Review of the concert in Salzburg

In the introduction the writer reflects upon the standard of European radio orchestras in general. He states: "Radio symphony orchestras are universally distinguished by technical perfection, clarity of sound and stylistic versatility. The Prague radio orchestra, which has, since its founding in 1926, ranked among the pioneers of classical music on the airwaves, is no exception. But it wouldn't be an orchestra from Bohemia if it didn't bring with it a genuine musical ambience and a considerable chunk of the "Slav soul". Particularly in a programme consisting of works from the East." .

Gottfried Franz Kasparek also reminds us that Chief Conductor Vladimír Válek has headed the orchestra for 23 years. He describes his work thus: "He knows exactly when to stir up the fire and when to give free rein to the lyricism. And he recognises when the need arises for careful detailed work. The introductory piece, Sinfonietta by Leoš Janáček, came over as incredibly clear-cut, precise and pristine. The trumpet section rang out festively and the silken strings ensured that the music remained firmly embedded in Czech fields and groves." .

After briefly describing the character of Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 1 to his readers, he turns his attention to the soloist: "Jan Simon, one of the Czech Republic's leading contemporary pianists, is a striking keyboard magician from the best old school who, however, has sufficient ingenuity and feeling to play this piece with fine nuances and guaranteed impact. Perhaps even more remarkable was his performance in Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. This was jazz symphonics par excellence, crystal clear and full of emotion. The orchestra proved itself to be an ideal swing partner. We clearly sensed musician's blood from the East flowing through Gershwin's veins as well. Vladimír Válek here accepted the role of the restrained guide, almost breathing in time with the soloist." .

Gottfried Franz Kasparek concludes his review by stating: "After the interval of this long concert, every bar of which held the audience's attention, the evening intensified as it drew towards its jubilant finale in a performance of Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 "From the New World". Dvořák's symphonic opus summum will ignite and touch audiences for as long as our orchestral culture exists. The conductor and orchestra were naturally in their element. With the bright sheen of the brass, the dreamily beautiful woodwind solos and truly lyrical - yet never sentimental - emphasis of the strings: this is how this music should be played and this is how it should be allowed to speak for itself." .