catalogue

Sir Charles Mackerras is a renowned connoisseur of Czech music, especially Janáček’s, and his art connected with the famous Czech orchestra guarantees a splendid performance.

Suk’s symphonic poem Praga, written in 1904, resounds with patriotic pathos inspired by the mighty and beautiful city of Prague and its dramatic history.

Janáček, Suk’s contemporary who is famous not only as an exceptional composer but also as an organist, pedagogue, conductor, collector of folk songs and music publicist, composed the concert Glagolitic Mass for soloists, choir, organ and orchestra based on an Old Slavonic text in 1926. It is a unique and monumental piece. The music emanates Janáček’s warm relation to Slavonic nations, love and faith in life with all its aspects. It enthrals all openhearted listeners, believers and atheists alike.

The concert was one of the highlights of the 100th anniversary season of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra featuring outstanding soloists. Soprano Eva Urbanová ranks among the most prominent Czech singers. Apart from opera and concert performances in Europe she has appeared at the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Washington, Canada, Hong Kong, etc. She excels as Kostelnička in Janáček’s opera Jenůfa, as Milada in Smetana’s opera Dalibor, as Libuše by Smetana, as well as in Verdi, Wagner, Ponchielli (Gioconda), Dvořák (Stabat Mater) to name a few.