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

Embark on a captivating musical journey with the Czech Philharmonic as they present a series of remarkable events that promise to enchant audiences with a blend of chamber music, orchestral masterpieces, and innovative collaborations. From the soulful strains of Antonín Dvořák to the thrilling premieres of contemporary compositions, each event offers a unique glimpse into the world of classical music. Join us at the iconic Rudolfinum as renowned musicians and emerging talents come together to celebrate the transformative power of music.

A Musical Journey with the Czech Philharmonic: Celebrating Harmony and Heritage

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Czech Philharmonic with a series of remarkable events that showcase both traditional and contemporary works. From the timeless beauty of Dvořák's chamber music to symphonic performances at iconic venues and innovative interpretations by young talents, these events promise an enriching musical experience. Featuring renowned artists and passionate performers, each event offers a unique exploration of music's power to inspire and connect. Join us as we dive into the highlights of these upcoming concerts, celebrating the artistry and cultural heritage brought to life by the Czech Philharmonic.

Discover the Harmonies of the Czech Philharmonic: A Musical Journey

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

"I've just finished the first movement of a my Cello Concerto! Do not be amazed as I was (…) that I have decided to undertake such work", writes Dvořák from New York to his friend Alois Göbl in Bohemia. The work even surprised Dvořák's friend, the composer Johannes Brahms, who declared: "Why on earth did I not know that one could write a cello concerto LIKE THAT? If I had had any idea, I would have written one long ago!" We will hear Dvořák's Cello Concerto played by the outstanding young cellist Vilém Vlček.

Dvořák's Cello Concerto or Make a Wish for Soloists

Dvořák Hall Rudolfinum

Cellist Alisa Weilerstein is a familiar name to Rudolfinum audiences, celebrated for her extraordinary artistry. This season, however, she reveals a new dimension of her creativity with an excerpt from her Fragments project—two thoughtfully conceived multimedia cycles that weave together Bach’s legendary cello suites with newly commissioned works by contemporary composers, written specifically for her.

Czech Chamber Music Society • Alisa Weilerstein

The world of Baroque music will be brought to life in the Suk Hall by Czech Philharmonic bassoonist Martin Petrák and Ensemble Haydn. Their programme centres on the trio sonata—one of the era’s key forms—and includes both German and Czech compositions. A particular highlight will be Jan Dismas Zelenka’s masterful sonatas for woodwinds and continuo.

Czech Chamber Music Society • Haydn Ensemble

While Bohuslav Martinů flirted with jazz, the American Wynton Marsalis devotes himself to it just as much as to classical music and with such success that he has won Grammy Awards in both categories. We will hear a fascinating overlapping of traditions and genres in the Violin Concerto he wrote for the Scottish virtuoso Nicola Benedetti. Cristian Măcelaru will conduct this colourful programme.

Czech Philharmonic • Cristian Măcelaru

With the actress Martha Issová, we will head for the realm of musical wonders and the world of Jaroslav Ježek. The new programme written by Alice Nellis commemorates the 120th birthday of the composer, conductor, and pianist. But we could not do it without musicians. Awaiting you are the players of the trombone and tuba section of our orchestra: the Czech Philharmonic Low Brass Ensemble.

With Martha (and Ježek) in the Realm of Musical Wonders

Join us on a journey through time to celebrate 130 years of the Czech Philharmonic. The evening’s programme will blend rare archival recordings with live music conducted by Chief Conductor Semyon Bychkov. On a large screen, video footage and photographs will come to life, telling the story of the Czech Republic's leading orchestra in a dialogue with the present moment.

Czech Philharmonic • 130th Anniversary Celebration Concert

This April, this season’s curator Mahan Esfahani concludes his traversal of Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier with the second volume. This monumental collection includes 48 pairs of preludes and fugues in all 24 major and minor keys. Despite the title, the cycle was not written for any specific keyboard instrument—Esfahani will perform it on his instrument, the harpsichord.

Czech Chamber Music Society • Mahan Esfahani

This time, chief conductor Semyon Bychkov has decided for an unsurprising but purely dramatic programming arch. We will hear concertos by Antonín Dvořák and Johannes Brahms, artistic colleagues and friends for many years. Czech Philharmonic concertmaster Jan Mráček will play Dvořák’s Violin Concerto, and at the piano in Brahms will be seven-time Grammy Award winner Emanuel Ax.

Czech Philharmonic • Semyon Bychkov

Italian vocal artistry enjoys a reputation like no other—and thanks to Franco Vassallo, audiences at the Rudolfinum will have the chance to experience it first-hand. The celebrated baritone, known for iconic roles such as Figaro and Falstaff, will perform arias from his signature repertoire. But the evening won’t be devoted to opera alone: he will also present songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams, inspired by the rugged beauty of the Scottish landscape.

Czech Chamber Music Society • Franco Vassallo

Become apprentice magicians in the percussion kingdom, where the wizard Pavel Polívka lives. Everyone will feel safe there, like in a lair, even if there happens to be rumbling thunder, rain, or a stampede of horses.

A Lair Full of Percussion

The April program will feature a meeting with Pavel Polívka, a long-time member of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and percussionist. Suk Hall will be filled with drums and tambourines of various shapes and sizes, as well as other surprising instruments. Visitors will have the opportunity not only to see them, but also to try them out. In addition to music, there will also be time for a discussion.

Drums a hundred different ways

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

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