Name: Czech Chamber Music Society • Jiří Rajniš
Start: 2026-02-25T19:30:00
Location: Rudolfinum

Jiří Rajniš

Robert Pechanec

Czech Philharmonic

"Music is as much a beautiful adornment of our lives as it is an important means of communication between people. It shows us how to find beauty among difficulties, and calm and equilibrium in making our every-day decisions. It teaches us how to support children and young people on their sometimes difficult path to adulthood or to learning. We have seen this from the last three years of work in schools, in families, during workshops, and in performances."

100 Minutes among the Tones

Rudolfinum

On January 4, 2026, it will be 130 years since a group of musicians calling themselves the Czech Philharmonic first introduced themselves to the public. As is well known, the baton was then raised by none other than Antonín Dvořák. The creators of our beloved Orchestra Rehearsal – Alice Nellis, Petr Altrichter, and Marek Eben – are preparing an evening full of surprises, perfectly suited to a 130th birthday celebration. No spoilers, but we hope you’re intrigued.

Czech Philharmonic • Orchestra Rehearsal...Birthday Edition!

The January meeting will be opened by musician Ondřej Tichý, one of the initiators of the senior programs that took place at the Rudolfinum in previous seasons. This time, he has invited cellist Vojtěch Nejedlý and violinist Josefína Matyášová to his music workshop. This unconventional musical format will feature a wide range of instruments and an opportunity to actively experience music.

Resonance – music narrates and connects

In this programme with a French accent, we will hear how Ariadne’s story continues after she leads Theseus out of the labyrinth, lose ourselves in the streets of Paris, and visit the dreamy city Celephaïs. In all of these compositions, we can find the influence of Maurice Ravel, the composer of the Piano Concerto for the Left Hand. That hand belongs to Marie-Ange Nguci

Czech Philharmonic • Stéphane Denève

In this non-traditional programme, we will hear the Czech premiere of Carolyn by the Sea by Bryce Dessner. The composer himself will play one of the solo parts in this double concerto for guitar. Then we will remember a favourite of Dessner, Benjamin Britten, who takes us to the stormy coast of East Anglia. However, we begin and end with a favourite composer of Jakub Hrůša: Josef Suk.

Czech Philharmonic • Bryce Dessner

A quartet of guitars is far from a standard ensemble, yet the Prague Guitar Quartet has been delighting audiences with this unusual format for over forty years. Known for reimagining works originally written for other instruments, they bring listeners into their unique sound world. This concert will include, amongst other works, Grieg’s famous suite from the music to Peer Gynt. A new piece written especially for the group by Lukáš Hurník will also receive its first performance.

Czech Chamber Music Society • Prague Guitar Quartet

Music and Dance Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague

Although it’s long been clear that women are capable of anything, the works of many female composers have yet to claim their rightful place in the classical canon. A concert by the Kalliopé Trio will feature music by two remarkable 19th-century women, set within a programme framed in the noble, though sombre, key of D minor. The final piece of the evening offers a rare opportunity to compare the musical voices of the Mendelssohn siblings.

Czech Chamber Music Society • Trio Kalliopé

Having met Josef Suk in Berlin, Jean Sibelius called him “a superb musician” in a letter. 90 years have passed since the death of the former, and the latter was born 160 years ago. Commemorating the anniversaries of both composers is the Czech Philharmonic’s principal guest conductor Jakub Hrůša, who calls Suk the love of his life.

Czech Philharmonic • Jakub Hrůša

Music by Richard Wagner is Buddhistic, and music by Gustav Mahler is life itself. At least that is what we are told by the Czech Philharmonic’s chief conductor Semyon Bychkov, who has been involved with both composers throughout his career. And the Italian Symphony by Mendelssohn-Bartholdy is beautiful, plain and simple. We invite you to a concert that begins with a symphony and ends with an overture.

Czech Philharmonic • Semyon Bychkov

Czech baritone Jiří Rajniš is making his mark on prestigious international stages, including the first-ever performance of Rusalka at La Scala. His recital offers an unexpected pairing of songs by Korngold and Mahler. The second half of the programme shifts to a lighter tone with his favorite Neapolitan songs.

Czech Chamber Music Society • Jiří Rajniš

The Czech Philharmonic returns to Vienna’s Konzerthaus two years after its last appearance—and nearly a century after its debut there. Chief Conductor Semyon Bychkov will be joined by acclaimed Italian pianist Beatrice Rana and a trio of vocal soloists: Stefanie Irányi, Martin Mitterrutzner, and Jongmin Park. The programme will include works by Mendelssohn, Ravel, and Stravinsky.

Czech Philharmonic • Vienna

Wiener Konzerthaus

A concert at Teatro alla Scala is a true celebration for the Czech Philharmonic. Only a select few orchestras are invited to perform symphonic programmes at this iconic Milanese temple of opera. The orchestra's appearances there have been rare: Karel Ančerl etched two memorable performances into its history, and now Chief Conductor Semyon Bychkov will add a second mark of his own. The programme will include works by Mendelssohn, Ravel, and Stravinsky.