Name: Petr Popelka and Brahms Symphonies I and II
Start: 2026-04-13T19:30:00
Location: Municipal House

The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra invites you to a spectacular series of concerts featuring timeless orchestral masterpieces and acclaimed musicians. From Beethoven's Triple Concerto to Dvořák's Symphony No. 8, and the Czech première of Ondřej Adámek's Violin Concerto, these events promise to captivate audiences with a rich blend of classical and contemporary works. Conductors like Alevtina Ioffe and Jonathan Nott lead exceptional talents such as Timothy Chooi and Christian Tetzlaff in performances that resonate with cultural heritage and innovative artistry.

Unveiling the Symphony: A Journey Through Timeless Orchestral Masterpieces

The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra is bringing an eclectic mix of orchestral and chamber music to stages across Europe in 2026. From the lively Overture by Martinů to the intricate melodies of Brahms, the orchestra promises a series of performances that highlight the talents of world-renowned conductors and musicians. This series offers music lovers a chance to experience timeless classics and innovative new works in unique settings. Whether you're in Antwerp for some Bohemian flair or in Prague for the sonic exploration of marimbas, each event is set to leave a lasting impression.

A Symphony of Sounds: Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra's Captivating Concert Series

This spring, the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra is set to captivate audiences with an eclectic mix of orchestral and chamber music events. From the emotive waves of Rachmaninoff's works to the introspective beauty of Brahms' symphonies, the concert series promises a rich tapestry of musical storytelling. With celebrated artists like Jiří Habart, Robert Jindra, and the young prodigy Isata Kanneh-Mason, the events highlight both classic and contemporary pieces, offering something for every music enthusiast. Join us as we delve into this musical journey encompassing piano concertos, marimba compositions, and poignant operas.

Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra's Spring Symphony Extravaganza

Petr Popelka

Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra

The clarinet is an instrument with many forms. Few people know that without its little reed, it wouldn't make a single note. It is also one of the youngest woodwind instruments. It originated at the beginning of the Classical period, during the time of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was one of the first composers to write solo concertos for the clarinet and to use it in an orchestra.

Rhapsody in White

Czech Radio

Join us for an unforgettable walk under a starry sky to the magical sound of marimbas! This evening spent in the Bethlehem Chapel promises an extraordinary experience. Venezuelan conductor Andrés Maurette O'Brien will open the Czech première of The Universe, a double concerto for two marimbas and string orchestra. Its author is the contemporary Belgian composer, teacher and brilliant marimba player Ludwig Albert. His pupil, member of the PRSO and excellent marimba player Ladislav Bilan, will perform with him on stage. The radio orchestra will then give a portrayal of our neighbouring planet, Venus. Venus, the Bringer of Peace - this is how the English pedagogue and late-Romanticism composer Gustav Holst portrayed it in his Planets cycle.

Concertos for Marimbas

The Bethlehem Chapel

The Czech Nonet, one of the oldest chamber ensembles in the world, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. This exceptional ensemble, whose unique instrumental composition (violins, viola, cello, double bass and wind quintet) enables an extraordinary variety of sounds, gained an international reputation soon after its formation.

Back to Roots

Robert Jindra, principal guest conductor of the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, will present Béla Bartók's one-act opera Bluebeard's Castle from 1911. German bass Günther Groissböck will play the role of Bluebeard, while Judith will be performed by Hungarian mezzo-soprano Szilvia Vörös.

Bluebeard's Castle

Rudolfinum

You have the chance to step into the world of Brahms symphonies thanks to this project by the chief conductor of the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra. On the first evening, under the baton of Petr Popelka, you will be immersed in two symphonic works that represent the pinnacle of Romanticism and brought a new dimension to classical music.

Petr Popelka and Brahms Symphonies I and II

Municipal House

This second symphonic evening under the baton of Petr Popelka, chief conductor of the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, will present the third and fourth symphonies by Johannes Brahms. They will take you to a world of beauty, melancholy and introspection.

Petr Popelka and Brahms Symphonies III and IV

The first half of the concert will be of Russian Romanticism music. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in D Minor by Sergei Rachmaninov is one of his most technically demanding piano concertos. The young British artist Isata Kanneh-Mason will be presented to the audience in Prague. The second part of the evening will be of Russian music of the 20th century. The chief conductor of the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra, Petr Popelka, will present the neo-classical oratorio-opera Oedipus Rex by Igor Stravinsky. The libretto was written by the French poet and playwright Jean Cocteau, based on Sophocles' tragedy of the same name. The title roles will be played by: Ester Paulů (mezzo-soprano), Jiří Brückler (baritone), Pavel Švingr (bass) and Daniel Matoušek (tenor), with Igor Bareš as the narrator. The artists will be accompanied by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra and the male part of the Prague Philharmonic Choir.

Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto

Why the two harps? And what's the flautist doing there? Yes, friends, that's the right question to be asking. It’s really quite extraordinary: Lydie recently passed Kateřina the PRSO harp baton. There's nothing very interesting about that. What is interesting is that tonight we will also be welcoming the lady Dagmar to the studio. Yes, my friends: three generations of PRSO harpists will be coming together - the legendary Dagmar Platilová, Lydie Härtelová, until recently active at PRSO, and her recent successor Kateřina Valášková. Which of them is the best, the most beautiful, the most charismatic harpist? Someone who has spent part of his artistic life with all three of them, and who has played with all of them as a chamber and orchestral musician, has therefore been invited as "arbiter elegantiae". He is a pillar of the PRSO - first flautist Mario Mesany. The unusual yet wonderful harmony of two royal instruments and the angelic sound of the flute. Let's enjoy an extraordinary artistic experience.

Who Knows How to Play the Strings in Gold

April’s concert programme in the Bethlehem Chapel includes a wide variety of musical works that will attract chamber music lovers and fans of instrumental concerts.  The first part of the concert will feature the Concerto for Bassoon and Chamber Orchestra by the French composer Jean-Michel Jolivet. This will be followed by the Concertino for Clarinet and Chamber Orchestra by the Italian composer Ferruccio Busoni, whose work is characterised by its delicate melodies and sophisticated instrumentation.

Robert Jindra presents

The concert Above Us will feature the world premiere of a new composition commissioned by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra. This cycle of spiritual songs connects various musical worlds and touches on profound spiritual themes. Under the baton of conductor Bastien Stil, the performers will include Chaazi Levíček (mezzo-soprano, piano), Jiří Levíček (organ), and Michael League (guitars).

Above Us

The programme of works by W. A. Mozart, F. Chopin and H. Berlioz promises a unique artistic experience. Piano virtuoso Martin Kasík will perform Mozart's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 23 in A major, K. 488, followed by Chopin's Variations on Là ci darem la mano for piano and orchestra, Op.  2. In the symphonic poem Harold in Italy by Hector Berlioz, we will hear the mastery of Josef Špaček, who will play the solo viola part. The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Erina Yashima, a German conductor who has performed with prestigious international orchestras in Europe and the USA.

Petr Popelka and Brahms Symphonies I and II

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