The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra on the Road
Although half of the summer holidays are already behind us, the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra has certainly not been idle.
Throughout June and July, the orchestra performed at several prestigious festivals, energising not only the musicians themselves, but also the enthusiastic audiences in attendance. Highlights included performances at the Smetana's Litomyšl Festival and the International Music Festival in Český Krumlov.
Even before the summer break began, the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra performed in two touring concerts following the Operetta Gala concert at the Municipal House in June. On Saturday 21 June, the orchestra performed in Frýdek-Místek as part of the Leoš Janáček International Music Festival. The following week, on 28 June, operetta melodies filled the courtyard of the New Châtea in Kostelec nad Orlicí. Conducted by Robert Jindra, the concert featured bass-baritone Adam Plachetka, who was accompanied by his wife, soprano Kateřina Kněžíková, in Frýdek-Místek, and later by soprano Doubravka Novotná in Kostelec nad Orlicí.
The highlight of the summer was undoubtedly the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra’s participation in the Grand Finale of the Smetana’s Litomyšl Festival. Despite the rain, the evening in the courtyard of Litomyšl Castle was filled with good spirits and the American soul of composers George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein. Wayne Marshall conducted a concert version of the American musical West Side Story, featuring the exceptional vocalists Vojtěch Dyk and Soňa Godarská in the lead roles.
The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra concluded its summer festival season on Saturday 19 July with elegance and a stunning view of the Český Krumlov Castle. Conducted by Diego Martín Etxebarria, the evening came alive with the Spanish rhythms of guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, whose southern temperament inspired not only flamenco dancer Virginia Delgado to dance. The audience left the evening in high spirits, inspired by the vibrant energy of southern culture.
All of the festival concerts were marked by a joyful celebration of music, excellent performances and enthusiastic audiences who savoured every note.
