Pianist

We will present two of the most prominent composers of the 20th-century in New York, two friends – John Cage (1912–1992) and Morton Feldman (1926–1987). Their music will be discussed by their friend Petr Kotík at an extra special concert. Kotík will lead an expert discussion about their works as a long-time collaborator of both composers, in particular of John Cage (continuous collaboration in the years 1964–1992).

On 18 December 1950, John Cage wrote in a letter to Pierre Boulez: “Feldman’s music is extremely beautiful now. It changes with each piece, I find him my closest friend now among the composers here.”

Special Concert. Cage, Feldman, Kotík: A New Starting Point

Švanda Theatre, Smíchov

»I love Czech music, and I want to share what I love with other people creatively.« Jakub Hrůša once said this in an interview, and this programme is another wonderful example thereof. The pleasure of listening is also complemented by an artist from his homeland: Ivo Kahánek is the soloist in the much too rarely performed piano concerto by Dvořák – the very composer who is always close to our Chief Conductor's heart, as he put it: »This music is like mother’s milk for me.« The symphonic piano concerto from 1876, packed with folklore, flourishes from the way the pianist and orchestra toss the thematic balls to and fro in a captivating and supple way. Before this, there is a likewise endearing piece to set the mood and thus even a double anniversary: Smetana was born in the Czech Republic in 1824 and the premiere of his comic opera »The Two Widows« took place in Prague in 1874 under his baton – a work that is set somewhere in Bohemia on an aristocratic estate and features a sparkling overture. Finally, we delve into the world of Beethoven, whose compositions are (not only) part of Jakub Hrůša’s core repertoire. Schumann described his Symphony No. 4 from 1806 as a »slender Greek maiden between two Northland giants«, as it was composed between the courageous »Eroica« and the glorious Fifth. It is a friendly work with enchanting melodies, as Beethoven was madly in love with a young noblewoman at the time – which is why a contemporary commented: »While writing this symphony, his heart must have nearly burst with joy.«

Jakub Hrůša, Ivo Kahánek

Bamberg Concert Hall

EPSG:4326

Guest at Markgräfliches Opernhaus Bayreuth

Margravial Opera House

A musician of tremendous emotional power, depth and expressiveness, Ivo Kahánek has gained a reputation as one of the most exciting artists of his generation and is the Czech Republic’s most acclaimed pianist. He is universally recognised as one of the foremost interpreters of Romantic piano music and is a particular specialist in Czech repertoire. He possesses a rare gift of creating an immediate and compelling emotional connection with his audiences.

Pianist

Ivo Kahánek

Events

Upcoming events

Dec 6, 2026

Concert PKO · Prague Chamber Orchestra

Mar 9, 2027

The Dvořák Trio · Prague Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Jun 4, 2026

Special Concert. Cage, Feldman, Kotík: A New Starting Point · Prague Philharmonia

Oct 7, 2024

Jakub Hrůša, Ivo Kahánek · Bamberger Symphoniker

Future and recently performed repertoire

Piano in Piano Concerto No. 4 by Beethoven

Prague Chamber Orchestra

Piano in Piano Concerto No. 20 by Mozart

Prague Chamber Orchestra

Piano in Piano Trio by Beethoven

Prague Symphony Orchestra

Piano in Piano Trio No. 3 by Brahms

Prague Symphony Orchestra

Piano in Piano Concerto by Dvořák

Bamberger Symphoniker

Piano in Concert for Piano and Orchestra by Cage

Prague Philharmonia

Piano in Four Instruments for piano, violin, viola and cello by Feldman

Prague Philharmonia

Piano in For Samuel Beckett for 23 players by Feldman

Prague Philharmonia

About

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