in C of the Czech Philharmonic in 2012. The Pastoral Major, Beethoven’s piano improvisation, and to Symphony is one of Beethoven’s few works with conclude, the Choral Fantasy. The concert lasted programmatic content. Beethoven loved nature more than four hours and it was not very warmly and he spent plenty of time in the wilderness. received because it was held under quite unfa- On the content of the symphony, however, he vourable conditions: the orchestra had only had said that the work was more of “an expression one rehearsal and the length of the programme of feelings than a graphic description”.

32 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

A3

February 2021 Bryce Dessner American composer and guitarist Bryce Dess- To celebrate 125 years since the Czech Philhar- Symphonic composition for orchestra ner lives in Paris and has shared many years monic was founded, Semyon Bychkov has cho- 3 Feb. 2021 Wednesday of friendship with Semyon Bychkov. He plays sen to perform the three greatest symphonies of (world première) 4 Feb. 2021 Thursday the guitar with The National rock band and at Antonín Dvořák, who stood at the orchestra’s the same time he is a distinguished compos- helm during its first concert. To be specific, 5 Feb. 2021 Friday Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart er, whose works have been premièred by such Dvořák’s New World Symphony was one of Piano Concerto No. 10 in E Flat Major for ensembles as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the works performed on 4 January 1896. After 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall the Ensemble Intercontemporain, the Kronos the symphony’s world première in New York, two pianos and orchestra, K 365 Quartet, Katia and Marielle Labèque. He has a New York Times critic wrote: “In the first worked closely with Philipp Glass and Steve place, Dr. Dvorak has shown his thorough Antonín Dvořák Reich as well as with Paul Simon and the film mastership of symphonic writing by avoiding Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95 director Alejandro González Iñárritu, com- the pitfall which has invariably entrapped the posing the music for his film The Revenant. American composer. […] What he has done (“From the New World”) The two pianos in Mozart’s Concerto in E Flat is to saturate himself with the spirit of negro Major are also the driving force for the entire music and then to invent his own themes. He Katia and Marielle Labèque pianos first half of the programme, because Bryce Dess- has made himself completely the master of the conductor ner’s work for Katia and Marielle Labèque in- fundamental melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic Semyon Bychkov spired maestro Bychkov’s deeper interest in the peculiarities of negro tunes.” composer’s music.

34 35

CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

A4

March 2021 Detlev Glanert The dark atmosphere of Dvořák’s Seventh Sym- place in the spring of 1885 and in the autumn Prague Symphony phony ushers in its dramatic character and its that followed, Dvořák already conducted it at 24 Mar. 2021 Wednesday compositional seriousness. Dvořák wanted to the Rudolfinum. Conductors Hans Richter, Ar- Lyric Fragments after Franz Kafka for 25 Mar. 2021 Thursday create a work referencing the traditions of Bee- thur Nikisch, and Hans von Bülow made the thoven and Brahms and he succeeded in doing Seventh Symphony famous around the world. 26 Mar. 2021 Friday Mezzo-soprano, Bass-baritone and Orchestra (world première) so without sacrificing any of his melodic inven- After the Berlin première, Dvořák wrote into tiveness and creative light touch. Dvořák com- von Bülow’s score enthusiastically: “Hurrah! 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall posed it on commission for London’s Philhar- You have brought this work to life!” Antonín Dvořák monic Society. Knowing that Beethoven had Symphony No. 7 in D Minor, Op. 70 written his Ninth Symphony for the same soci- The first half of the concert also gives us a chan­ ety, he wanted to compose a work that would ce to experience the excitement of witnessing a mezzo-soprano be “capable of stirring the world”. After the world première of a new work. Detlev Glanert Daniela Sindram première at St. James Hall, Dvořák described is practically one of Semyon Bychkov’s “court” Albert Pesendorfer bass-baritone the public’s reaction as follows: “The sympho- composers; Bychkov has already conducted his Semyon Bychkov conductor ny was well liked and the audience acknowl- Requiem for Hieronymus Bosch in Prague in edged me and welcomed me in the most osten- 2020. Glanert’s compositional style is influenced tatious fashion. There was pandemonium after by the music of Mahler and Ravel. As a suc- every movement, rousing to the very end, just cessful opera composer who uses the commu- like at home, in fact. But this is, as always, a nicative power of the human voice, Glanert has minor concern for me. The important thing is also chosen to include two vocal soloists in his that the symphony, even with only two rehears- Prague Symphony. als, went superbly.” The London première took

38 39 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

A5

April 2021 Antonín Dvořák The Biblical Songs are not only a reminiscence ny. The impulse for their composing was no ex- Biblical Songs, Op. 99 of the Czech Philharmonic’s first concert in ternal commission, but merely the composer’s 21 Apr. 2021 Wednesday 1896 under the baton of Antonín Dvořák, but inner urge to set to music the intimately familiar 22 Apr. 2021 Thursday also a recollection of the late chief conductor texts from his own copy of a very old Czech Jean Sibelius Jiří Bělohlávek. The Biblical Songs were the last translation of the Bible. 23 Apr. 2021 Friday Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43 orchestral recording that Jiří Bělohlávek made with the Czech Philharmonic. The soloist then For Finnish culture, Sibelius’s Second Sym- 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall bass was also Jan Martiník and the choice of the con- phony has the same meaning as Dvořák’s New Jan Martiník ductor for this programme is no coincidence. World Symphony has for Czechs. It is the com- Sakari Oramo conductor Sakari Oramo succeeded Jiří Bělohlávek at poser’s best-known and most frequently played helm of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and it symphony and at the time when it was writ- was at Bělohlávek’s invitation that he came to ten, it expressed Finnish opposition to Russian conduct the Czech Philharmonic for the first occupation. After the first performance of the time in January 2017. This subscription concert Second Symphony, Sibelius instantly became of music by Antonín Dvořák and Jean Sibelius a national hero and the work got a similarly is the result of the mutual affection between the warm reception around the world. According conductor and the players. to conductor Osmo Vänskä, the Second Sym- phony is “associated with our nation’s fight for Dvořák composed his Biblical Songs in just independence, but it also personifies struggle, three weeks in March of 1894, only three months crisis, and a turn for the better in the life of an after the première of the New World Sympho- individual. That’s why it is so moving”.

40 41 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

A6

June 2021 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Last December, when Leonidas Kavakos ap- Concerto”. Musicologists attribute this name to Violin Concerto No 3 in G Major, K 216 peared with the Czech Philharmonic for the the use of a local dance theme at the beginning 9 June 2021 Wednesday first time in the dual role of soloist and con- of the third movement. The symphony has come (“Strasbourg”) 10 June 2021 Thursday ductor, it was obvious that the players and the to be known as the “Little G Minor” in order to soloist would want to repeat this collaboration differentiate it from the more famous Sympho- 11 June 2021 Friday Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as soon as possible. The musical and human ny No. 40, also in G minor. Czech film director Symphony No. 25 in G Minor, K 183 understanding between them was clear both Miloš Forman made the “Little G Minor” fa- 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall on stage and from the auditorium and as soon mous by choosing it as the music for the begin-

as an opportunity arose to entrust one of the ning of his celebrated film Amadeus. Johannes Brahms programmes of the new season to this extraor- Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68 dinary artist, we did not hesitate even for a “Hoch auf’m Berg, tief im Tal grüß ich dich second. His last programme was a tribute to viel tausend mal!” “From the mountain peaks violin, conductor Ludwig van Beethoven and this time Leonidas and the depths of the valley, I greet thee many Leonidas Kavakos Kavakos has chosen the music of Mozart and thousands of times!“ Brahms heard a shepherd’s Brahms for his Prague appearance. tune with these lyrics while in the Alps and as a birthday greeting for Clara Schumann, he The symphony and violin concerto you will hear inserted it into the introduction to the fourth in the first half of the programme are the music movement of his First Symphony. Because of of a very young composer. Mozart wrote his the work’s compositional mastery and the use Violin Concerto in G Major at the age of nine- of a paraphrase of the Ode to Joy theme, this teen and the Symphony in G Minor when he symphony is sometimes referred to as Beethov- was just seventeen. In a letter to his father, he en’s Tenth. called the Concerto in G Major the “Strasbourg

42 43 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

SUBSCRIPTION SERIES

B

Subscription Series B also offers a concert performance of an opera – Ariane by Bohuslav Martinů under the baton of Principal Guest Conductor Tomáš Netopil and with soprano Jessica Muirhead in the lead role. Kirill Gerstein will give the world première of a piano concerto by Thomas Larcher. Two of Antonín Dvořák’s symphonies will be performed along with Mahler’s First Symphony, and besides that there will be a nice variety of other orchestral compositions and instrumental concertos. Conductor Juanjo Mena and harpist Jana Boušková are preparing a special Spanish programme. Violinist Karen Gomyo and violist Lawrence Power will be appearing before the Prague public for the first time. Famous, popular soloists Jan Mráček and Gautier Capuçon will also be on hand. Besides the conductors mentioned above, Chief Conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Semyon Bychkov will prepare three other programmes, and principal guest conductors Jakub Hrůša and Tomáš Netopil will present two.

45 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

PRELUDES TO SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS

The Czech Philharmonic invites its subscribers Preludes include the playing of examples from and others to attend regular gatherings before audio or audiovisual recordings. The Czech the concerts of subscription series A, B, and Philharmonic offers these Preludes as a free C. These forums and lectures prepare audience bonus with its evening concerts. They always members, set the mood, and lure visitors to an take place at 6:30 p.m. (or at 2 p.m. on Satur- evening with the Czech Philharmonic. Conduc- days) in the Suk Hall unless stated otherwise. tors, soloists, or musicians of the Czech Philhar- monic as well as musicologists or music jour- Eva Hazdrová-Kopecká, Jindřich Bálek, Pavel nalists discuss the composers and works on the Ryjáček, or Petr Kadlec lead the discussion. programme and interesting circumstances and curiosities.

The subscription concerts of series B are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. in the Dvořák Hall.

The prices of single tickets range from CZK 290 to 1,400 Subscription prices range from CZK 1,550 to 4,800

Individual tickets and subscriptions are sold at the Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum and on-line at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Reservations and information are available through the Czech Philharmonic Customer Service.

47 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

B1

October 2020 Dmitri Shostakovich Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 77 7 Oct. 2020 Wednesday 8 Oct. 2020 Thursday Antonín Dvořák 9 Oct. 2020 Friday Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Karen Gomyo violin Semyon Bychkov conductor

Shortly after the Second World War, Shostak- The première of Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony ovich was enjoying a relatively calm period took place at the Rudolfinum on 2 February and was able to devote himself to composing 1890 with the composer conducting. Although undisturbed. It was in this atmosphere that he the work is sometimes called the “English Sym- began writing his First Violin Concerto, but phony”, Dvořák composed the entire piece in after it was finished, the political situation in Vysoká u Příbrami and its melodies are pure- the Soviet Union worsened dramatically. Shos- ly Slavic. The nickname “English” arose from a takovich was increasingly interested in Baroque combination of three factors: firstly, there was musical forms, so he divided his violin concerto Dvořák’s quarrel with his publisher Simrock, into four movements instead of the usual three. who refused to pay an adequate fee for his com- The slow-fast-slow-fast tempo arrangement was positions, so Dvořák sent the Eighth Symphony also Baroque, as was the form of the passacaglia to the London publisher Novello. Secondly, the used in the third movement. It is in this con- symphony was performed in Cambridge when certo that the cryptogram of Shostakovich’s the university there conferred an honorary doc- name first appears in the form of the notes d, torate on Dvořák. And thirdly, after the London es (e flat), c, h (b natural). David Oistrakh, the première the press said that Dvořák was Bee- work’s dedicatee, gave the première with the thoven’s sole valid successor: “Dvorak alone – Leningrad Philharmonic and Yevgeny Mravin- though he, too, like Brahms, has sought to keep sky on 29 October 1955. to the Beethoven school – has been able to bring a distinctly new element into the symphony.”

48 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

B2

December 2020 Antonín Dvořák Choosing Dvořák’s Sixth Symphony for the Another Christmas gift is the concert perfor- Symphony No. 6 in D Major, Op. 60 Advent period is no coincidence. Václav Tal- mance of Bohuslav Martinů’s Ariane. Tomáš 16 Dec. 2020 Wednesday ich called it the “Christmas Symphony” for the Netopil made an acclaimed recording of this (as part of the festival lovely melody of the slow movement. The whole lovely one-act opera with the Essen Philhar- Bohuslav Martinů symphony is imbued with the peaceful happi- monic in 2016 and four years later he is pre- Bohuslav Martinů Days) Ariane, a lyric opera in one act, H 370, ness the composer was experiencing at the time paring a live performance in Prague. Georges 17 Dec. 2020 Thursday concert performance of the opera of writing. He was finally getting internation- Neveux turned the homecoming of Theseus into 18 Dec. 2020 Friday al recognition and his works had begun to be a stage play and for Martinů it was material that Opera will be sung in original French. played in Vienna, Berlin, London, and other allowed him to catch his breath: “I’m writing 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall great cities around the world. He was receiving a new little opera, one act, to take a bit of a rest Jessica Muirhead soprano commissions from the most important musical from the big opera, The Greek Passion, which baritone institutions and the new symphony was making is taking a lot of work.” In just a month in the Zoltan Nagy its way triumphantly from Prague to Leipzig, summer of 1958, Martinů was able to compose Richard Samek tenor Dresden, Cologne, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Bu- the music for the well-known story of the king’s Jozef Benci bass dapest. During the rehearsals for its London daughter Ariane (Ariadne), who helps Theseus bass première, the conductor Hans Richter wrote to kill the Minotaur. Peter Mikuláš Dvořák: “This morning was the first rehears- Members of the Prague Philharmonic al of your beautiful work. I am proud of the Choir dedication. The orchestra is really enthusias- choirmaster tic. The performance is on Monday the 15th at Lukáš Vasilek 8 p.m. I’m sure it will be a great success. It is Tomáš Netopil conductor also being lovingly rehearsed…”

50 51 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

B3

January 2021 Richard Strauss Don Quixote, Op. 35, symphonic poem 27 Jan. 2021 Wednesday 28 Jan. 2021 Thursday Sergei Rachmaninoff 29 Jan. 2021 Friday Symphonic Dances, Op. 45 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Gautier Capuçon cello Lawrence Power viola Semyon Bychkov conductor

In October 1921, when a New York reporter The public first heard Sergei Rachmaninoff’s asked Richard Strauss which of his own pieces Symphonic Dances is an arrangement for two he liked most, he answered: “Those that reflect pianos, which the composer played together myself and my opinions most clearly: Zara- with Vladimir Horowitz. Eugene Ormandy thustra, Quixote, and Domestica.” The power conducted the orchestral première in January of Don Quixote lies in the way Strauss was able 1941 with the Philadelphia Orchestra. The work not only to describe the story, but also to ex- opened up to the audience a breathtaking and press the psychological transformations of the enchanting world of sound filled with rich har- individual characters by working with the mu- monies and imaginative rhythms that are not sical themes that represent them. Don Quixote far off from Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. We find is played by solo cello, alternating with violin quotes in it from Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera The in places. Strauss entrusted Sancho Panza to Golden Cockerel, the Dies Irae theme, and Ra- clarinet and tenor tuba and Dulcinea to oboe. chmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, which triumphs According to English critic Ernest Newman, over the theme of death as a symbol of resurrec- “Nowhere outside the work of glorious old tion. Another extraordinary feature is the use of Bach is there such a combination in music of alto saxophone as a solo instrument. The mu- inexhaustible fertility of imagination.” Strauss sic’s sonic beauty, compositional mastery, and finished Don Quixote in 1897 in Munich and inexhaustible wellspring of musical ideas make the première took place a year later in Cologne. the Symphonic Dances one of the most impres- sive compositions of the twentieth century.

52 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

B4

March 2021 Joaquín Turina Juanjo Mena, the Spanish conductor at the the work for harp at the request of Nicanor Za- Danzas fantásticas, Op. 22 helm of the BBC Philharmonic, is taking us on baleta. Famous versions of the Concierto de 10 Mar. 2021 Wednesday a trip to Spain, blazing with colours, sounds, Aranjuez have also been recorded by flamenco 11 Mar. 2021 Thursday and fragrances. The programme opens with guitarist Paco de Lucía and jazz trumpet play- Joaquín Rodrigo Danzas fantásticas (1919), the best-known work er Miles Davis, who took inspiration from the 12 Mar. 2021 Friday Concierto de Aranjuez (version for harp) by Joaquín Turina. Although originally written slow movement. for piano solo, it is the orchestral version that 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall has become famous. Iberia from Debussy’s orchestral work Imag- Claude Debussy es leads us through the streets and the paths Iberia, Part II of the cycle Images pour Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez takes us to the of Spain, the fragrances of the night, and the orchestre gardens of the royal palace in Aranjuez, which morning of a festive day. The concert will then King Philip II had built in the sixteenth centu- conclude with one of the most famous compo- ry. Rodrigo perfectly succeeded at evoking the sitions, Ravel’s Bolero. It would not have taken Maurice Ravel sounds of nature through music. He describes much and this classical “hit” might never have Bolero the first movement as being “full of rhythm and seen the light of day. At the request of Ida Ru- energy”, the second movement is a dialogue binstein, Ravel had originally just wanted to Jana Boušková harp between the harp and soloists in the orchestra orchestrate Albéniz’s Iberia, but he was long conductor on oboe, bassoon, English horn, and French unable to acquire the rights to it. By the time he Juanjo Mena horn. The third movement is an imitation of finally succeeded, Ravel already had a different a courtly dance. The premières took place in plan: “Write a theme that lasts about a minute 1940 in Barcelona and Madrid with solo guitar. and repeat it for eighteen minutes.” It was not until 1974 that Rodrigo transcribed

54 55 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

B5

April 2021 Leoš Janáček In the music world, there have been polemical became the main composer of the evening and The Wandering of a Little Soul, Violin debates for years about how orchestras should Jakub Hrůša was faced with the rather difficult 14 Apr. 2021 Wednesday plan their programming. The core of the dis- task of building a logical yet musically attrac- Concerto 15 Apr. 2021 Thursday pute is over whether the programming directors tive programme around Suk’s music. or the performers should have the last word. 16 Apr. 2021 Friday Josef Suk The programme of the fifth concert in Subscrip- Bedřich Smetana’s Swedish symphonic poems Triptych, Op. 35 tion Series B is an example of a programme belong to his popular works and they are fre- 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall put together by the conductor. He was guided quently performed abroad. The Suk as well as Meditation on the Old Czech Chorale ‘Saint by the sound effect of the compositions on the the Smetana triptych are also a clear demonstra- Wenceslas’, Op. 35a listeners and the core of the programme was tion of the characteristic features and stylistic Legend of the Dead Victors, Op. 35b determined by a long-term recording project. differences of the two composers and they rep- With Jakub Hrůša, the Czech Philharmonic resent the best of Czech orchestral music. The Towards a New Life, Op. 35c is recording the complete orchestral works of number three, which accompanies us through- Josef Suk, consisting of both large-scale and out the evening, also represents the three com- Bedřich Smetana several shorter compositions, including the fa- posers, opening with the youngest of them, Triptych mous Meditation on the Old Czech Chorale Leoš Janáček, whose Violin Concerto will be ‘St. Wenceslas’ and the Sokol movement march played by Czech Philharmonic concertmaster Richard III, Op. 11 Towards a New Life, with which Suk won an Jan Mráček, winner of the Fritz Kreisler Inter- Wallenstein’s Camp, Op. 14 anonymous composition competition. Suk thus national Competition in Vienna. Hakon Jarl, Op. 16

Jan Mráček violin Jakub Hrůša conductor

56 57 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

B6

April 2021 Thomas Larcher Piano Concerto (world première) 28 Apr. 2021 Wednesday 29 Apr. 2021 Thursday Gustav Mahler 30 Apr. 2021 Friday Symphony No. 1 in D Major 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Kirill Gerstein piano Semyon Bychkov conductor

Kirill Gerstein systematically focuses on pro- After graduating from Berklee, Gerstein moved moting new compositions. This is given in part to Budapest, where he learned classical piano, by the path that led him to classical music. He which has been his focus to this day. He seeks had originally wanted to be a jazz pianist and out difficult, noteworthy works. Last year, he graduated from the prestigious Berklee Col- recorded Busoni’s Piano Concerto, which is lege of Music, other graduates of which include regarded as one of the world’s most difficult. Diana Krall, John Scofield, Hiromi, Alan Silves- He also won great acclaim for his recording of tri, and Howard Shore. Among the Czech mu- the Piano Concerto by Thomas Adès, issued sicians to have studied there are Emil Viklický on the Deutsche Grammophon label. On the and Tomáš Kačo. Kirill Gerstein’s studies at album, the composer himself is conducting the Berklee equipped him with extensive knowl- Boston Symphony Orchestra. Semyon Bych- edge in the areas of jazz and improvisation, kov also regularly performs works by Austri- which he puts to use both in the classical rep- an composer Thomas Larcher and the concer- ertoire – for example in the interpretation of to commissioned by the Czech Philharmonic Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the use of will also be performed with the same soloist at authentic improvisational elements – and when the Konzerthaus in Vienna. In the second half studying new compositions. of the programme, Mahler’s First Symphony stands for another piece in the project to record the composer’s complete symphonies, which we are preparing for the Decca label.

58 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

SUBSCRIPTION SERIES

C

Subscription Series C opens with a unique concert for the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven. Almost on the exact date of this event, legendary Austrian musician Rudolf Buch- binder will play and conduct three of the composer’s piano concertos. The second concert of the series will present the world première of a work by Czech composer Miloš Orson Štědroň for two trombones – outstanding trombonists of the Czech Philharmonic will play the solo parts. Under the baton of David Robertson, Ivo Kahánek will play Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, and that programme will also feature Gershwin’s famous tone poem American in Paris. Within the third programme, Tomáš Netopil will present two less well known composers who initially had a Brno connection and then worked abroad – Jan Novák and Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Czech Philharmonic concertmaster Jiří Vodička will perform Korngold’s Violin Concerto. The highpoint of the programme will be Franck’s Symphony in D Minor. Leading the fourth programme of Series C will be Chief Conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Semyon Bychkov. Soprano Chen Reiss and bass Boris Prýgl will appear in Johannes Brahms’s monumental German Requiem.

61 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

PRELUDES TO SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS

The Czech Philharmonic invites its subscribers Preludes include the playing of examples from and others to attend regular gatherings before audio or audiovisual recordings. The Czech the concerts of subscription series A, B, and Philharmonic offers these Preludes as a free C. These forums and lectures prepare audience bonus with its evening concerts. They always members, set the mood, and lure visitors to an take place at 6:30 p.m. (or at 2 p.m. on Satur- evening with the Czech Philharmonic. Conduc- days) in the Suk Hall unless stated otherwise. tors, soloists, or musicians of the Czech Philhar- monic as well as musicologists or music jour- Eva Hazdrová-Kopecká, Jindřich Bálek, Pavel nalists discuss the composers and works on the Ryjáček, or Petr Kadlec lead the discussion. programme and interesting circumstances and curiosities.

The subscription concerts of series C are held on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 3 p.m. in the Dvořák Hall.

The prices of single tickets range from CZK 220 to 1,100 Subscription prices range from CZK 800 to 2,900

Individual tickets and subscriptions are sold at the Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum and on-line at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Reservations and information are available through Czech Philharmonic Customer Service.

63 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

C1

December 2020 Ludwig van Beethoven When deciding which pianist to approach with Buchbinder is not only a universally gifted artist, Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major, an offer of performing Beethoven’s complete but also a capable organiser. For many years he 3 Dec. 2020 Thursday piano concertos, Rudolf Buchbinder was the has successfully led an international music festi- Op. 19 4 Dec. 2020 Friday clear choice for us. Alongside Friedrich Gulda val in Grafenegg, to which he invites the best so- and Alfred Brendel, he has been one of the most loists and orchestras from all over the world. He sought-after interpreters of Beethoven in Aus- enjoys the perks of friendships with many musi- 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58 tria. We first encountered Mr. Buchbinder in cians in chamber music projects and he will also a performance of Brahms’s Second Piano Con- be celebrating the Beethoven anniversary with 5 Dec. 2020 Saturday certo at the Konzerthaus in Vienna. Conduct- a recital for the Czech Chamber Music Society. Ludwig van Beethoven ing the Vienna Symphony Orchestra at the time Mr. Buchbinder has recorded all of Beethoven’s 3 p.m. Dvořák Hall Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37 was Semyon Bychkov’s brother Yakov Kreiz- piano concertos with the Vienna Philharmonic, berg and Mr. Buchbinder, who was enjoying a conducting from the piano. This past season he piano, conductor well-deserved glass of whiskey in his dressing appeared in Prague with Semyon Bychkov and Rudolf Buchbinder room, seemed fresh enough to repeat the work Tomáš Netopil. For the next three concertos, lasting nearly one hour straight away. Instead, however, he will be performing as he did in Vi- however, he invited us to the nearby Hotel Im- enna, i.e. without a conductor. perial for an afternoon coffee and the local spe- ciality: apricot filled doughnuts.

64 65 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

C2

March 2021 Igor Stravinsky Among the several Czech Philharmonic com- an exceptionally versatile and sought-after art- Symphonies of Wind Instruments missions for music by Czech and foreign com- ist. He has been appearing regularly with the 18 Mar. 2021 Thursday posers is a new work by Miloš Orson Štědroň. Czech Philharmonic in recent seasons and his 19 Mar. 2021 Friday We wanted to give one of the orchestra players concerts are always characteristic­ for their in- Maurice Ravel the opportunity of appearing as a soloist. When teresting programme. He has put Štědroň’s new the composer presented the piece, we were twice work alongside Gershwin’s popular and evoc- 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Piano Concerto for the Left Hand in D Major pleased. Firstly, there were two soloists instead ative composition An American­ in Paris and of one, and we also liked the idea of showcasing has entrusted the opening of the concert to the 20 Mar. 2021 Saturday the wide range of performance skills of both our wind section of the Czech Philharmonic. As the Miloš Orson Štědroň first trombonists, Robert Kozánek and Lukáš soloist in Ravel’s Piano Concerto in D Major, 3 p.m. Dvořák Hall Bimetal – Concerto for two trombones and Moťka. he has invited the Czech pianist Ivo Kahánek, orchestra (world première) whom he had heard on a recording of Dvořák David Robertson is one of the few top conduc- and Martinů with Jakub Hrůša and the Bam- tors who is willing to devote precious time in berg Symphony Orchestra. So you can look George Gershwin his busy schedule to learning a brand new work. forward to a Czech soloist in an international An American in Paris His vast experience with contemporary music, programme, the common elements of which are his knowledge of the music by Olivier Messi- tone colour and the striking use of the effects piano aen, and his role as the director of the Ensem- that the modern orchestra has to offer. Ivo Kahánek ble Intercontemporain have made Ro­bert­son Lukáš Moťka trombone Robert Kozánek trombone David Robertson conductor

66 67 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

C3

April 2021 Jan Novák The April programme of Series C opens with Korngold decided that he would only compose Philharmonic Dances two composers associated with the city of Brno. film music until the end of the war. His Vio- 8 Apr. 2021 Thursday Jan Novák was born in Nová Říše, but he re- lin Concerto was the first work he wrote after 9 Apr. 2021 Friday ceived his musical education at the Brno Con- the defeat of Hitler’s Germany. In the concerto Erich Wolfgang Korngold servatoire. He also dedicated his Philharmonic there is a reflection of nostalgia for the Viennese Dances to the Brno Philharmonic shortly after “fin de siècle” and the work is dedicated to the 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 its founding and the work immediately became widow of Korngold’s teacher, Alma Mahler. firmly entrenched in the orchestra’s repertoire. 10 Apr. 2021 Saturday César Franck Novák was a pupil of Vilém Petrželka, Pavel César Franck wrote his only symphony just Symphony in D Minor Bořkovec, and Bohuslav Martinů. Besides clas- two years before his death, having been en- 3 p.m. Dvořák Hall sical works, he also wrote music for films in- couraged by the success of his Symphonic Var- Jiří Vodička violin cluding Kachyňa’s Coach to Vienna and Karel iations for piano and orchestra. In France in conductor Zeman’s The Stolen Airship. those days, the symphonic genre was regarded Tomáš Netopil as German and after the première of the work, Brno native Erich Wolfgang Korngold was fa- the French critics condemned the symphony as mous for film music. It even saved his life. At dull, gloomy, and clumsy. Just two years later, it the request of the Warner Brothers film studio was already one of the most famous symphonic he travelled from Vienna to Hollywood in 1938, compositions in the entire world. thereby escaping the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany. He won an Oscar for his music to the film The Adventures of Robin Hood, which he composed after arriving in America.

68 69 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

C4

June 2021 Johannes Brahms A German Requiem, Op. 45 17 June 2021 Thursday 18 June 2021 Friday Chen Reiss soprano 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Boris Prýgl bass Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno 19 June 2021 Saturday Petr Fiala choirmaster Semyon Bychkov conductor 3 p.m. Dvořák Hall

Brahms’s German Requiem is a deeply person- Irae, the fury and horror of which had been al work. He began contemplating it already in set to music colourfully by other composers. 1854, when his friend Robert Schumann at- Rather than emphasising the theme of the Last tempted suicide. Brahms discovered the title Judgement, Brahms instead wished to give two years later in Schumann’s estate. Brahms’s comfort to those who remained alive. In a let- first attempt at composing a Requiem turned ter to Clara Schumann, Brahms actually men- into the Piano Concerto in D Minor (1857). It tions a “Human Requiem”. The emphasis on was only after the death of Brahms’s mother the human dimension of music and the content eight years later that the work was actually com- make the German Requiem one of the kindest posed. It originally had only six movements and and most popular compositions of its kind. was written for baritone, choir, and orchestra. As the fifth movement, Brahms later inserted a The public reacted coolly to a performance of soprano solo to the text “I will console you as the first three movements in Vienna in 1867, but one is consoled by his mother.” the premières of six movements in Bremen and then of the complete seven-movement work in Brahms himself picked out the texts from Lu- Leipzig two years later were received with clear ther’s German translation of the Bible and he enthusiasm, setting the German Requiem on its avoided the usual liturgical sequence, the Dies way to the hearts of listeners around the world.

71 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

SPECIAL NON-SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS M

The 125th season will offer a greater wealth of special concerts and also some changes. Chief Con- ductor of the Czech Philharmonic Semyon Bychkov will prepare the traditional opening concerts with star soloists: pianist Daniil Trifonov and trumpet player Selina Ott in Shostakovich’s Con- certo for piano, trumpet, and strings. The second half of the programme will feature Mahler’s 5th Symphony. A new event is the Velvet Revolution Concert, which will be held on two evenings, establishing a tradition that will become part of the special concerts of the Czech Philharmonic. These concerts will take the place of the former Concerts for Students’ Day by the Czech Student Philharmonic. Semyon Bychkov is preparing a programme connected with the stirring history of the 20th century – Kabeláč’s Mystery of Time and Shostakovich’s Leningrad Symphony. Two con- certs in December will highlight the Advent atmosphere – Haydn’s oratorio The Creation under the baton of Petr Altrichter and with outstanding singers. There will be the traditional triptych of events for the arrival of the new year: the Special New Year’s Eve Dress Rehearsal, the New Year’s Eve Afternoon Concert, and the New Year’s Day Concert prepared by Principal Guest Conductor Tomáš Netopil with the Czech Philharmonic and soloists. The season will close with the traditional Open Air Concert on Hradčany Square. It is also becoming a tradition that the concert is dedicated to the memory of Jiří Bělohlávek.

73 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

M1 Opening Concerts of the Season Tribute Concerts to Václav Neumann

September 2020 Dmitri Shostakovich We are dedicating the opening concerts to the of the time in which he was living. After the pre­­ Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 35 memory of Václav Neumann; the 100th anniver- mière, he declared: “Nobody under­stood it. I 23 Sept. 2020 Wednesday sary of his birth falls on 29 September. One of would love to conduct the premi­ère fifty years for piano, trumpet, and strings 24 Sept. 2020 Thursday his most important artistic achievements at the after my death.” According to Herbert von Ka- helm of the Czech Philharmonic was the now rajan, in the Fifth Symphony, “you forget that legendary recording of all of Mahler’s sympho- time has passed. A great performance of the 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp Minor nies between 1976 and 1982. Present Chief Con- Fifth is a transforming experience. The fantastic ductor Semyon Bychkov is having the orchestra finale almost forces you to hold your breath.” record a complete Mahler cycle for the first time We wish to point out that Special Daniil Trifonov piano since then. For this reason, as a tribute to Václav The concert begins with an equally powerful Concerts Selina Ott trumpet Neumann, we have included one of Mahler’s musical experience. Playing Shostakovich’s begin at different times. conductor best known symphonies on the programme of First Piano Concerto will be without exagger- Semyon Bychkov the opening concert. ation one of the best pianists of today, Daniil Tickets are sold at the Czech Trifonov, whose honours include victory at the Philharmonic Ticket Office in Gustav Mahler spent two years writing the sym­ Tchaikovsky Competitions in Moscow, a Gram- the Rudolfinum and on-line phony­ and it reflects the beginning of his rela- my, and a Gramophone Award. Along with him, at ceskafilharmonie.cz. tionship with Alma, who would later become­ his you will be able to admire the artistry of the Reservations and information wife. The slow movement, Ada­gi­etto, is re­gard­ young trumpet player Selina Ott, who won the are available through ed as Mahler’s love letter to Alma. The compos- prestigious ARD Competition in Munich. the Czech Philharmonic Customer er himself was aware that his music was ahead Service.

74 75 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

M2 M3 Velvet Revolution Concerts Special Christmas Concerts

November 2020 Miloslav Kabeláč December 2020 Joseph Haydn The Mystery of Time, Op. 31, passacaglia The Creation, oratorio for soloists, choir, 17 Nov. 2020 Tuesday 10 Dec. 2020 Thursday for large orchestra and orchestra, Hob. XXI:2 18 Nov. 2020 Wednesday 11 Dec. 2020 Friday

8 p.m. Dvořák Hall Dmitri Shostakovich 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Marta Reichelová soprano Symphony No. 7 in C Major, Op. 60 Petr Nekoranec tenor (“Leningrad”) Jozef Benci bass Prague Philharmonic Choir Semyon Bychkov conductor Lukáš Vasilek choirmaster Petr Altrichter conductor For several years, we have been thinking about musical event. The programme would always a special concert that would decorate our con- be connected with the theme of freedom ex- cert season and would also commemorate an pressed in music. Taking the baton for the first important date in the history of this country. three years will be exceptional conductors Se- For our Christmas Concert, we have prepared a rial librarian in Vienna, Gottfried van Swieten, The holiday of Saint Wenceslas came to mind, myon Bychkov, Jakub Hrůša, and Sir Simon pre-Christmas gift for our listeners in the form translated the text into German, so Haydn was as did the date of the founding of Czechoslo- Rattle. The soloists will also be special, you will of one of the most beautiful compositions in the soon able to start working on it. vakia as an independent state, and Struggle for learn their names when the new seasons are an- entire history of sacred music. Haydn was in- Freedom and Democracy Day. The Saint Wenc- nounced. For the first year, however, we have spired to compose The Creation during his visit The Viennese nobility attended the first perfor- eslas holiday is in September, right at the time chosen a purely orchestral programme, reflect- to London, where he heard Handel’s oratorio Is- mance at the Schwarzenberg Palace on 29 April of the Dvořák Prague Festival, and the October ing the history of our orchestra and the per- rael in Egypt performed at Westminster Abbey 1798. At the concert, which Haydn conducted, commemoration of the founding of Czechoslo- sonal relationship of Chief Conductor Semyon by over a thousand musicians. Haydn was so the composer felt “a chill run down his spine”. vakia is already connected with a number of Bychkov with Shostakovich’s Seventh Sympho- struck by the beautiful, monumental sound that The public première a year later at the Burgth- official public events. For the Czech Philhar- ny, which was written in the conductor’s home he decided on the spot to write a work of similar eater was the greatest triumph of Haydn’s ca- monic, however, the last of the three, 17th of town, Leningrad. In recent years, Kabeláč’s beauty celebrating the human spirit. reer. The public showered their praise for Haydn November, is also a holiday with immanent ties masterful passacaglia has begun to appear on with shouts of “Long live music!” Berlioz’s later to the orchestra’s history. the programmes of top orchestras around the Johann Peter Salomon brought Haydn a libret- criticism now tends to evoke a smile: “I have world and Shostakovich’s Leningrad Symphony to in English titled The Creation, which was always felt a profound antipathy for this work. Above all, we wanted to create a tradition of is an embodiment of perhaps the greatest victo- originally supposed to have been used by Han- […] Its lowing oxen, its buzzing insects, its light concerts that would provide an artistic expe- ry of the human spirit and of unbroken desire del. The text quotes from Genesis, Milton’s Par- in C major which dazzles one like a Carcel lamp rience of depth and would be a truly special for freedom in all of music history. adise Lost, and the Book of Psalms. The impe- […] they make me want to murder somebody.”

76 77 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

M4 | M5 | M6 Special New Years’s Eve Dress Rehearsal New Year’s Eve Afternoon Concert, New Year’s Concert

December 2020 Julius Fučík Czech Philharmonic Bedřich Smetana Entry of the Gladiators, march, Op. 68 Jiří Vodička violin* The Kiss, overture to the opera 31 Dec. 2020 Thursday Jan Mráček violin* Julius Fučík Jan Kučera* 11 a.m. Dvořák Hall Václav Petr cello* 5 p.m. Dvořák Hall The Grouchy Old Bear, polka for bassoon Robert Kozánek Concerto grosso for two violins, cello and orchestra, Op. 210 trombone and orchestra (world première) January 2021 Ondřej Roskovec bassoon Josef Suk Antonín Dvořák Jaroslav Halíř trumpet 1 Jan. 2021 Friday Playing at Swans and Peacocks, 2nd Polonaise from Act II of the opera Tomáš Netopil conductor movement of A Fairy Tale, Op. 16 Rusalka, Op. 114 8 p.m. Dvořák Hall Václav Trojan Antonín Dvořák Concert is organised by the Czech The Frog from music for the fairytale * Only in New Years’s Eve Dress Rondo in G Minor, Op. 94 for cello and Philharmonic in cooperation The Emperor’s Nightingale Rehearsal and New Year’s orchestra with Impresario – Czech Artist Concert. Agency. Oskar Nedbal Bedřich Smetana Cavalier Waltz from the operetta Skočná (Dance of the Comedians) from Polish Blood the opera The Bartered Bride

Václav Vačkář Antonín Dvořák Memories of Zbiroh Slavonic Dance No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 46

Julius Fučík Antonín Dvořák Winter Storms Waltz, Op. 184 Slavonic Dance No. 8 in G Minor, Op. 46

78 79 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

80 81 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

M7 Open Air Concert dedicated to Jiří Bělohlávek

This time, our annual shared musical welcoming the 90th anniversary of his death. We will also June 2021 Famous opera melodies from around in of the New Year will also be a birthday cele- be hearing the Cavalier Waltz from Nedbal’s the world bration. On 4 January 2021 it will have been 125 operetta Polish Blood. We will also remember 23 June 2021 Wednesday years since the musicians of the Czech Philhar- the music of another of Dvořák’s pupils, Julius Czech Philharmonic monic first gathered on the stage of the Dvořák Fučík, who dedicated pieces to the Czech Phil- 8:20 p.m. Hradčany Square Hall under the baton of Antonín Dvořák. In the harmonic including the march Sempre avanti! Soloists TBA course of one and a quarter century, the lead- conductor ing Czech orchestra has undergone an initial For the occasion of the Czech Philharmonic Petr Altrichter struggle to maintain its existence, has grown jubilee, Jan Kučera has composed a Concer- artistically, and over the following decades has to grosso for two violins, cello and orchestra. fulfilled one of its greatest goals by performing Concertmasters Jiří Vodička, Jan Mráček, and before capacity audiences in prestigious concert Václav Petr will feature in the world première halls around the world. of Kučera’s concerto.

We have decided to celebrate the New Year and Requested dress code for New Year’s Concert this major anniversary “in dance rhythm” with is Black Tie. works exclusively by Czech composers. Their music will give each instrumental group and their principal players including the concert- masters a chance to shine.There will be selec- tions from Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances, Suk’s stylised polka from the second movement of A Fairy Tale, Op. 16, Smetana’s overture to the opera The Kiss, and a popular piece by Václav Trojan titled The Frog. The music of Dvořák’s pupil Oskar Nedbal will not be overlooked, ei- ther – a conductor, composer, and violist, Ned- bal was an important figure in the European musical circles of his day. He had a major influ- ence over the Czech Philharmonic’s artistic de- velopment, and he also led the orchestra out of financial difficulties. 24 December 2020 will be

82 83

CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

OTHER CONCERTS IN PRAGUE

Dvořák Prague Festival, Josef Suk Josef Suk Antonín Dvořák: opening concert Symphony in E Major, Op. 14 Serenade for Strings in E Flat In Nature’s Realm, Op. 91 Major, Op. 6 4 Sept. 2020 Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum Martin Kasík piano Antonín Dvořák: Jakub Hrůša conductor Bohuslav Martinů Te Deum, Op. 103 5 Sept. 2020 Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum Concertino for Piano Trio Dvořák Prague Festival and String Orchestra, H 232 Lukáš Vondráček piano Antonín Dvořák soprano TBC Cello Concerto in B Minor, 14 Sept. 2020 Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum Josef Špaček violin, baritone TBC Op. 104 artistic leader of the project Prague Philharmonic Choir Ludwig van Beethoven Tomáš Jamník cello Lukáš Vasilek choirmaster Antonín Dvořák Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61 Lukáš Vondráček piano Petr Altrichter conductor Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Czech Philharmonic Chamber Op. 95 (“From the New World”) Josef Suk Orchestra Prague Spring Festival Asrael, Symphony in C Minor, Op. 27 Václav Petr cello 3 June 2021 Smetana Hall, Dvořák Prague Festival, Semyon Bychkov conductor Jan Mráček violin Municipal House* closing concert Jakub Hrůša conductor * The festival will announce the programme Dvořák Prague Festival 20 Sept. 2020, Dvořák Hall, and soloists in November. Dvořák Prague Festival Rudolfinum 10 Sept. 2020 Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum 17 Sept. 2020 Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum Ludwig van Beethoven Sergei Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Antonín Dvořák Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 58 Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 18 Op. 22

86 87

CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

TOURS

In its 125th season, the Czech Philharmonic Early in the season, the orchestra is going to the Barbican Centre – home of the London Sym- will be playing a total of twenty-three concerts most prestigious European festivals in Spain phony Orchestra and of the BBC Symphony abroad and three perfomances at significant (Santander and San Sebastian) and Scotland Orchestra. Czech fesivals outside Prague – two in Lito- (Edinburgh). Then in September will be the myšl and one in Český Krumlov. first concert at the Konzerthaus in Vienna with The third residency performance at the Konzer- the pianist Daniil Trifonov. In October a con- thaus will take place in May in conjunction with All of the foreign tours will be with orchestra’s cert at the festival in Český Krumlov with Czech a concert in Bratislava. This time, pianist Kirill Chief Conductor Semyon Bychkov and with pianist Ivo Kahánek will be followed by major Gerstein will be the soloist. top soloists. They will play music by Czech tour of China and Taiwan with the violinist Re- composers (Antonín Dvořák, Miloslav Kabeláč, naud Capucon. In May, the orchestra will set off for a Spanish Bohuslav Martinů) including Bohemian native tour – six years after its last concert there, the Gustav Mahler, and works by composers from In February, the Czech Philharmonic, Semyon philharmonic is to perform in the famous Au- around the world (Dmitri Shostakovich, Jo- Bychkov, and the Labèque sisters will tour Eu- ditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid and will hannes Brahms, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, ropean capitals, playing in the most famous also return to Valencia after 11 years with pro- et al). Contemporary composers will not be ne- concert halls in Vienna, Paris, Brussels, Amster- gramme featuring Katia and Marielle Labèque glected, and their works will also be presented dam, and London. This will include the second as well as Gautier Capuçon. to the public abroad. of three concerts this season for the orchestra’s residency at the Konzerthaus, and the orchestra In accordance with tradition, the season of the The list of the most important concert halls to be will be returning to the new hall at the Philhar- Czech Philharmonic will culminate with two visited by the Czech Philharmonic is truly impres- monie de Paris a year and a half after its three performances at a partner event, the Smetana’s sive: the Konzerthaus in Vienna (three times this successful concerts there in 2019. The Czech Litomyšl National Festival. This time, it will be season), the NCPA in Beijing, the National Con- Philharmonic is also returning to BOZAR in led by its Principal Guest Conductor Tomáš cert Hall in Taipei, the Philharmonie de Paris, Brussels after twelve years absence and to the Netopil, and concertmaster Jiří Vodička will BOZAR in Brussels, the Concertgebouw in Am- great Concertgebouw in Amsterdam for the first appear as the soloist. sterdam, London’s Barbican Centre, the Reduta time in nineteen years. It has been just as long in Bratislava, and Madrid’s Auditorio Nacional. since the orchestra last played at the prestigious

90 91 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

25 Aug. 2020 Palacio de Festivales de 26 Aug. 2020 Kursaal, Quincena 29 Aug. 2020 Usher Hall, Edinburgh 30 Aug. 2020 Usher Hall, Edinburgh Cantabria, Festival Internacional de Musical de San Sebastian, International Festival, Edinburgh, International Festival, Edinburgh, Santander, Santander, Spain San Sebastian, Spain United Kingdom United Kingdom

Dmitri Shostakovich Dmitri Shostakovich Dmitri Shostakovich Johannes Brahms Cello Concerto No. 1 in E Flat Cello Concerto No. 1 in E Flat Cello Concerto No. 1 in E Flat A German Requiem, Op. 45 Major, Op. 107 Major, Op. 107 Major, Op. 107 Chen Reiss soprano Gustav Mahler Gustav Mahler Gustav Mahler Boris Prýgl bass Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp Edinburgh Festival Chorus Minor Minor Minor Aidan Oliver choirmaster Semyon Bychkov conductor Gautier Capuçon cello Gautier Capuçon cello Gautier Capuçon cello Semyon Bychkov conductor Semyon Bychkov conductor Semyon Bychkov conductor

92 93 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

AUSTRIA CZECH REPUBLIC CHINA AND TAIWAN

25 Sept. 2020 Konzerthaus, Vienna, 3 Oct, 2020 Castle Riding Hall, Český 14–26 Oct. 2020 23 Oct. 2020 Jiangsu Grand Theatre, Austria Krumlov, Czech Republic Nanjing, China 14 Oct. 2020 Changsha Concert Hall, Changsha, China 26 Oct. 2020, National Concert Hall, Dmitri Shostakovich Dmitri Shostakovich Taipei, Taiwan Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, 16 Oct. 2020 Wuxi Frant Theatre, Op. 35 Op. 35 Wuxi, China Renaud Capuçon violin Semyon Bychkov conductor Gustav Mahler Gustav Mahler 18 Oct. 2020 National Centre for the Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp Performing Arts, Beijing, China Minor Minor 20 Oct. 2020 Shanghai Concert Hall, Shanghai, China Daniil Trifonov piano Ivo Kahánek piano Selina Ott trumpet Stanislav Masaryk trumpet 21 Oct. 2020 Quidong Grand Theatre, Semyon Bychkov conductor Semyon Bychkov conductor Quidong, China

22 Oct. 2020 Jiangsu Grand Theatre, Nanjing, China

94 95 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

EUROPEAN CAPITALS

8 Feb. 2021 Konzerthaus, Vienna, 9 Feb. 2021 Philharmonie de Paris, 10 Feb. 2021 Bozar, 11 Feb. 2021 Concertgebouw, Austria Paris, France Brussels, Belgium Amsterdam, Netherlands

Bryce Dessner Bryce Dessner Bryce Dessner Miloslav Kabeláč New composition for orchestra New composition for orchestra New composition for orchestra The Mystery of Time, Op. 31, (title TBA) (title TBA) (title TBA) passacaglia for large orchestra

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Concerto No. 10 in E Flat Major Concerto No. 10 in E Flat Major Concerto No. 10 in E Flat Major Concerto No. 10 in E Flat Major for two pianos and orchestra, for two pianos and orchestra, for two pianos and orchestra, for two pianos and orchestra, K 365 K 365 K 365 K 365

Antonín Dvořák Antonín Dvořák Antonín Dvořák Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95 (“From the New World”) Op. 95 (“From the New World”) Op. 95 (“From the New World”) Op. 95 (“From the New World”)

Katia and Marielle Labèque Katia and Marielle Labèque Katia and Marielle Labèque Katia and Marielle Labèque pianos pianos pianos pianos Semyon Bychkov conductor Semyon Bychkov conductor Semyon Bychkov conductor Semyon Bychkov conductor

96 97 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

AUSTRIA AND SLOVAKIA SPAIN

13 Feb. 2021 Barbican Centre, 3 May 2021 Konzerthaus, Vienna, 17 May 2021 Palau de la Música, 19 May 2021 Auditorio Nacional London, United Kingdom Austria Valencia, Spain de Música, Madrid, Spain

4 May 2021 Reduta, Bratislava, 18 May 2021 Auditorio Nacional Miloslav Kabeláč Richard Strauss Slovakia de Música, Madrid, Spain The Mystery of Time, Op. 31, Don Quixote, Op. 35, symphonic passacaglia for large orchestra poem Thomas Larcher Bryce Dessner New composition for orchestra Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart New composition – piano Gustav Mahler Concerto No. 10 in E Flat Major concerto (title TBA) (title TBA) Symphony No. 1 in D Major for two pianos and orchestra, Gustav Mahler Bohuslav Martinů cello K 365 Gautier Capuçon Symphony No. 1 in D Major Concerto for Two Pianos and Semyon Bychkov conductor Orchestra, H 292 Antonín Dvořák Lawrence Power viola Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Semyon Bychkov conductor Antonín Dvořák Op. 95 (“From the New World”) Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95 (“From the New World”) Katia and Marielle Labèque pianos Katia and Marielle Labèque conductor Semyon Bychkov pianos Semyon Bychkov conductor

98 99 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

CZECH REPUBLIC

1 July 2021 Smetana’s Litomyšl 2 July 2021 Smetana’s Litomyšl National Festival, Litomyšl Castle, National Festival, Litomyšl Castle, Czech Republic Czech Republic

Bedřich Smetana Antonín Dvořák Festive Overture in D Major, Slavonic Dances, Op. 46 Op. 4 Slavonic Dances, Op. 72

Erich Wolfgang Korngold Tomáš Netopil conductor Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35

Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68

Jiří Vodička violin Tomáš Netopil conductor

100 101 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

BROADCASTS AND RECORDINGS

The jubilee 125th season will bring some inno- time in the middle of the previous season. The To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Czech vations in the area of recordings. The first of French TV channel Mezzo Live HD streamed Philharmonic, talks are under way to release a them is the creation of the Czech Phil Media live to 40 countries around the globe the sub- studio recording of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 label. With the help of advanced recording scription concert with the piano duo of sisters “From the New World” with Semyon Bychkov. technology installed for that purpose in the Katia and Marielle Labèque, Ivo Kahánek, Mi- Rudolfinum’s Dvořák Hall, the Czech Philhar- chael Kroutil and Czech Philharmonic Chief Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the plan­ monic makes video recordings of the highest Conductor and Music Director Semyon Bych- ned recording project with Janáček’s opera quality under the new label featuring selected kov. Káťa Kabanová conducted by Jakub Hrůša, concerts and education projects, and through starring Kateřina Kněžíková and Aleš Briscein its partners the recordings will be distributed Recordings will also be part of the 2020/2021 in the lead roles, which was to be released by to viewers all around the world. season. After the internationally successful CD the Czech label Supraphon in April 2020, was set of Tchaikovsky’s symphonies, piano con- sadly cancelled. Nevertheless, talks are in pro- Side by side with this comes another novelty – certos and other selected symphonic works, gress with Supraphon to make a live recording the Czech Philharmonic launches collaboration released by the Decca record label last year, of The Cunning Little Vixen conducted by Sir with the German company EuroArts which will the Czech Philharmonic has two new long- John Eliot Gardiner at November subscription distribute the audio-visual recordings from the term recording projects. The cycle of Mahler’s concerts. Czech Phil Media collection internationally. symphonies with Semyon Bychkov is already This collaboration will cover distribution for in progress with the Decca label planning to For its 125th jubilee season, the Czech Philhar- TV broadcasts as well as online video-on-de- release the recording of Symphony No. 2 and monic will be collaborating with its traditional mand platforms. The Czech Phil Media re- make studio recordings of symphonies no. 5 domestic partners Czech Television and Czech cordings will thus be available to audiences all and 1 during this season. The second project is a Radio on live broadcasts and tapings of select- around the world as TV broadcasts and online cycle of live recordings of significant symphonic ed concerts. streams on demand but selected concerts will works by Josef Suk with Principal Guest Con- also be streamed live. International audiences ductor Jakub Hrůša. This cycle will also stretch were already able to watch a live TV broadcast across several seasons. of a concert from the Rudolfinum for the first

102 103

CZECH PHILHARMONIC

PROGRAMMES FOR CHILDREN WITH PARENTS, YOUTH, AND ADULT LISTENERS E

107 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ROMANO DROM 2020

Musica Ludus or Music by Play. This is not mere­ rial, this time with the participation of the ensem- “The Czech Philharmonic’s involvement is a those they are so often faced with because of ly a paraphrase of Comenius’s School by Play, bles La Tromba and the Michal Hromek Consort, fine example of what can be done. Many or- negative external circumstances. but also one of the approaches by which we are Josef Špaček and more. And running alongside chestras have taken steps in the right direc- trying to open up the world of beautiful music. them will be the workshops Philharmo-playing. tion – Simon Rattle took the Berlin Philhar- In January 2019 we introduced the project Ro- By the word “play”, what we have in mind is not monic to perform in some of the roughest parts mano Drom at concerts and workshops in Bel- something unimportant – a mere kind of leisure With the series Steps to the New World and the of that city – but this one has a particular char- fast, Northern Ireland, where the children of activity – or that music would therefore be “just concerts with Martha Issová titled Who’s Afraid acter and relevance. At a time of rampant na- Čhavorenge and the musicians of the Czech a game played for fun”. At its core, play is above of the Philharmonic? based on a script by Alice tionalism in Eastern Europe, the outsider is Philharmonic were invited by the Association of all about something shared that can bring people Nellis, we are adding a weekend re-run for chil- always going to suffer. It is nothing new for British Orchestras. In October we went on tour together with no one left out. Not even some- dren and parents (and others). We are also in- Roma communities to have to accept that they to London. Meanwhile, there were concerts at one who used to be shy, afraid, or simply lacked viting them to the Dvořák Hall on the First of are going to be denied respect and perhaps face the Czech festival Smetana’s Litomyšl and at the confidence. Even music is ultimately created by May for A Holiday of Music Among the Notes direct discrimination. In that atmosphere the Pohoda Festival in Slovakia. On 8 April 2019 interplay, i.e. playing together. with Ondřej Tichý. statement by the Czech Philharmonic is brave in the Dvořák Hall at the Rudolfinum, there and significant.” was a big musical celebration of International Musica Ludus is also one of the new education We are glad to be able to continue with the Romani Day with the title Šun Devloro (Hear pro­grammes­ our creative team is preparing long-term projects Romano Drom (supporting James Naughtie, BBC Music Magazine Me, O God). under the leadership of Rafaela Drgáčová. For Romani children), Music for Schools (for music the first time, we are deliberately targeting par- teachers), and the Joint Orchestra of pupils Continuing for a seventh year is the collabo- “The Čhavorenge children are my stars – a great ticipants over 60 years of age who are interested from elementary schools of the arts and players ration between the Czech Philharmonic, Ida hope for all other children that they can rise up in the shared discovery of connections between of the Czech Philharmonic. And that brings us Kelarová, and the Čhavorenge Children’s Choir so high. We’ve already been to Great Britain, rhythm and movement, instrumental colours, back to interplay – playing together. “Learning in support of Romani children and young peo- and before that to Northern Ireland, Romania, and the silence between the notes. all of those pieces was hard work”, wrote one ple on their journey towards music and much and Bulgaria. At first it was a way to get out of of the Joint Orchestra participants. “The more more. So far, there have been seventeen concerts the village, and now it’s a path leading out into For children’s audiences, we have prepared a new time you devote to it, the more you put a part in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, including the world. And it’s great to see someone like programme with the participation of our orchestra of yourself into it. And then once everyone is an appearance at an outdoor concert of the Dominik – a boy from a shack in a settlement members. They can experience Andersen’s fairy playing together, those parts merge and create Czech Philharmonic on Hradčany Square under in Slovakia – get up and sing a solo in London tale concealed in music by Václav Trojan in the music. You feel like you are sharing that beau- the baton of Jiří Bělohlávek and a number of in front of the audience. And before your eyes concert programme The Emperor’s Nightingale or ty with the others, the way you are breathing workshops. Above all, it has influenced the life you see that shack with no toilet or running A Visit to the Court of the Emperor of China. And together, and the way it gives you chills and stories of dozens of Romani children and young water. That’s really powerful.” for the youngest children, we are premiering the makes you feel warm at the same time.” people who are finding a relationship to their programme String Sweets. There will also be new own culture, experiencing real self esteem, and Ida Kelarová concerts in the cycle Czech Philharmonic: The Se- Petr Kadlec discovering paths for their lives that differ from

108 109

CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

CZECH PHILHARMONIC: The Magical Christmas Tree On Mysterious Beings and Magical Music or What the Sprites and Goblins THE SERIAL. FROM ONE FAIRY And with the bell ring, the fairy Dance To tale… begins TALE TO ANOTHER Michal Hromek Consort Series of concerts Jana Boušková, Josef Špaček, 24 Jan. 2021 and the choir of the Klapkova

Music school with choirmaster Music not just for the sprite and goblins of Alice Stavělová Irish wetlands and Scottish highlands. We’ll This year we are filling the Rudolfinum with For children aged 5 to 11 with parents play songs for graceful dancing and playful the characters and music of fairy tales. Which 13 Dec. 2020 stomping. And those who are truly brave will instrument is best suited to drive away an angry 60 minutes (no intermission) join us on board to see courageous sailors and dragon, and which to lower a drawbridge? And even pirates. On the way, you might find out what instrument could hold the most dwarfs Music for the most magical moment of the Tickets to individual concerts from what a big box, dried peas, and the ocean have inside? Come have a guess! Accompanying all whole year – the moment when the little bell CZK 150 to 300; subscriptions from in common. of the concerts will be the author Klára Bou­ rings and the Christmas tree is lit. What kind CZK 480 to 1000 dalová. of music do the angels in the heavens play with all of this? And which instrument sounds the On the Most Beautiful Fairy Tale most magical of all? Sundays at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the Princesses, Go Get the Dragon! or How Music Tells Stories Dvořák Hall Fairytale Music of Castles Czech Philharmonic with and Palaces Tickets are sold at the Czech Philharmonic conductor Vojtěch Jouza Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum or on-line at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Make reservations La Tromba 28 Mar. 2021 on-line or through the Customer Service at [email protected]. 4 Oct. 2020 What must every proper story have? Real he- roes, exciting action, and a (happy) ending. The adventure begins – an expedition in search Haven’t we forgotten something? Of course! of fairytale music in royal palaces and gardens. A good storyteller! This time, the stories will be What does the music for the royal fireworks told by players of the Czech Philharmonic with sound like? Why did kings have nightingales the help of music by the best composers. Which brought to their palaces in cages? And what is story will turn out to be the most beautiful? the most beautiful royal fanfare? Music full of brave princesses, enchanted princes, and her- bivorous dragons. Or do we have it mixed up?

112 113 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

NEW PHILHARMO-PLAYING Workshops for the whole family, live, up-close, and active

new Klára Boudalová, Egli Prifti and sometimes Ring Ring Thing Hop into a Fairy Tale guests from among the performers at concerts For children aged 6 to 9 with parents, of the cycle Czech Philharmonic: The Serial. 12 Dec. 2020 21 Mar. 2021 max. capacity for 60 participants At music-drama-art workshops where we im- At this Christmas workshop, you will find out Let’s jump right into the most beautiful of all merse ourselves more deeply into the work of 120 minutes (with an intermission) which Christmas instrument is the funniest and stories. Stories that you will be telling yourself. musicians, we train our ears, voices, and clever why angels love the harp. There will be a Christ- Music and art workshops at which we will be fingers. Each gathering ties in with the follow- children CZK 500, adults CZK 700 mas carol as well (so bring along your angelic preparing fairy-tale masterpieces to be exhibited ing concert of Czech Philharmonic: The Serial. (subscription) voices), and together we will compose the most at a concert of the Czech Philharmonic. Also heavenly angelic ring music! So who will come awaiting us is a joint music drama performance, Saturdays or Sundays at 2 p.m. in the Tromparade ring in Christmas with us? in which anyone can become a magical fairytale Suk Hall being for a moment. 3 Oct. 2020 Clang and Bang Each adult participant may bring a maximum The trumpets toot “tah ta-ta taaah”. A trump- of two children. Adults are active participants 23 Jan. 2021 tastic workshop with the philharmonic mem- in the workshops! ber Ladislav Kozderka and his trumpet artistry. Boom, bang. We’ll prove that Daniel Mikolá­­ And your artistry as well! You’ll get an up- šek, a Czech Philharmonic player and member Tickets are sold at the Czech Philharmonic close look at fanfares at the king’s castle and of the Michal Hromek Consort, knows how Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum or on-line the music of noble palace celebrations. And to play music on absolutely anything. A box, at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Make reservations what else? You’ll get to play on instruments a drain pipe, even a tin of lentils. He’ll intro- on-line or through the Customer Service at you make yourselves! duce you to all kinds of special percussion in- [email protected]. struments (you’ll even make one yourself), and together we’ll play music for dancing on them. Almost like in Ireland.

114 115 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

THE EMPEROR’S NIGHTINGALE A HOLIDAY OF MUSIC AMONG A VISIT TO THE COURT OF THE THE NOTES EMPEROR OF CHINA Special concert with 100 Minutes among the Notes Interactive fairytale concert

new Once upon a time there was a Chinese emperor Ages 5 to 100 Every second decides what will happen in the who loved the singing of a nightingale. Then moment that follows. Can SILENCE make For children ages 7 to 10 with one day he received an unusual gift: a mechani- 70 minutes (no intermission) a sound? And on this holiday, can we let music parents, max. capacity for 90 cal toy nightingale wound up with a key. But resound what is all around us, but we still do participants can it replace the lovely song of a live nightin- 150–300 CZK not usually hear? gale? And what happens if the toy breaks? We’ll find out on a journey during which we 60 minutes (no intermission) 1 May 2021 Saturday Let’s listen to Andersen’s fairy tale The Emper- will have a unique opportunity to touch the or’s Nightingale and experience it together in sonic possibilities of the Dvořák Hall and also children CZK 100, adults CZK 150 an enchanting musical setting by composer Vá- 2 p.m. Dvořák Hall to overhear what is written on its walls. clav Trojan. We’ll listen to the ancient tale, sing 24 Apr. 2021 Saturday with the nightingale, accompany it by making Tickets are sold at the Czech Philharmonic sounds using our bodies, and our emissaries Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum or on-line 9 a.m., 11 a.m. Suk Hall will even honour the emperor by playing Orff at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Make reservations instruments. The members of the Trojan Trio on-line or through the Customer Service at Tickets are sold at the Czech Philharmonic will provide the non-traditional accompani- [email protected]. Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum or on-line ment. at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Make reservations on-line or through the Customer Service at Viktor Mazáček violin [email protected]. Jaroslav Novák guitar Ladislav Horák accordion Dominika Prokopová narrator Eva Filipová author

116 117 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

100 MINUTES AMONG THE NOTES Intergenerational musical encounter

Ages 5 to 100, max. capacity for Tickets are sold at the Czech Philharmonic This special musical performance brings to- Although words sometimes are not enough, 100 participants Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum or on-line gether different generations, different musical there remains only one possibility: a personal at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Make reservations approaches, and different instruments to bring example here and now.” 100 minutes (with an intermission) on-line or through the Customer Service at music to life. The music is created by a group [email protected]. effort on the spot, and it can never be repeated. Through Music to Ourselves runs a music edu- What role does music play in finding a shared cation concept that opens up music to various children CZK 100, adults CZK 150 language? And through rhythm, harmony, and generations and familiarises participants with melody, can music lead us to understand each the principles of playing an instrument, the on Saturdays at the listed times in other better or to a happier life? use of the voice, elementary composing, and Suk Hall improvisation through practical playing. It en- Welcome to a 100-minute journey to discover compasses individual instruction, encounters 7 Nov. 2020 what music teaches us in the silence between in families, programmes at schools, auxiliary the notes. Taking part in the performance are programmes for children and adults, musical 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. participants in the project Through Music to workshops, and performances. “I am deeply Ourselves, which is taking place at selected convinced”, says Ondřej Tichý, “that music schools and in families. opens up completely different possibilities for 9 Jan. 2021 us and can be a special help in the family, edu- Leading the programme is teacher, musician, cation, and the lives of each of us.” 2:30 p.m. and concept author Ondřej Tichý, who says: “We often teach children what something looks Active participation is expected! 13 Mar. 2021 like, how something is pronounced or spelled, or how a note is played. But then there is very 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. little time left for passing on to children the ability to overcome obstacles, to be satisfied with themselves, to establish contact with an- other person, or to hold on to joyful feelings.

118 119

CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

WHO’S AFRAID OF THE STEPS TO THE NEW WORLD PHILHARMONIC? SYMPHONIC POETRY Concert Series of concerts with commentary

Children from age 10 with parents A musical laboratory with Martha Issová leading For children from age 11 with parents, Music has tremendous power to create new land­ the research. The aim of the research is to find youth and adult listeners scapes to paint lovely pictures, and to tell stories. 60 minutes (no intermission) out if classical music has any practical use in the Simply put, thanks to music we can transport our- everyday world. In our laboratory, for example, 120 minutes (with an intermission) selves to a different time and space. One of the CZK 150–450 we explore what Smetana’s tone poem The Mol- musical genres invented especially for this purpose dau sounds like played backwards, what faces in the middle of the nineteenth century is called Individual concert tickets a conductor REALLY makes while conducting the symphonic poem. Composer Franz Liszt was 5 Dec. 2020 Saturday with his back to the audience, and how music CZK 230–550; the first to come up with it, and he soon found nu- helps with overcoming fear and gives courage. subscriptions CZK 450–1100 merous followers in Russia and France, and espe- 10:30 a.m. Dvořák Hall And how music changes our lives. Participating cially among Czech composers. The new discovery in the research are not only the Czech Student Tickets are sold at the Czech Philharmonic began to inte-rest Smetana when he was living in Tickets are sold at the Czech Philharmonic Philharmonic and the audience, but often un- Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum or on-line Sweden, and he wrote to Liszt: “You may count Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum or on-line expected guests as well – and many of the more at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Make reservations me as the most avid follower of our artistic direc- important guest appearances are top secret, so tion, who stands for its holy truth by word and at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Make reservations on-line or through the Customer Service at we can’t tell you about them in advance, un- by deed.” Twenty years later, Smetana created the on-line or through the Customer Service at [email protected]. [email protected]. fortunately. most remarkable work in the field of the symphon- ic poem, something unique – the six-movement Enter at your own risk! cycle Má vlast (My Country). Some time later, Dvořák followed Smetana in worthy fashion with Czech Student Philharmonic four symphonic poems based on stories by Karel Jaromír Erben (The Water Goblin, The Noon Martha Issová speaker Witch, The Golden Spinning Wheel, The Wood Alice Nellis author and director Dove) and one based on his own subject matter Ondřej Vrabec conductor (A Hero’s Song). Leoš Janáček called his sym- phonic poems The Fiddler’s Child and The Ballad of Blaník symphonic poems, but his great com-

122 123 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

position Taras Bulba also takes the approach of This composition does not refer to the so-named heard any of what I would call a ‘direct lan- formed by the Czech Philharmonic and con- symphonic poetry. natural landscape, but rather to the legend of guage’ of instruments in the symphonic poems ductor Václav Talich: a girl named Šárka. It begins with a portrayal that are known to me, like The Water Goblin.” Czech Student Philharmonic of the enraged girl swearing vengeance on the (Leoš Janáček) “It seems to me that here, the improvisational whole male race for the infidelity of her lover. method has given way to sturdy structure that Petr Kadlec guide From afar is heard the arrival of armed men led “I enjoy listening to Dvořák’s music, and I feel has taken an organic form. Janáček’s colours Marko Ivanović conductor by Ctirad who has come to punish Šárka and its charms almost too sensitively, but I still burned fiercely. This time, they bore witness to her rebel maidens. In the distance Ctirad hears could not fail to point out the danger of this the inner necessity of the work’s creation, with the feigned cries of a girl (Šárka) bound to a most recent direction. Dvořák has no need to its power of expression and formal clarity. Smetana’s The Moldau tree. On seeing her he is overcome by her beau- go begging to literature (and to such literature!) and Šárka ty and so inflamed with love that he is moved for his music. His wealth of musical invention The audience listened to the work breathlessly to free her. By means of a previously prepared needs no borrowings, crutches, or guides… It with absolute absorption, and at the end they 18 Oct. 2020 Sunday potion, she intoxicates him and his men who is a peculiar passion with which Dvořák is now erupted into cheering of a kind seldom wit- finally fall asleep. As she blows her horn in a devoting himself to ugly, unnatural, macabre nessed at classical music concerts.” 3 p.m. Dvořák Hall pre-arranged signal, the rebel maidens, hidden subjects that correspond so little to his real by nearby rocks, rush to the spot and commit feeling for music and his amiable character. In the bloody deed. The horror of general slaugh- The Water Goblin, the goblin tears the head off 22 Oct. 2020 Thursday ter and the passion and fury of Šárka’s revenge his own child and throws it to the unfortunate form the end of the composition.” mother, while in the Noon Witch it is a female 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall monster in whose hands an innocent child is Dvořák’s The Water Goblin smothered.” (Viennese music critic and aesthe- From Smetana’s commentary on the symphonic tician Eduard Hanslick) poems The Moldau and Šárka: and The Noon Witch Janáček’s Lachian Dances “The composition describes the course of the 12 Jan. 2021 Tuesday Vltava (Moldau), starting from the two small and Taras Bulba springs, the Cold and Warm Vltava, to the unifi- 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall cation of both streams into a single current, the 2 May 2021 Sunday course of the Vltava through woods and mead- 17 Jan. 2021 Sunday ows, through landscapes where a farmer’s wed- 3 p.m. Dvořák Hall ding is celebrated, the round dance of the mer- 3 p.m. Dvořák Hall maids in the night’s moonshine: on the nearby 4 May 2021 Tuesday rocks loom proud castles, palaces and ruins Period reactions to Dvořák’s symphonic poems aloft. The Vltava swirls into the St John’s Rap- 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall ids; then it widens and flows toward Prague, were often contradictory: past the Vyšehrad, and then majestically vanish- es into the distance, ending at the Elbe. “To the extent of definiteness, clarity, and truth- Reviews by music critics after the Prague pre­ fulness in the wave of melodies, I have not yet mière of Taras Bulba on 9 November 1924 per-

124 125 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

JOSEF ŠPAČEK AND THE CZECH STUDENT PHILHARMONIC Special concert (part of the cycle Steps to the New World)

For children from age 11 with parents, In collaboration with the Lípa Musica Festival, groping…” (Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy in disciplined with simplicity, and we could go on youth, and adult listeners there will be two concerts in the Dvořák Hall a letter to Ferdinand David, his friend and the and on without saying everything because words at Prague’s Rudolfinum, with Josef Špaček ap- first performer of his Violin Concerto) cannot describe music. One must listen to it; one CZK 230–550 pearing as both a violinist and conductor to- must maintain a simple, deeply comprehending gether with the Czech Student Philharmonic. “The Germans have four violin concertos. The heart with an open, unprejudiced mind. Then greatest and most uncompromising is Bee- we can understand him. If we can do this even a 26 Sept. 2020 Saturday Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy thoven’s. Brahms’s competes with Beethoven’s little bit, we will love him. […] Mozart wrote his in terms of seriousness. Max Bruch has writ- first symphony aged 8. By the age of 26 he had 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Violin Concerto in E Minor, ten the most magical violin concerto. But the already written a few dozen symphonies. The Op. 64 most deeply felt, the real treasure of the heart, mayor of his native Salzburg, Sigmund Haffner, 27 Sept. 2020 Sunday is Mendelssohn’s concerto.” (Joseph Joachim, was being elevated to the nobility at the time. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart a great German violinist and one of the first He held an appropriately lavish celebration and 10 a.m. Dvořák Hall performers of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto) commissioned Mozart to compose a symphony Symphony No. 35 in D Major, for him. Mozart wrote it in a few days… The K 385 (“Haffner”) “In the history of the arts, it would be hard to symphony is a truly important work in Mozart’s Tickets are sold at the Czech Philharmonic find such an example of deep unity of everything oeuvre, because in it he achieved an unprece- Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum or on-line Czech Student Philharmonic from the past with such penetrating vision of dented balance of all available resources. The at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Make reservations the future as in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's writing is wonderful and the form magnificent; on-line or through the Customer Service at Petr Kadlec guide music. He was one of the three great compos- there is nobility and pathos, and the melodic, [email protected]. Josef Špaček violin, conductor ers of Viennese Classicism, historically speaking. rhythmic, and harmonic ideas are enchanting. But he will always remain a classic in a deeper Order and imagination are bonded into a single “I would like to write a violin concerto for you sense – how he managed to take his enormous whole.” (Ivan Medek, music journalist) this winter. The beginning in E minor keeps musicalinvention, boundless ocean of ideas and running through my head, and it gives me no imagination and subject them to discipline and peace! […] Don’t laugh at me too much… [As formal clarity. He is joyful, sad, serious, silly, far as the concerto is concerned…] I’m still monumental, playful, brilliantly virtuosic, and

126 127 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

The workshops are primarily intended for partici- Tickets are sold at the Czech Philharmonic MUSICA LUDUS pants over the age of 60, but they should also serve Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum or on-line as inspiration for caregivers, volunteers, and so- at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Make reservations OR MUSIC BY PLAY cial workers. In the course of the designated time, on-line or through the Customer Service at Workshops for the elderly everyone will be working on separate topics under [email protected]. the leadership of our outstanding, inspirational tutors Rafaela Drgáčová, Hana Havelková and Ondřej Tichý, and efforts will be directed towards César Franck preparing a joint conclusion in the form of mu- The Accursed Huntsman 60+, max. capacity for 45 participants Since the beginnings of human civilisation, sical movement that will combine the individual divided into three groups music has been a world where ceremonies en- activities and bring joy to all of the participants. counter dancing, a world of invocations and of Sergei Prokofiev 210 minutes (with intermissions) listening. With music, we can be entirely our- Most important will be the joy of making new Romeo a Juliet, Suite No. 1 selves in our own homes or in a gathering of social contacts, the experience of listening to a hundred thousand people; music is there for CZK 150 music, the discovery of connections between Antonín Dvořák us from the cradle to the grave. We think of rhythm, tempo, movement, instrumental col- Suite A major, Op. 98b music in terms of great symphonies and simple ours, and the silence between the notes. The 12 Nov. 2020 Thursday children’s songs; we find in music the triumphs workshops are open to all who want to escape I. Moderato alla polacca and failures of professional artists as well as the their routines and to discover and experience II. Andante Suk Hall and other venues joy that amateurs find playing in their ensem- something interesting at an advanced age to- III. Allegro bles. Our country is a model to many others gether with likeminded people. 1 p.m. for its system of comprehensive, highly demo- cratic education on many levels, and there are Marek Eben host growing efforts throughout Europe to bring the 13 Nov. 2020 Friday Alice Nellis screenplay, direction world of the arts to the elderly. AN ORCHESTRA REHEARSAL Petr Altrichter conductor Suk Hall and other venues The Czech Philharmonic does not wish to fall For youth and adult listeners behind in this area, either, so in an effort to Marek Eben will be the listener’s guide to the 8:30 a.m. make music accessible to all listeners, to its pro- 120 minutes musical galaxies. What does a composer put grammes for children and the youth from var- into music, and what do the players and the Tickets are sold at the Czech Philharmonic ious social groups, it is now adding activation CZK 300–1100 conductors add? Is the score sacred, or can compositions be adapted somehow? And how Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum or on-line workshops for the elderly. These workshops will does one get an orchestra to play the music just at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Make reservations be deliberately “non-competitive” in their orien- tation, with an emphasis on shared experience 25 Feb. 2021 Thursday as the conductor imagines it? We invite you to on-line or through the Customer Service at in working with simple musical instruments, the brand new, fun, and informative programme [email protected]. listening, and movement – they will offer some- 26 Feb. 2021 Friday by Alice Nellis for everyone who wants to know thing to all participants regardless of age, abili- more about music! ty, or musical experience. 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall

128 129 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

CONCERT OF THE JOINT ORCHESTRA OF MUSIC SCHOOL PUPILS AND THE CZECH PHILHARMONIC MUSICIANS Concluding concert of the project

12+ Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy The Hebrides Overture, Op. 26 60 minutes (no intermission) Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky CZK 150–350 Swan Lake (extracts) 6 Jun. 2021 Sunday Joint orchestra of music 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall school pupils and the Czech Philharmonic musicians Public dress rehearsal Petr Altrichter conductor admission price CZK 150

6 Jun. 2021 Sunday

11 a.m. Dvořák Hall

Tickets are sold at the Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum or on-line at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Make reservations on-line or through the Customer Service at [email protected].

130 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

126th season 2020 | 2021

133 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

INTRODUCTION

Dear Listeners and Subscribers, members of great Czech quartets (ensembles when such stars as Pablo Casals were appear- by G. Bononcini and G. F. Handel. Lovers of that bore the names Vlach, Smetana, Dvořák, ing in Czech Chamber Music Society concerts. choral music will definitely enjoy the beautiful You are opening the programme catalogue for and Talich), my lifelong cordial relationship Christmas programme prepared by the ensemble the 126th season of the Czech Chamber Music with chamber music was taking shape. My ca- In the 2020/2021 season, we will also be commem- Martinů Voices. Understandably, we will not be Society. I hope lovers of chamber music will reer as a professional player began in the Czech orating a major anniversary: the passing of 250 neglecting listeners with an ear for the sound of take an interest in works featuring in the series Philharmonic, where I spent many wonderful years since the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven. wind instruments. For them, we have prepared an of the Czech Philharmonic and vice-versa, so years. After a long period, I am returning to Besides his orchestral and vocal masterpieces, he appearance by the wind quintet from the Leipzig subscribers of symphonic concerts will also be the Rudolfinum in a role that is most prestig- also left us many wonderful chamber music works. Gewandhaus and a concert of the Czech Philhar- able to enjoy attending chamber music concerts. ious for me personally. With humility, I have The performing of his complete string quartets is monic Winds Thanks to the joint catalogue, all of you will accepted the position entrusted to me by the actually something like a cycle within all of the have plenty of information at your fingertips. newly elected Czech Chamber Music Society cycles, overlapping with all of the concert series, In our various series, we have given a more prom- Committee and the management of the Czech so that all of our listeners and subscribers will get inent place to a world-famous artist who can pro- Our history dates back to 1894, truly a ground- Philharmonic. I wish to thank both of those a chance. As is already clear from the recital se- ject his artistic personality into a whole series, breaking year for the development of chamber important institutions for their confidence in ries, the Czech Chamber Music Society is trying becoming its embodiment, soul, and face – that music in Prague. That was the year of the found- me, and I hope you will join us in enjoying the to open itself up more to the world, and I believe is its curator. I am overjoyed that the founder of ing of the Czech Chamber Music Society, the programmes we have prepared. that our long-time subscribers and our regular, the Hagen Quartet, cellist Clemens Hagen, ac- institution that now presents the most pres- occasional, and new listeners will appreciate the cepted my offer to appear three times in the com- tigious series of chamber music concerts. The In planning the programmes, we respected the side-by-side comparison of the best Czech ensem- ing season – with his own quartet as part of the legendary Bohemian Quartet was behind the successful tradition of our established series. bles with top players from abroad. You will be performing of Ludwig van Beethoven’s complete creation of the society together with the soci- Again, you can look forward to concerts at the hearing Beethoven’s great works played not only quartets, with the Vienna Piano Trio, and finally ety’s greatest patron and first chairman, Josef Dvořák Hall on Mondays and Wednesdays, by the Bennewitz, Pražák, and Talich quartets, as a guest of the Wihan Quartet in Schubert’s Hlávka. That is when the era began that influ- Early Evening Concerts in the Suk Hall on but also in interpretations by such world-famous Quintet with two cellos. He also clearly left his enced above all the development of the Czech Tuesdays, and Saturday Matinees at the Liech- ensembles as the Hagen Quartet and the Artemis mark on the dramaturgy of Series II as a whole. school of string quartet playing of the twentieth tenstein Palace. We have now added a new, ex- Quartet. So there is plenty to look forward to. century. The Bohemian Quartet was actually in clusive recital series, and some of the world’s My wish for all of you, our audience, is that you a sense the first dramaturge of the Czech Cham- most illustrious soloists from this country and Listeners who enjoy vocal music will not be always come away with an artistic experience of ber Music Society, and I am honoured and abroad have accepted our invitations, including missing out, either. We will have the chance to the greatest depth, having shared every single pleased to be carrying on its activity and the cellist Alisa Weilerstein, pianists Rudolf Buch- enjoy the artistry of two leading Czech sopranos. note of the concert with us. We look forward work of all of the others who have preceded me binder and Ivan Klánský and the world-famous Kateřina Kněžíková will present herself in an in- to seeing you. in devoting themselves to conscientious plan- singer Ian Bostridge, just to name a few. I hope terestingly conceived song recital, and Martina ning of programmes. Already as a student of that with this series, we will be building upon Janková will be accompanied by the orchestra Radek Křižanovský chamber music under wonderful teachers and the special recital performances of the past, Musica Florea in arias from sacred oratorios Director of Programming

134 135 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

SERIES I

I

The concerts of this series, traditionally held on Monday evenings, will offer highly varied pro- gramming, with something for perhaps every listener. In cooperation with the festival Strings of Autumn, we are welcoming the Dover Quartet (USA). Two concerts from the series will be devoted to the playing of Ludwig van Beethoven’s complete string quartets with performances by the Ben- newitz Quartet and German Artemis Quartet. A song recital by soprano Kateřina Kněžíková will lend variety to the series, and the Gewandhaus Woodwind Quintet the world’s oldest ensemble of its kind, has also accepted an invitation.

137 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

I1

October 2020 Dmitri Shostakovich Prelude and Scherzo. Two Pieces 5 Oct. 2020 Monday for String Octet, Op. 11 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Olli Mustonen Nonet No. 2

L’ubica Čekovská Octet (world première) Concert in collaboration with the Strings of Autumn Festival. Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy

The subscription concerts of Octet in E Flat Major, Op. 20 Series I are held on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. in the Dvořák Hall. Pavel Haas Quartet Veronika Jarůšková violin I The prices of single tickets range Marek Zwiebel violin II from CZK 100 to 350 viola Subscription prices range Jiří Kabát from CZK 460 to 1620 Peter Jarůšek cello

Individual tickets and Dover Quartet subscriptions are sold at the Joel Link violin I Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office Bryan Lee violin II in the Rudolfinum and on-line at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Reservations Milena Pajaro-Van de Stadt viola and information are available Camden Shaw cello through the Czech Philharmonic Customer Service. Special guest: Petr Ries double bass

139 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

I2 I3 Concert celebrating 100 years of Czech–Japanese relations. Performances of the Complete String Quartets by Ludwig van Beethoven

November 2020 Pavel Haas December 2020 Ludwig van Beethoven Study for Strings String Quartet in C Major, Op. 59, No. 3 2 Nov. 2020 Monday 14 Dec. 2020 Monday Toru Takemitsu Ludwig van Beethoven 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Nostalghia for violin and orchestra String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 132

Antonín Dvořák Artemis Quartet Mazurek, Op. 49 for violin and orchestra Vineta Sareika violin I Suyoen Kim violin II Takashi Yoshimatsu Gregor Sigl viola Threnody to Toki for string orchestra and Harriet Krijgh cello piano

Antonín Dvořák Romance in F Minor, Op. 11, for violin and orchestra

Vítězslav Novák Serenade in F Major

Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra soloists TBA Ondřej Vrabec conductor

140 141 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

I4

January 2021 Bohuslav Martinů Johannes Brahms New Slovak Songs, H 126 – selections Liebestreu, Op. 3, No. 1 25 Jan. 2021 Monday Am Sonntag Morgen, Op. 49, No. 1 Klement Slavický 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall An ein Veilchen, Op. 49, No. 2 Ej, srdenko moje – Oh, My Heart. A cycle Wie Melodien zieht es, Op. 105, No. 1 of songs to words from Moravian folk Feldeinsamkeit, Op. 86, No. 2 poetry for high voice and piano O liebliche Wangen, Op. 47, No. 4

Antonín Dvořák Johannes Brahms Furiant in F Major, Op. 42, No. 2 for piano Intermezzo in E Flat Minor, Op. 118, No. 6 solo for piano solo

Antonín Dvořák Richard Strauss Gypsy Melodies, Op. 55. A cycle of songs Winterweihe, Op. 48, No. 4 to words by Adolf Heyduk Ständchen, Op. 17, No. 2 Allerseelen, Op. 10, No. 8 Franz Schubert Cäcilie, Op. 27, No. 2 Nacht und Träume, D 827 Zueignung, Op. 10, No. 1 Gretchen am Spinnrade, D 118 Du bist die Ruh, D 776 Kateřina Kněžíková soprano Rastlose Liebe, D 138 David Švec piano

142 143 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

I5 I6 Performances of the Complete String Quartets by Ludwig van Beethoven

March 2021 Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy April 2021 Ludwig van Beethoven Six Songs without Words String Quartet A Major, Op. 18, No. 5 8 Mar. 2021 Monday 12 Apr. 2021 Monday Antonín Rejcha Ludwig van Beethoven 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Wind Quintet in G Major, Op. 88, No. 3 String Quartet f Minor, Op. 95

Jacques Ibert Ludwig van Beethoven Trois pièces brèves String Quartet F Major, Op. 135

August Klughardt Bennewitz Quartet Wind Quintet, Op. 79 Jakub Fišer violin I Štěpán Ježek violin II Gewandhaus Woodwind Quintet Jiří Pinkas viola Katalin Stefula flute Štěpán Doležal cello Simon Sommerhalder oboe Thomas Ziesch clarinet Ralf Götz French horn Albert Kegel bassoon

144 145 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

SERIES II Curator: Clemens Hagen II

This series is also dedicated in part to the complete performing of the quartets by Ludwig van Beethoven – at two concerts, the famed Hagen Quartet and the Pražák Quartet will play the master’s exceptional works. In this series, the name of cellist Clemens Hagen will appear with striking frequency. This wonderful artist will be appearing no less than three times – first with his own ensemble, then as a member of the Vienna Piano Trio, and finally in Schubert’s Quintet with two cellos, together with the Wihan Quartet. Musica Florea led by Marek Štryncl will accompany soprano Martina Janková in a programme of arias from sacred oratorios by Giovanni Bononcini and Georg Friedrich Händel. Another attractive programme will be the appearance by the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble with Jan Mráček and Karel Untermüller in Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante.

147 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

II1 Performances of the Complete String Quartets by Ludwig van Beethoven

September 2020 Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 59, No. 2 30 Sept. 2020 Wednesday

7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet B Major, Op. 130

Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet B Major, Op. 133 (“Grosse Fuge”)

Hagen Quartet The subscription concerts of Lukas Hagen violin I Series II are held on Wednesdays Rainer Schmidt violin II at 7:30 p.m. in the Dvořák Hall. Veronika Hagen viola Clemens Hagen cello The prices of single tickets range from CZK 100 to 350 Subscription prices range from CZK 460 to 1620

Individual tickets and subscriptions are sold at the Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum and on-line at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Reservations and information are available through the Czech Philharmonic Customer Service.

149 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

II2 Luce eterna – Eternal Light Arias from sacred oratorios by Giovanni Bononcini and Georg Friedrich Händel

October 2020 Georg Friedrich Händel Giovanni Bononcini Sonata Sinfonia à 6 21 Oct. 2020 Wednesday Aria “Disseratevi, oh porte d’averno” Aria “All’uomo fan guerra” 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Aria “D’amor fu consiglio” Aria “D’un bel ciglio l’ardente splendore” Aria “Se per colpa di donna infelice” Aria “Io non vo dentro mio core” (from the oratorio La Resurrezione (from the oratorio San Nicola di Bari) HWV 47) Georg Friedrich Händel Giovanni Bononcini Concerto grosso No. 5 in D Major, Op. 6, Sinfonia HWV 323 – Part I Aria “Il Diletto” Aria “Voglio cangiar desio” Aria “E fiorito” Aria “Un pensiero nemico di pace” (from the oratorio San Nicola di Bari) (from the oratorio Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno, HWV 46a) Georg Friedrich Händel Sonata del ouvertura Georg Friedrich Händel Aria “Una schiera di piaceri” Concerto grosso No. 5 in D Major, Op. 6, Aria “Io sperai trovar nel vero piacer” HWV 323 – Part II (from the oratorio Il trionfo del Tempo Aria “Tu, del ciel ministro eletto” e del Disinganno, HWV 46a) (from the oratorio Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno, HWV 46a)

Martina Janková soprano Musica Florea Marek Štryncl artistic director

150 151 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

II3 II4 Performances of the Complete String Quartets by Ludwig van Beethoven

December 2020 Ludwig van Beethoven January 2021 Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet B Flat Major, Op. 18, No. 6 Piano Trio in B Flat Major, Op. 97 2 Dec. 2020 Wednesday 6 Jan. 2021 Wednesday (“Archduke”) Ludwig van Beethoven 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall String Quartet E Flat Major, Op. 74 Franz Schubert (“Harp”) Piano Trio in B Flat Major, D 898

Ludwig van Beethoven Vienna Piano Trio String Quartet E Flat Major, Op. 127 David McCarroll violin Clemens Hagen cello Pražák Quartet Stefan Mendl piano Jana Vonášková violin I Vlastimil Holek violin II Josef Klusoň viola Michal Kaňka cello

152 153 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

II5 II6

February 2021 Edvard Grieg March 2021 Antonín Dvořák Suite “From Holberg’s Time”, Op. 40 String Quartet No. 11 in C Major, Op. 61 24 Feb. 2021 Wednesday 31 Mar. 2021 Wednesday Joseph Haydn Franz Schubert 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall 7:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Symphony No. 49 in F Minor, Hob I:49 Quintet in C Major, Op. 163, D 956, for (“La Passione”) two violins, viola and two cellos

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Wihan Quartet Sinfonia concertante in E Flat Major, Leoš Čepický violin I K 364 for violin, viola and orchestra Jan Schulmeister violin II Jakub Čepický viola Czech Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble Michal Kaňka cello Jan Mráček violin Karel Untermüller viola Special guest: Clemens Hagen cello

154 155 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

EARLY EVENING CONCERTS

HP

The Prague Philharmonia Wind Quintet will introduce itself at the beginning of this series, traditionally set in the Suk Hall. The concert is devoted in part to the birthday of composer Zdeněk Šesták. Among the other artists who are well known to us is the harpsichordist of Iranian origin living in Prague, Mahan Esfahani, who is joining with gamba player Hille Perl in preparing a programme largely devoted to the music of the Bach family. In accordance with tradition, one of the concerts will be reserved for laureates of important Czech competitions. Perhaps something of a surprise for the audience will be the appearance by cellist Camille Thomas, whose partner at the piano will be Lukáš Klánský. Finally, it is worth mentioning the appearance of the Czech Philharmonic Winds led by Ondřej Vrabec.

157 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

HP1 Concert for the birthday of the composer Zdeněk Šesták

October 2020 Antonín Rejcha Wind Quintet in E Minor, Op. 88, No. 1 13 Oct. 2020 Tuesday Václav Trojan 5:30 p.m. Suk Hall Divertimento for wind quintet

Zdeněk Šesták Divertimento concertante

Norman Hallam Dance suite

The subscription concerts are held on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Prague Philharmonia Wind Quintet in the Suk Hall. Jiří Ševčík flute Jan Brabec clarinet The prices of single tickets Vladislav Borovka oboe range from CZK 200 to 240 bassoon Subscription prices range Václav Fürbach from CZK 920 to 1080 Jan Musil French horn

Individual tickets and subscriptions are sold at the Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum and on-line at ceskafilharmonie.cz. Reservations and information are available through the Czech Philharmonic Customer Service.

159 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

HP2 HP3 Concert of competition laureates (2020 Prague Spring, 2019 Bohuslav Martinů Foundation Competition, 2020 Concertino Praga, 2020 Antonín Dvořák International Singing Competition etc.)

November 2020 Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach January 2021 Programme TBA Sonata in G Minor for harpsichord and 24 Nov. 2020 Tuesday 12 Jan. 2021 Tuesday viola da gamba, Wq 88 5:30 p.m. Suk Hall 5:30 p.m. Suk Hall Carl Friedrich Abel Solos for viola da gamba (from the Drexel manuscript)

Johann Sebastian Bach Sonata in D Major for viola da gamba and harpsichord, BWV 2018

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach Sonata in D Major for harpsichord, Fk 3

Christoph Schaffrath Sonata in A Major for viola da gamba and harpsichord, CSWV F:29

Johann Sebastian Bach Sonata in G Minor for viola da gamba and harpsichord, BWV 1029

Mahan Esfahani harpsichord Hille Perl viola da gamba

160 161 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

HP4 HP5

February 2021 Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy March 2021 Peter Seabourne Songs without Words Fanfare “Mille Fiori” 9 Feb. 2021 Tuesday 23 Mar. 2021 Tuesday Johannes Brahms Robin Holloway 5:30 p.m. Suk Hall 5:30 p.m. Suk Hall Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38 Lamento for four French horns

Fryderyk Chopin Jean Françaix Introduction and Polonaise brillante in 9 pièces caracteristiques C Major, Op. 3, for cello and piano Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Olivier Messiaen Serenade in B Flat Major, K 361 / 370a Louange à l’éternité de Jésus from the (“Gran Partita”) Quartet for the End of Time Czech Philharmonic Winds César Franck Ondřej Vrabec artistic curator of the project Cello Sonata in A Major

Camille Thomas cello Lukáš Klánský piano

162 163 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

HP6 Performances of the Complete String Quartets by Ludwig van Beethoven

April 2021 Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet in F Major, Op. 18, No. 1 27 Apr. 2021 Tuesday Ludwig van Beethoven 5:30 p.m. Suk Hall String Quartet in G Major, Op. 18, No. 2

Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet in D Major, Op. 18, No. 3

Graff Quartet Štěpán Graffe violin I Lukáš Bednařík violin II Lukáš Cybulski viola Michal Hreňo cello

164 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

MORNING CONCERTS

DK

The popular Saturday matinees will again offer a varied programme, so that all listeners will surely be able to choose their favourite artists and composers. Opening the series is the Dvořák Piano Trio with interesting early works by Ludwig van Beethoven and Antonín Dvořák. The Christmas Con- cert will be in the spirit of music by Benjamin Britten and Jan Novák – this exclusive programme performed by the Martinů Voices will bring pleasure especially to fans of choral music. Lovers of the King of Instruments, the organ, will not miss out, either. The partner of organist Pavel Svoboda will be French horn player Kateřina Javůrková. The European Guitar Quartet, one of the world’s most renowned ensembles, will be appearing in Prague for the first time. The concluding concert will again be devoted to the performing of the complete string quartets by Ludwig van Beethoven, this time with the Talich Quartet.

167 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

DK1 DK2 Prague Brass Ensemble and guests Concert for the Ensemble’s 40th Anniversary

October 2020 Sergei Rachmaninoff November 2020 Claude Le Jeune Trio élégiaque No. 1 in G minor Revoici Venir du Printemps 10 Oct. 2020 Saturday 7 Nov. 2020 Saturday Ludwig van Beethoven Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer 10:30 a.m. Martinů Hall, 10:30 a.m. Martinů Hall, Academy of Performing Arts Trio in B Flat Major, Op. 11 Academy of Performing Arts Suite in D Major (“Gassenhauer”) for violin, cello, and piano William Byrd The Earle of Oxford’s March Antonín Dvořák Piano Trio in G Minor, Op. 26 Giovanni Gabrieli Sonata Pian’e Forte

The subscription concerts are Dvořák Piano trio held on Saturdays at 10.30 a.m. Jan Fišer violin Giovanni Gabrieli in the Martinů Hall Tomáš Jamník cello Canzon duodecimi toni Ivo Kahánek piano The prices of single tickets Johann Sebastian Bach range from CZK 230 to 260 Jesus bleibet meine Freude Subscription prices range from CZK 1000 to 1140 Charles Theodore Pachelbel

Individual tickets and Magnificat subscriptions are sold at the Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office Tomasz Stolarczyk in the Rudolfinum and on-line at New Road ceskafilharmonie.cz. Reservations and information are available through the Czech Philharmonic Customer Service.

168 169 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

Gustav Mahler / arr. Břetislav Kotrba Prague Brass Ensemble Urlicht – 4th movement from the František Bílek trumpet Symphony No. 2 Arnold Kinkal trumpet Jiří Lisý French horn Antonín Dvořák / arr. Břetislav Kotrba Jan Votava tenor trombone Slavonic Dance No. 4 – Sousedská Karel Kučera bass trombone

Bedřich Smetana / arr. Břetislav Kotrba Also performing: March of the Prague Student Legion Czech Philharmonic Low Brass Ensemble Carl Orff / arr. Jan Votava Robert Kozánek, Lukáš Moťka, Carmina Burana Jan Perný, Lukáš Besuch, Bohumil Tůma trombones Astor Piazzola Karel Malimánek tuba Libertango Jan Hasenöhrl trumpet Henry Filmore Jiří Houdek trumpet Slim trombone

170 171 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

DK3 Christmas Concert Concert for the Ensemble’s 10th Anniversary

December 2020 Benjamin Britten Te Deum in C 12 Dec. 2020 Saturday Jan Novák 10:30 a.m. Martinů Hall, Academy of Performing Arts Canti natalizi

Jan Novák Adeste fideles from the cantata “Invitatio pastorum”

Benjamin Britten A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28

Martinů Voices Lukáš Vasilek choirmaster

Also performing: Kateřina Englichová harp Daniel Havel flute Daniela Valtová Kosinová organ

172 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

DK4

January 2021 Georg Philipp Telemann Karlheinz Stockhausen Concerto in D Major for French horn In Freundschaft for French horn solo 30 Jan. 2021 Saturday and organ Charles-Marie Widor 10:30 a.m. Martinů Hall, Academy of Performing Arts Johann Sebastian Bach Allegro from the Organ Symphony No. 6 Prelude in G Major for organ, BWV 568 in G Minor, Op. 42, No. 2

Johann Sebastian Bach Jan Kučera Jesus bleibet meine Freude, BWV 147 Composition for French horn and organ (arranged for French horn and organ) (world première)

Johann Sebastian Bach Kateřina Javůrková French horn Fugue in G Major for organ, BWV 577 Pavel Svoboda organ Adam Suk organ* Carl Reinecke Nocturne for French horn and organ, Op. 112

Georgi Muschel Toccata for organ*

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Adagio and Allegro in F Minor, K 594 (arranged for organ four-hands)*

174 175 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

DK5

March 2021 Astor Piazzolla Nicolò Paganini Verano porteño from The Four Seasons of Sonata No. 21 13 Mar. 2021 Saturday Buenos Aires Thomas Fellow 10:30 a.m. Martinů Hall, Academy of Performing Arts Reentko Dirks Agrippina Rafa Thomas Fellow Kurt Weill Medusa Alabama Song Reentko Dirks Pavel Steidl Like a Phoenix Pictures from Moravia Frank Zappa Jimi Hendrix Oh No Purple Haze Sergei Prokofiev Astor Piazzolla Visions fugitives, Op. 22, Nos. 8, 10, 16 Invierno porteño from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires Frank Zappa Father O’Blivion Reentko Dirks Danza non Danza European Guitar Quartet Zoran Dukic guitar Astor Piazzolla Pavel Steidl guitar Concierto para quinteto Thomas Fellow guitar Reentko guitar

176 177 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

DK6 Performances of the Complete String Quartets by Ludwig van Beethoven

April 2021 Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet in C Minor, Op. 18, No. 4 17 Apr. 2021 Saturday Ludwig van Beethoven 10:30 a.m. Martinů Hall, Academy of Performing Arts String Quartet in F Major, Op. 59, No. 1

Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet in C Sharp Minor, Op. 131

Talich Quartet Jan Talich violin I Roman Patočka violin II Radim Sedmidubský viola Michal Kaňka cello

178 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

RECITALS

R

For this season, we have prepared a new, exclusive series presenting both Czech and especially foreign artists seldom giving recitals. You will be hearing Austrian pianist Rudolf Buchbinder in a unique programme of variations on a theme by Anton Diabelli, British tenor Ian Bostridge in Schubert’s iconic song cycle Winterreise, outstanding cellist Alisa Weilerstein in a programme of popular Czech and French works, and Czech Chopin specialist Ivan Klánský, but unusually this time in an all-Beethoven programme.

181 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

R1 R2

December 2020 Anton Diabelli February 2021 Franz Schubert Waltz in C Major Winterreise, D 911. A cycle of songs to 6 Dec. 2020 Sunday 7 Feb. 2021 Sunday words by Wilhelm Müller Lera Auerbach, Brett Dean, Toshio 5:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall 5:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Hosokawa, Christian Jost, Brad Lubman, Ian Bostridge tenor Philippe Manoury, Krzysztof Penderecki, Vadym Kholodenko piano Max Richter, Rodion Shchedrin, Johannes Maria Staud, Tan Dun, Jörg Widmann New Variations on a Theme by Diabelli (2020) The subscription concerts are held on Sundays at 5.30 p.m. Johann Nepomuk Hummel, Frédéric in the Dvořák Hall. Kalkbrenner, Conradin Kreutzer, Franz

The prices of single tickets Liszt, Ignaz Moscheles, Franz Xaver range from CZK 200 to 850 Wolfgang Mozart, Franz Schubert, Carl Subscription prices range Czerny from CZK 650 to 2200 Variations on a Theme by Diabelli (1824)

Individual tickets and subscriptions are sold at the Ludwig van Beethoven Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office 33 Variations on a Waltz by Diabelli, in the Rudolfinum and on-line at Op. 120 (1823) ceskafilharmonie.cz. Reservations and information Rudolf Buchbinder piano are available through the Czech Philharmonic Customer Service.

182 183 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

R3 R4

March 2021 Leoš Janáček April 2021 Ludwig van Beethoven Fairy Tale for cello and piano Piano Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90 14 Mar. 2021 Sunday 25 Apr. 2021 Sunday Claude Debussy Ludwig van Beethoven 5:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall 5:30 p.m. Dvořák Hall Cello Sonata in D Minor Piano Sonata No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111

Antonín Dvořák Ludwig van Beethoven Silent Woods, Op. 68, No. 5 for cello and Six Variations in G Major, WoO 70 for piano piano solo

César Franck Ludwig van Beethoven Cello Sonata in A Major Six Variations in F Major, Op. 34 for piano solo Alisa Weilerstein cello David Mareček piano Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 (“Appassionata”)

Ivan Klánský piano

184 185 CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY COMMITTEE

Chairman Pavel Kysilka

Vice-chairman Jan Králík

Director Jiří Ludvík

Director of Programming Radek Křižanovský

Council Members Ivan Klánský Jan Kohout Jiří Panocha Josef Špaček Marek Vrabec

187 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

— Subscription ticket prices are discounted Subscription reservations: INFORMATION by 25–40% for concerts of the chosen series — on-line at ceskafilharmonie.cz in the in comparison with the regular price of section Concerts/Concert Series ABOUT TICKETS tickets sold separately. — through the Czech Philharmonic Customer — Subscribers are entitled to a 20% discount Service CUSTOMER SERVICE AND TICKET 17. listopadu (barrier-free access). to other Czech Philharmonic Czech OFFICES At the Ticket Office, you can pay in cash or Chamber Music Society concerts. Seat Reservations for Existing Subscribers with a credit card. — Subscription tickets guarantee you will The seats of subscribers from previous concert Czech Philharmonic Customer Service phone: always get the same seat in the hall for all seasons are reserved for the new season until +420 227 059 227 The Ticket Office accepts the following concerts in the series. 14 June 2020. e-mail: [email protected] vouchers: Sodexo (Flexi Pass, Relax Pass, — A subscription ticket is transferrable – Fokus Pass), Cheque Déjeuner (Unišek, if you cannot attend a concert, you can led The Customer Service provides all Unišek+, Cadhoc), and Edenred Benefits your subscription to someone else. BONUS PROGRAMME information about tickets available at the (Multi, Sport&Kultura) — You can receive a partial refund for Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office at the subscription concerts you are unable to By presenting a valid subscription ticket, you Rudolfinum (for concerts of the Czech Ticket Office business hours attend by contacting Customer Service. can get the following benefits: Philharmonic, the Czech Chamber Music workdays: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. You will receive a discount coupon worth — Czech Philharmonic, 20 % discount Society, and selected external concert (July, August: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.) 40% of the value of the cancelled concerts on Czech Philharmonic and Czech organisers). They can answer your questions — open on the day of a Czech Philharmonic in proportion to the total price of the Chamber Music Society concerts at the concerning the programmes of concerts of the or Czech Chamber Music Society concert subscription. Rudolfinum, 80 % discount on selected Czech Philharmonic and the Czech Chamber until the concert begins — We will automatically send you the programme non-subscription chamber concerts in the Music Society, help you select concerts, and — open for morning concerts on any day catalogue for the following season. Suk Hall (for further details see “more handle your reservations, orders, or payments 1 hour before the concert begins about tickets” on the selected concerts made by bank transfer. — open for afternoon concerts on weekends Sale of Subscriptions pages). To claim the discount, please visit and holidays 2 hours before the concert The sale of subscriptions to the 2020/2021 the Rudolfinum Ticket Office or contact Customer Service business hours begins season begins on Monday, 6 April 2020 at the Customer Service workdays: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 10 a.m. The sale of subscriptions ends on — Rudolfinum Gallery, 10 % discount on (July, August: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.) the day of the first concert of the chosen catalogs and other items at the sales point open on the day of a Czech Philharmonic TICKETS TO CZECH PHILHARMONIC subscription series. Thereafter, only individual in the Rudolfinum's Ceremony Hall; concert until the concert begins SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS tickets will be sold. www.galerierudolfinum.cz/en — National Theatre, 30% discount for Ticket Office With a single purchase, you get tickets to all You can purchase subscriptions: performances presented by the National The Ticket Office sells tickets to concerts of concerts of the selected Czech Philharmonic — at the Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office in Theatre (for one subscription a maximum the Czech Philharmonic, the Czech Chamber series. the Rudolfinum of two tickets to one performance) Music Society, and selected external concert — on-line at ceskafilharmonie.cz in — Prague Philharmonic Choir, tickets organisers. Subscription tickets offer the following the section Concerts/Concert Series to all of the choir’s own concerts at the The Ticket Office is inside the Rudolfinum. benefits: discounted price of CZK 100 Please use the entrance from the street

188 189 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

— Dvořák Prague Festival, 10% discount for Tickets can be purchased: Advance sales of tickets to individuals for Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum, or they can concerts of the Dvořák Prague Festival (for — at the Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office all public dress rehearsals for the entire be ordered through the Czech Philharmonic one subscription a maximum of two tickets in the Rudolfinum 2020/2021 season will begin on Monday, Customer Service with payment by bank to one concert) — on-line at ceskafilharmonie.cz 14 September 2020 at 10 a.m. both at the transfer. None of the discounts are applicable — The Met: Live in HD, CZK 50 discount in the section Concerts/Programme Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office in the to the purchase of gift vouchers. Gift off the full ticket price for The Met: Live in Rudolfinum and on-line at ceskafilharmonie. vouchers can be used to purchase tickets to HD in the 2020/2021 season, redeemable Ticket reservations can be made: cz in the section Concerts/Programme. concerts of the Czech Philharmonic or the at the cinemas Aero, Světozor, and Bio — on-line at ceskafilharmonie.cz Earlier orders will not be honoured. Czech Chamber Music Society of equal or Oko in Prague (buy up to two discounted in the section Concerts/Programme Reservations are handled by the Czech greater value (with payment of the balance) tickets for one performance; the number — through the Czech Philharmonic Customer Philharmonic Customer Service and only than the value of the gift certificate either at of performances is unlimited; see the Service by e-mail: [email protected]. For the Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office or on- performance schedule at www.metopera.cz) reasons of capacity, telephone reservations are line at ceskafilharmonie.cz. — e -Harmonie, with each purchased Please contact the Customer Service for not possible. subscription, get a free access code for group orders. Orders for admission to Gift vouchers are not valid for the following a quarterly subscription to the Czech music educational concerts for school groups are Czech Philharmonic concerts: Special New journal e-Harmonie handled by the education department (phone: EXCHANGING AND RETURNING Year’s Eve Dress Rehearsal, New Year’s Eve — CD with Czech Philharmonic recordings, 227 059 222, [email protected]). TICKETS Afternoon Concert and New Year’s Day 10 % discount at all sales points in the Wheelchair places are also available on-line, Concert. Rudolfinum (labels Supraphon, DECCA but these are only spaces for a wheelchair, not Purchased tickets cannot be returned for Classic) seats. a refund. You may exchange tickets for tickets — Parking in the Rudolfinum garage, of an equal or greater value, but no later than DISCOUNTS 1 hour free with a minimum of 2 hours 15 days before the concert. A handling fee during each subscription concert (vouchers TICKETS TO PUBLIC DRESS of CZK 50 will be charged for the exchange Czech Philharmonic subscribers on request at the Czech Philharmonic REHEARSALS of each ticket. E-tickets purchased on-line — 20 % discount on individual tickets to Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum while cannot be exchanged or returned. Czech Philharmonic and Czech Chamber supplies last – the number of vouchers Public dress rehearsals are intended both for Music Society concerts, 80 % discount on is limited, and vouchers do not guarantee individuals and for schools and organised More information is found in the general selected chamber concerts in the Suk Hall available parking spaces) groups. Customer Service accepts bulk orders terms and conditions available at the Czech (for further details see “more about tickets” (min. 10, max. 40 persons) continuously from Philharmonic Ticket Office in the Rudolfinum on the selected concerts pages). To claim the distribution of order forms during May or on-line at ceskafilharmonie.cz. the discount, please visit the Rudolfinum TICKETS TO INDIVIDUAL CONCERTS until no available seating remains. Seats will Ticket Office or contact the Customer be assigned in the order in which orders are Service. Ticket sales for special, Advent, and non- received. GIFT VOUCHERS subscription educational concerts for the Disabled with ZTP or ZTP/P IDs 2020/2021 season begin on Monday, If you have submitted a group order for a Would you like to give someone a ticket — 50 % discount on individual and 6 April 2020 at 10 a.m. dress rehearsal during the 2019/2020 concert to a Czech Philharmonic concert, but you subscription tickets to Czech Philharmonic season, an order form will automatically can’t decide which one to choose? Give them and Czech Chamber Music Society Sales of individual tickets to concerts from be sent during May to the contact address a gift voucher worth CZK 500 or 1,000 that concerts, except from the Tuning Together 2020/2021 subscription series begin you provided. Otherwise, please contact is valid until 30 June 2021. Gift vouchers can series, and 20 % discount on the New on Monday, 8 June 2020 at 10 a.m. the Czech Philharmonic Customer Service. be purchased at the Czech Philharmonic Year’s Eve Afternoon and New Year’s

190 191 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

Day concerts. Same conditions apply Česká spořitelna for the person accompanying the ZTP/P 10% discount on the purchase of individual INTRODUCING THE STUDENT cardholder. The discount does not apply to tickets and 5% discount on subscription standing tickets and choir seats.. purchases for Česká spořitelna clients and PROGRAMME employees except for the subscription Last Minute Tickets to Selected Czech Philharmonic Concerts for 100 CZK Students up to age 26 and children up to series Tuning Together (upon presenting age 15 a ČS payment card or employee ID). For — 50% discount on the purchase of a 70% discount on tickets to selected non- individual tickets to concerts of the Czech subscription chamber music concerts at the Philharmonic and the Czech Chamber Suk Hall, see “more about tickets” for the Music Society. The student discount concerts in question at ceskafilharmonie.cz does not apply to the New Year’s Eve (this discount can be claimed only directly Dear pupils and students with valid ISIC Student Programme ticket on the day of the Afternoon and New Year’s Day concerts at the Czech Philharmonic Ticket Office in SCHOLAR and ISIC cards, performance no sooner than 3 hours before and education concert except from the the Rudolfinum or at the sales desk in the the concert begins. Steps to the New World and concert on 6th Ceremony Hall at the Rudolfinum). The We offer you a unique opportunity to June 2021. The discount does not apply to discount does not apply to the New Year’s get to the sold-out concerts of the Czech This ticket does not guarantee a concrete standing room at any concerts. Afternoon and New Year’s Day concerts. Philharmonic in the Rudolfinum. How to do seat. After entering the Rudolfinum, please this? go to a member of the stewarding staff, Seniors over age 65 Limitations who will then show you to a free seat in the — 50% discount on the purchase of individual — Discounts cannot be combined. Register on the Czech Philharmonic website auditorium (this may include the 1st category tickets to the following concerts presented — Discounts will be granted upon and fill in your ISIC card number. After seats) right before the beginning of the by the Czech Philharmonic: Advent presentation of valid documentation logging in, go to “Loyalty Programme” performance. Please always go to the seat concerts, special concerts, and public dress proving entitlement to the discount. and confirm your registration to become a our staff chose for you. If all seats are taken, rehearsals of the Czech Philharmonic. The — Discounts do not apply to selected special member of the Student Programme. You will please go to the standing area on the middle discount does not apply to subscription concerts and concerts presented by external always need to log in to claim the discounted balcony. series concerts, including concerts of organisers. tickets. the Czech Chamber Music Society or to — Discounts do not apply to gift voucher Come and give our Student Programme education concerts except from the Steps purchases. If you see the “Student Programme” button a try. Start online and then right away to the to the New World and the concert on 6th underneath the “Order Online” option (for Rudolfinum. June 2021. Only 20 % discount applies to For a complete, up-to-date overview of all other ticket purchases) on the selected the New Year’s Eve Afternoon and New discounts and their conditions for the concert’s page, you can buy one discounted If there is anything else you would like to Year’s Day concerts. The discount does 2020/2021 season, contact the Czech ticket for 100 CZK, which you need to know, you can call or email our Customer not apply to standing room or to seating in Philharmonic Customer Service or visit the pay by card immediately. The discount Service at +420 227 059 227, front of the organ (empora). orchestra’s website at ceskafilharmonie.cz. will be applied after adding the ticket to [email protected]. Programmes and performers are subject to your basket. There is no need to print out change without notice. your e-ticket, you can just show it on your mobile device. You can buy the discounted

192 193 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

HOW TO GET TO THE RUDOLFINUM

Metro: line A, station: Staroměstská An indoor staircase with a rail also leads Tram: nos. 2, 17, 18, stop: Staroměstská from the area of the ticket office. There is also Bus: nos. 207, 194, stop: Staroměstská access to the elevator from the underground garage. For step-free access to the Suk Hall, Individual transportation: parking is available use the personnel entrance from the street in underground garages on the Jana Palacha Alšovo nábřeží (beside the entrance to the Square, phone: +420 222 328 687 (the garages Rudolfinum Gallery). The visually impaired are not part of the Rudolfinum building). are permitted to enter the hall with a guide dog. In case of difficulties with exiting by the The Rudolfinum opens one hour before the staircase to the balcony, please ask our staff concert begins and for Preludes to evening for assistance. subscription concerts at 6 p.m.

STEP-FREE ACCESS FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Wheelchair seating is available at the ends of the first row of the parterre in the Dvořák Hall and the Suk Hall.

Step-free access (elevator) to the Dvořák Hall is located by the Ticket Office (from the street 17. listopadu). It is always open one hour before a concert and before Preludes to evening subscription concerts at 6 p.m..

194

CZECH PHILHARMONIC

DYNAMIC CLUB OF THE CZECH PHILHARMONIC

We greatly appreciate all of the contributions of donors who would like to focus preferentially we receive from private donors. We know that on one of those activities. the tradition of private philanthropy in the Czech Republic is very young and is basically We like meeting in person with those who are still rising from the ashes, while it is flourishing interested in joining the Dynamic Club. You to the west of us and is an integral component can find a basic overview of the structure and of support for cultural organisations there. We activities of the Dynamic Club in the section value all the more the ever growing number of Supporters – Dynamic Club on the Czech Phil- our supporters who wish to be bound to the harmonic website. Czech Philharmonic more than just as listeners or subscribers. You can join our Dynamic Club You can express interest in becoming a member for just CZK 1,500 a year and belong to the by emailing to [email protected] or by group Piano. With this basic sum we want to calling +420 606 616 531. Your contact person highlight the view of the Czech Philharmonic is Lucie Maňourová. as the leading Czech orchestra open to all those who cherish our national values, regardless of On behalf of the Czech Philharmonic, we wish their wealth or social status. For larger gifts, to express our sincere thanks for your support we have the categories Mezzo-forte, Forte, and and favour. Fortissimo. “Czech music proves that a country’s greatness In this way, we fund not only the orchestra’s does not depend upon the size of its territory. everyday activities with guest conductors and The Czech Philharmonic has been proving this soloists from around the world, but also special fact since 1896, season after season, at home and projects – young players in the Orchestral Acad- abroad. It is therefore not only an honour, but emy, the dramaturgical and artistic transforma- also a great joy that I am able to contribute in tion of the concerts offered by the Czech Cham- at least some small way towards the activities ber Music Society, new high-quality audiovisual of this extraordinary ensemble as a member of recordings at the Rudolfinum, touring, com- the Dynamic Club.” missioning new works, and last but not least, a great variety of education programmes. The Dr. Marcela Ullmannová breadth of activities of the Czech Philharmonic Member of the Dynamic Club is enormous, and we are able to fulfil the wishes

198 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

PARTNERS OF THE CZECH PHILHARMONIC

We view the jubilee concert season the Czech We owe our sincere thanks to our General Part- able to host top young vocal and instrumental company MAFRA. The good reputation of the Philharmonic is entering as a look back at the ner, the bank Česká spořitelna, and to our Tra- talents in the Dvořák Hall. And we will not be Czech Philharmonic is also spread ever more orchestra’s great wealth of history, but also as ditional Partner, Škoda Auto. It is an honour missing out on new repertoire: for a third year, efficiently with the expertise of on-line and -of an important milestone and the symbolic begin- for us to cooperate with such progressive cham- our orchestra is commissioning works by Czech fline media and of international press agencies, ning of a new stage. It is a chance to resonate pions in their fields, to draw inspiration from and foreign composers. In connection with this, the services of which we employ for tours and further the collective symphony to which equal their visions, and to join in shaping them. We we receive major support for the creation, re- residencies. contributions are made both by the orchestra also thank the architects of those bold ideas, hearsing, and premiering of these works from members and by the administrative and produc- the companies FINEP and Arcona Capital, as the Bohemian Heritage Fund, a partner for new Marketing is an important framework, and with tion teams based in offices at the Rudolfinum. well as the private partners of individual play- Czech music, and our thanks go out to them pro­per care and a diversity of ideas, it creates a But we are fully aware that any plans, however ers – the auction house Arthouse Hejtmánek as well. stur­dy basis for a strong structure. We see our lofty, would have no chance of success without and the watch retailer Bechyně. The bank J&T part­ner­ship pyramid as the essential pillar of this the support of a whole range of institutions and Banka will be significantly engaging in the ac- We are pleased by the growing membership base structure and as a basic melodic line offering associations. tivities of the renascent Czech Chamber Music of the Dynamic Club. This platform for individ- a broad range of possibilities for orchestration. Society, and it also plans to increase support ual patrons and supporters is enthusiastically en- We also appreciate the interest of other parties At the Czech Philharmonic, we highly appreci- for members of the Orchestral Academy. The gaged in the activities of the Czech Philharmon- that put their faith in us, and we look for­ward ate all of the support that we receive from our Mucha Museum will also continue to play its ic, it comes up with valuable suggestions and to more new creative ideas and plans. guarantor, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech part in the life of the Czech Chamber Music helps with the flourishing of all the key activities Republic. Our partners and patrons also help Society and the concept of the Czech Philhar- taking place under the auspices of the Czech Ladies and gentlemen, honoured supporters of us significantly with maintaining and develop- monic Chamber Orchestra. Philharmonic, from education programmes to the Czech Philharmonic, we wish you a 2020/2021 ing our high standards of professional quality the recording of audiovisual projects and even season filled with artistic merit, powerful experi- and prestige as the “leading Czech orchestra” at It is important that we thank the companies the much needed, literally life-giving work of ences, and beautiful harmony. Let the music play! home and abroad. A proof of their trust, which PPF and J&T Banka for the ongoing loans of Ida Kelarová and the ensemble Čhavorenge. We is built upon mutually shared values, is our rare string instruments for our orchestral play- thank each and every one of you! Management of the Czech Philharmonic successful fulfilment of long-term cooperation. ers. Regional centres’ participation is growing Supporting the concept of living partnership, stronger and more active in the project Music As an institution that uses sound as its primary we are also grateful that in doing their part, for Schools on the exchange of valuable expe- medium of expression, our existence requires our partners are not only employing standard rience among music teachers at secondary and that we be well seen and heard. Therefore, the marketing tools, but also giving ever greater elementary schools, which takes place with the intensive support of media partners is of fun- room to innovative ideas and daring, unique support of the Agrofert Foundation. We are damental importance. Our vocal and visible solutions. proud to be taking part for a second season thanks for long-term cooperation go out to our in the programme Classical Futures, operating General Media Partner, the Czech Television, on a Europe-wide basis, and we will again be as well as to the Czech Radio and the media

200 201 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

CONTACTS

Dear Fans of Music Czech Philharmonic Vojtěch Šafařík Rudolfinum Recording Projects and the Czech Philharmonic: Alšovo nábřeží 12, 110 00 Prague 1 www.ceskafilharmonie.cz +420 227 059 224 facebook.com/ceskafilharmonie [email protected] This year is special for both Česká spořitel- ticket sales +420 227 059 227 [email protected] Petr Kadlec na and the Czech Philharmonic. For Česká Education Programmes spořitelna, it marks the celebration of the bank’s David Mareček +420 227 059 222 Chief Executive Officer [email protected] 195th anniversary on the domestic market, and Assistant: +420 227 059 201, 311 for the Czech Philharmonic, it represents the [email protected] Radek Křižanovský jubilee 125th concert season. Director of Programming of the Czech Chamber Music Robert Hanč Society General Manager + 420 606 269 016 Assistant: Blanka Löblová +420 227 059 246 [email protected] Music lovers are eagerly awaiting what is un- [email protected] doubtedly an important milestone this year, Pavlína Landová the December 250th anniversary of the birth Michal Medek Music Library Business Development Director +420 227 059 265 of the musical genius Ludwig van Beethoven. +420 227 059 337 [email protected] I am looking forward to all the opportunities [email protected] we will have to hear the Czech Philharmonic Lucie Maňourová Ondřej H. Matyáš Communication and Customer Services and guest artists performing Beethoven’s ex- Finance Director +420 227 059 365 traordinary music during the year, hoping there +420 227 059 206 [email protected] [email protected] will be many. Alena Špačková Luděk Březina Rentals Department PR Manager My wish for all of us is that this year’s +420 227 059 244 +420 736 605 620 [email protected] Beethovenian season is one great Ode to Joy! [email protected] Tomáš Kudrna Ondřej Sikora Rudolfinum Studios Tomáš Salomon Concerts and Projects in Prague + 420 603 536 000 Chairman of the Board of Directors +420 227 059 225 [email protected] [email protected] of Česká spořitelna Alžběta Lupíšková Concerts and Projects on Tour +420 227 059 345 [email protected]

202 203 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

23 Sept. 2020 Opening Concerts of the Season Prague, CZ CALENDAR 24 Sept. 2020 Tribute Concerts to Václav Neumann Dmitri Shostakovich, Gustav Mahler Daniil Trifonov piano, Selina Ott trumpet Semyon Bychkov conductor

25 Aug. 2020 Festival Internacional de Santander Santander, ES 25 Sept. 2020 Dmitri Shostakovich, Gustav Mahler Vienna, AT Dmitri Shostakovich, Gustav Mahler Daniil Trifonov piano, Selina Ott trumpet Gautier Capuçon violoncello, Semyon Bychkov conductor Semyon Bychkov conductor

26 Aug. 2020 Quincena Musical de San Sebastián San Sebastian, 26 Sept. 2020 Special Step Prague, CZ Dmitri Shostakovich, Gustav Mahler ES 27 Sept. 2020 Josef Špaček and the Czech Student Philharmonic violoncello, conductor Gautier Capuçon Semyon Bychkov 30 Sept. 2020 Ludwig van Beethoven Prague, CZ 29 Aug. 2020 Edinburgh International Festival Edinburgh, UK Hagen Quartet Dmitri Shostakovich, Gustav Mahler 3 Oct. 2020 Dmitri Shostakovich, Gustav Mahler Český Krumlov, Gautier Capuçon violoncello, Semyon Bychkov conductor Ivo Kahánek piano, Stanislav Masaryk trumpet CZ 30 Aug. 2020 Edinburgh International Festival Edinburgh, UK Semyon Bychkov conductor Johannes Brahms 4 Oct. 2020 Czech Philharmonic: The Serial Prague, CZ Chen Reiss soprano, Boris Prýgl bass, Edinburgh Festival Chorus, Aidan Oliver choirmaster, Semyon Bychkov conductor 5 Oct. 2020 Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen, L’ubica Čekovská, Felix Prague, CZ Mendelssohn-Bartholdy 4 Sept. 2020 Antonín Dvořák Prague, CZ Pavel Haas Quartet 5 Sept. 2020 Václav Petr cello Dover Quartet Semyon Bychkov conductor Petr Ries double bass (guest)

10 Sept. 2020 Ludwig van Beethoven, Josef Suk Prague, CZ 7 Oct. 2020 Dmitri Shostakovich, Antonín Dvořák Prague, CZ piano Martin Kasík 8 Oct. 2020 Karen Gomyo violin conductor Jakub Hrůša 9 Oct. 2020 Semyon Bychkov conductor

14 Sept. 2020 Ludwig van Beethoven, Josef Suk Prague, CZ 10 Oct. 2020 Sergei Rachmaninoff, Ludwig van Beethoven, Antonín Dvořák Prague, CZ Jan Mráček violin Dvořák Piano Trio Jakub Hrůša conductor 13 Oct. 2020 Concert for the Birthday of the Composer Zdeněk Šesták Prague, CZ 17 Sept. 2020 Antonín Dvořák, Josef Suk, Bohuslav Martinů Prague, CZ Antonín Rejcha, Václav Trojan, Zdeněk Šesták, Norman Hallam Josef Špaček violin, artistic leader of the project, Tomáš Jamník cello, Prague Philharmonia Wind Quintet Lukáš Vondráček piano, Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra 14–26 Oct. 2020 Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvořák, Max Bruch, Gustav Mahler China and Renaud Capuçon violin, Semyon Bychkov conductor Taiwan 20 Sept. 2020 Sergei Rachmaninoff, Antonín Dvořák Prague, CZ Lukáš Vondráček piano, soprano TBC, baritone TBC, 18 Oct. 2020 Steps to the New World – Symphonic Poetry I Prague, CZ Prague Philharmonic Choir, Lukáš Vasilek choirmaster, Smetana’s The Moldau and Šárka Petr Altrichter conductor

204 205 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

21 Oct. 2020 Luce Eterna – Eternal Light Prague, CZ 25 Nov. 2020 Leoš Janáček Prague, CZ Arias from sacred oratorios by Giovanni Bononcini 26 Nov. 2020 Elena Tsallagova soprano, Kateřina Kněžíková soprano, and Georg Friedrich Händel 27 Nov. 2020 Jarmila Balážová mezzo-soprano, Jan Martiník bass, Boris Prýgl bass, Martina Janková soprano Prague Philharmonic Choir, Lukáš Vasilek choirmaster, Musica Florea Prague Philharmonic Children’s Choir, Jiří Chvála choirmaster Marek Štryncl artistic director John Eliot Gardiner conductor

22 Oct. 2020 Steps to the New World – Symphonic Poetry I Prague, CZ 2 Dec. 2020 Ludwig van Beethoven Prague, CZ Smetana’s The Moldau and Šárka Pražák Quartet

2 Nov. 2020 Pavel Haas, Toru Takemitsu, Antonín Dvořák, Takashi Yoshimatsu, Prague, CZ 3 Dec. 2020 Ludwig van Beethoven Prague, CZ Vítězslav Novák 4 Dec. 2020 Rudolf Buchbinder piano, conductor Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra 5 Dec. 2020 soloists TBA Ondřej Vrabec conductor 5 Dec. 2020 Who’s Afraid of the Philharmonic? Prague, CZ

7 Nov. 2020 Concert for the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of the Prague Brass Prague, CZ 6 Dec. 2020 Anton Diabelli, Lera Auerbach, Brett Dean, Johann Nepomuk Prague, CZ Ensemble Hummel, Frédéric Kalkbrenner, Ludwig van Beethoven etc. piano Claude Le Jeune, Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer, William Byrd, Rudolf Buchbinder Giovanni Gabrieli, Johann Sebastian Bach, Charles Theodore 10 Dec. 2020 Special Christmas Concerts Prague, CZ Pachelbel, Tomasz Stolarczyk, Gustav Mahler, Antonín Dvořák, 11 Dec. 2020 Joseph Haydn Bedřich Smetana, Carl Orff, Astor Piazzolla, Henry Filmore Marta Reichelová soprano, Petr Nekoranec tenor, Jozef Benci bass, Prague Brass Ensemble Prague Philharmonic Choir, Lukáš Vasilek choirmaster Czech Philharmonic Low Brass Ensemble Petr Altrichter conductor Jan Hasenöhrl trumpet Jiří Houdek trumpet 12 Dec. 2020 Christmas Concert Prague, CZ Martinů Voices, Lukáš Vasilek choirmaster, 7 Nov. 2020 100 Minutes among the Notes Prague, CZ Kateřina Englichová harp, Daniel Havel flute, organ 12 Nov. 2020 Musica Ludus or Music by Play Prague, CZ Daniela Valtová Kosinová 13 Nov. 2020 13 Dec. 2020 Czech Philharmonic: The Serial Prague, CZ

17 Nov. 2020 Velvet Revolution Concerts Prague, CZ 14 Dec. 2020 Ludwig van Beethoven Prague, CZ 18 Nov. 2020 Miloslav Kabeláč, Dmitri Shostakovich Artemis Quartet Semyon Bychkov conductor 16 Dec. 2020 Antonín Dvořák, Bohuslav Martinů Prague, CZ 24 Nov. 2020 Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Carl Friedrich Abel, Johann Sebastian Prague, CZ 17 Dec. 2020 Jessica Muirhead soprano, Zoltan Nagy baritone, Richard Samek Bach, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Christoph Schaffrath 18 Dec. 2020 tenor, Jozef Benci bass, Peter Mikuláš bass, members of the Prague Mahan Esfahani harpsichord Philharmonic Choir, Lukáš Vasilek choirmaster Hille Perl viola da gamba Tomáš Netopil conductor

206 207 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

31 Dec. 2020 Special New Years’s Eve Dress Rehearsal, New Year’s Eve Afternoon Prague, CZ 27 Jan. 2021 Richard Strauss, Sergei Rachmaninoff Prague, CZ Concert 28 Jan. 2021 Gautier Capuçon cello, Lawrence Power viola Julius Fučík, Josef Suk, Václav Trojan, Oskar Nedbal, Václav Vačkář, 29 Jan. 2021 Semyon Bychkov conductor Bedřich Smetana, Jan Kučera*, Antonín Dvořák Czech Philharmonic, Jiří Vodička violin*, Jan Mráček violin*, Václav Petr 30 Jan. 2021 Georg Philipp Telemann, Johann Sebastian Bach, Carl Reinecke, Prague, CZ cello*, Robert Kozánek trombone, Ondřej Roskovec bassoon, Jaroslav Halíř Georgi Muschel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Karlheinz Stockhausen, trumpet, Tomáš Netopil conductor Charles-Marie Widor, Jan Kučera * only in New Year’s Eve Dress Rehearsal Kateřina Javůrková French horn Pavel Svoboda organ 1 Jan. 2021 New Year’s Concert Prague, CZ Adam Suk organ (guest) Julius Fučík, Josef Suk, Václav Trojan, Oskar Nedbal, Václav Vačkář, Bedřich Smetana, Jan Kučera, Antonín Dvořák 3 Feb. 2021 Bryce Dessner, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonín Dvořák Prague, CZ pianos Czech Philharmonic, Jiří Vodička violin, Jan Mráček violin, Václav Petr cello, 4 Feb. 2021 Katia and Marielle Labèque conductor Robert Kozánek trombone, Ondřej Roskovec bassoon, 5 Feb. 2021 Semyon Bychkov Jaroslav Halíř trumpet, 7 Feb. 2021 Franz Schubert Prague, CZ Tomáš Netopil conductor Ian Bostridge tenor piano 6 Jan. 2021 Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert Prague, CZ Vadym Kholodenko Vienna Piano Trio 8 Feb. 2021 Bryce Dessner, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonín Dvořák Vienna, AT pianos, conductor 9 Jan. 2021 100 Minutes among the Notes Prague, CZ Katia a Marielle Labèque Semyon Bychkov

12 Jan. 2021 Concert Of Competition Laureates (2020 Prague Spring, 2019 Prague, CZ 9 Feb. 2021 Bryce Dessner, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonín Dvořák Paris, FR pianos, conductor Bohuslav Martinů Foundation Competition, 2020 Concertino Praga, Katia a Marielle Labèque Semyon Bychkov 2020 Antonín Dvořák International Singing Competition etc. 9 Feb. 2021 Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Johannes Brahms, Fryderyk Chopin, Prague, CZ Programme TBA Olivier Messiaen, César Franck cello 12 Jan. 2021 Steps to the New World – Symphonic Poetry II Prague, CZ Camille Thomas piano Dvořák’s The Water Goblin and the Noon Witch Lukáš Klánský

13 Jan. 2021 Ludwig van Beethoven Prague, CZ 10 Feb. 2021 Bryce Dessner, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonín Dvořák Brussels, BE pianos, conductor 14 Jan. 2021 Manfred Honeck conductor Katia a Marielle Labèque Semyon Bychkov 15 Jan. 2021 11 Feb. 2021 Miloslav Kabeláč, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonín Dvořák Amsterdam, NL pianos, conductor 17 Jan. 2021 Steps to the New World – Symphonic Poetry II Prague, CZ Katia a Marielle Labèque Semyon Bychkov Dvořák’s The Water Goblin and the Noon Witch 13 Feb. 2021 Miloslav Kabeláč, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonín Dvořák London, UK pianos, conductor 24 Jan. 2021 Czech Philharmonic: The Serial Prague, CZ Katia a Marielle Labèque Semyon Bychkov

25 Jan. 2021 Bohuslav Martinů, Klement Slavický, Antonín Dvořák, Franz Prague, CZ 24 Feb. 2021 Edvard Grieg, Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Prague, CZ Schubert, Johannes Brahms, Richard Strauss Czech Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble Kateřina Kněžíková soprano Jan Mráček violin David Švec piano Karel Untermüller viola

208 209 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

25 Feb. 2021 An Orchestra Rehearsal Prague, CZ 8 Apr. 2021 Jan Novák, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, César Franck Prague, CZ 26 Feb. 2021 César Franck, Sergei Prokofiev, Antonín Dvořák 9 Apr. 2021 Jiří Vodička violin Petr Altrichter conductor 10 Apr. 2021 Tomáš Netopil conductor Marek Eben host Alice Nellis screenplay, direction 12 Apr. 2021 Ludwig van Beethoven Prague, CZ Bennewitz Quartet

8 Mar. 2021 Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Antonín Rejcha, Jacques Ibert, Prague, CZ 14 Apr. 2021 Leoš Janáček, Josef Suk, Bedřich Smetana Prague, CZ violin August Klughardt 15 Apr. 2021 Jan Mráček Gewandhaus Woodwind Quintet 16 Apr. 2021 Jakub Hrůša conductor

10 Mar. 2021 Joaquín Turina, Joaquín Rodrigo, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel Prague, CZ 17 Apr. 2021 Ludwig van Beethoven Prague, CZ 11 Mar. 2021 Jana Boušková harp Talich Quartet 12 Mar. 2021 Juanjo Mena conductor 21 Apr. 2021 Antonín Dvořák, Jean Sibelius Prague, CZ bass 13 Mar. 2021 Astor Piazzolla, Reentko, Kurt Weill, Pavel Steidl, Jimi Hendrix etc. Prague, CZ 22 Apr. 2021 Jan Martiník European Guitar Quartet 23 Apr. 2021 Sakari Oramo conductor

13 Mar. 2021 100 Minutes among the Notes Prague, CZ 24 Apr. 2021 The Emperor’s Nightingale Prague, CZ A Visit to the Court of the Emperor of China 14 Mar. 2021 Leoš Janáček, Claude Debussy, Antonín Dvořák, César Franck Prague, CZ Alisa Weilerstein cello 25 Apr. 2021 Ludwig van Beethoven Prague, CZ David Mareček piano Ivan Klánský piano

18 Mar. 2021 Igor Stravinsky, Maurice Ravel, Miloš Orson Štědroň, George Prague, CZ 27 Apr. 2021 Ludwig van Beethoven Prague, CZ 19 Mar. 2021 Gershwin Graff Quartet 20 Mar. 2021 Ivo Kahánek piano, Robert Kozánek trombone, Lukáš Moťka trombone 28 Apr. 2021 Thomas Larcher, Gustav Mahler Prague, CZ David Robertson conductor 29 Apr. 2021 Kirill Gerstein piano conductor 23 Mar. 2021 Peter Seabourne, Robin Holloway, Jean Françaix, Prague, CZ 30 Apr. 2021 Semyon Bychkov Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1 May 2021 A Holiday of Music Among the Notes Prague, CZ Czech Philharmonic Winds 2 May 2021 Steps to the New World – Symphonic Poetry III Prague, CZ 24 Mar. 2021 Detlev Glanert, Antonín Dvořák Prague, CZ Janáček’s Lachian Dances and Taras Bulba 25 Mar. 2021 Daniela Sindram mezzo-soprano, Albert Pesendorfer bass-baritone 26 Mar. 2021 Semyon Bychkov conductor 3 May 2021 Thomas Larcher, Gustav Mahler Vienna, AT Kirill Gerstein piano, Semyon Bychkov conductor 28 Mar. 2021 Czech Philharmonic: The Serial Prague, CZ 4 May 2021 Thomas Larcher, Gustav Mahler Bratislava, SK 31 Mar. 2021 Antonín Dvořák, Franz Schubert Prague, CZ Kirill Gerstein piano, Semyon Bychkov conductor Wihan Quartet Clemens Hagen cello 4 May 2021 Steps to the New World – Symphonic Poetry III Prague, CZ Janáček’s Lachian Dances and Taras Bulba

210 211 CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

17 May 2021 Bryce Dessner, Bohuslav Martinů, Antonín Dvořák Valencia, ES Katia and Marielle Labèque pianos, Semyon Bychkov conductor PARTNERS

18 May 2021 Bryce Dessner, Bohuslav Martinů, Antonín Dvořák Madrid, ES General Partner Katia and Marielle Labèque pianos, Semyon Bychkov conductor

19 May 2021 Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler Madrid, ES Gautier Capuçon cello, Lawrence Power viola Semyon Bychkov conductor Traditional Partner Partners 3 Jun. 2021 Programme TBA Prague, CZ Conductor TBA

6 Jun. 2021 Concert of the Joint Orchestra of music school pupils Prague, CZ

and the Czech Philharmonic Musicians Key CCMS Partner and CP Chamber Orchestra Partner CCMS Partners Public dress rehearsal

9 Jun. 2021 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johannes Brahms Prague, CZ 10 Jun. 2021 Leonidas Kavakos violin, conductor 11 Jun. 2021 Project Partnerships

17 Jun. 2021 Johannes Brahms Prague, CZ Beautiful Sound Partner Beautiful Sound Partner Concertmaster’s Deputy Partner Concertmaster Partner and Chamber Music Partner 18 Jun. 2021 Chen Reiss soprano, Boris Prýgl bass, Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno, 19 Jun. 2021 Petr Fiala choirmaster Semyon Bychkov conductor

Audio-visual Education Programmes Partner Contemporary Czech Music Partner Creative Europe Programme Partner International Distribution Partner 23 Jun. 2021 Open Air Concert dedicated to Jiří Bělohlávek Prague, CZ Famous melodies of operas from around the world Czech Philharmonic, soloists TBA Petr Altrichter conductor

General Media Partner 1 Jul. 2021 Bedřich Smetana, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Johannes Brahms Litomyšl, CZ Jiří Vodička violin, Tomáš Netopil conductor

2 Jul. 2021 Antonín Dvořák Litomyšl, CZ Key Media Partner Tomáš Netopil conductor

Media Partners

212 213 170x210_v2.pdf 2 24.02.2020 13:02

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K Adwert_170x210-2020 kopie.pdf 2 26.02.2020 13:00:34

Partner of the Czech Philharmonic

We set the rhythm of your investments

WHEN ENERGY IS AT PLAY Arcona Capital is an independent property fund manager operating across the markets of Northern and Central Europe. Our strength comes from deep local ŠKODA OCTAVIA iV with hybrid drive market knowledge and long-term relationships throughout the region. Our focus is on adding value to real estate investment opportunities and development. Services provided include all aspects of Fund, Investment, Asset and Development Management, taking a long-term and transparent approach to every collaboration we undertake.

ŠKODA AUTO – the traditional partner to the Czech Philharmonic.

www.arconacapital.com www.skoda-auto.com /skodacom /skodacom /skodacom /skodacr PPF A Partner to

Czech Philharmonic Czech Culture PPF’s Photography Collection PPF’s Art Collection Václav Špála Gallery Josef Sudek Studio Summer Shakespeare Festival Jára Cimrman Theatre Prague Spring Music Festival www.ppf.eu Prague’s Art Week © PETRA HAJSKÁ PETRA ©

Violoncello purchased by PPF Group for the Czech Philharmonic, Jean-Baptist Vuillaume, 1844

0044-19_FIN_inzerce_ceska_filharmonie_170x210mm_2-2019_v1.indd44-19_FIN_inzerce_ceska_filharmonie_170x210mm_2-2019_v1.indd 1 115.02.20195.02.2019 111:13:161:13:16 filharmonie-170x210-20200225-medek-PRINT-ENG.pdf 1 25.02.2020 11:53 inzerce_hudba_TISK_EN_170x210.pdf 1 12.03.19 10:11

LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING THE ENCORE.

C C

M M The future is about looking forward.

Y Y It’s about the excitement you get from new inspiration.

CM CM It’s about the excitement you get from your next opportunity,

MY MY the next bold decision.

CY CY

CMY CMY And we are looking forward.

K K To continuing to support musicians. To strengthening our partnerships with our clients. To seeing shared growth. To seeing you. ACTION I (EGG) / Garden Auction / Price realised: 2019 WE ACCEPT ARTWORKS AND ANTIQUES FOR OUR AUCTIONS

WWW.ARTHOUSEHEJTMANEK.CZ MIKULÁŠ MEDEK / ACTION I (EGG) / Garden Auction / Price realised: 2019 2 236 862 EUR THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO. GOETHEHO 2, 160 00 PRAHA 6  BUBENEČ GROWTH. TOGETHER. BHF_inz_170x210mm_27_2_2020ENG čtvrtek 27. února 2020 10:46:31 Which dynamic is the right for you? Soft piano or roaring forte?

THE DYNAMIC CLUB OF THE CZECH PHILHARMONIC Community of friends and classical music lovers

We invite you to join in and support the first Czech orchestra!

Membership benefits, club activities and membership levels:: www.ceskafilharmonie.cz/en/club CZECH RUDOLFINUM PHILHARMONIC GUIDED TOURS

E-SHOP Would you like to get a behind-the-scenes look at the building and learn more about its history and present? gift vouchers selected Czech Philharmonic recordings Explore the Rudolfinum with one of our very own Czech Philharmonic staff members and other goodies as your guide.

WWW.CESKAFILHARMONIE.CZ/E-SHOP Tours have to be booked in advance at [email protected] or by calling +420 778 468 023.

Dvorak Hall Presidential lounge Dvorana

Foyer Café Rudolfinum

RUDOLFINUM

Recording studio Suk Hall Would you like to rent part of the Rudolfinum to organise a private event or a concert?

Rudolfinum Halls Café Rudolfinum Recording Studio Social events Open daily 9 am to 9 pm 4K TV studio Fully renovated (subject to change) Most up-to-date recording equipment Entrance from the Vltava riverbank Recording, editing, mixing through the Ceremony Hall and mastering

RUDOLFINUM.CZ CZECH PHILHARMONIC CZECH PHILHARMONIC

Czech Philharmonic Rudolfinum

Alšovo nábřeží 12, 110 00 Prague 1 Tel.: +420 227 059 227 e-mail: [email protected] www.ceskafilharmonie.cz facebook.com/ceskafilharmonie

Established by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic Company ID: 00023264

2020/2021 Season Guide published by the Czech Philharmonic

Concept and graphic design Marek Pistora / Studio Najbrt

Architectural sketches Aleš Najbrt, Natálie Najbrtová, Marek Pistora, Josef Pleskot, Zdeněk Trinkewitz / Studio Najbrt

Photography Marco Borggreve, Petr Dyrc, Petra Hajská, Andreas Herzau, Jan Hromádko, Zdeněk Chrapek, Petr Kadlec, Lukáš Masner, Karel Šanda photographic archives of the Czech Philharmonic

Typesetting / DTP Zdeněk Trinkewitz , Aleš Münzberger / Studio Najbrt

Translation Mark Newkirk, Kateřina Tichá, Filip Tomášek

Texts Petr Kadlec, Radek Křižanovský, Pavlína Landová, Lucie Maňourová, David Mareček, Vojtěch Šafařík, Filip Tomášek Education Programmes Department

Editors Bohumil Antony, Helena Černá, Radek Křižanovský, Pavlína Landová, Alžběta Lupíšková, Anna Moravcová, Kateřina Tichá, Romana Veselá

Printing Minimax Studio

We reserve the right to change the programmes and performers.

The making of audio and video recordings without the permission of the Czech Philharmonic is forbidden at all concerts.

© 2020, Czech Philharmonic

233 CZECH PHILHARMONIC

234