Beethoven. Dvořák. Mendelssohn. Vranický

This means that he was at the birth of one of the greatest symphonists who is represented at this subscription concert somewhat paradoxically by the overture to his only opera Fidelio. The composition by Vranický to be heard tonight is the breathtaking Symphony in D minor “La Tempesta” (The Tempest), which in keeping with the trends of the time provides a very realistic rendition of the whirlwind.

The rest of the evening will be filled with more intimate compositions. Dvořák’s Serenade for Winds was inspired by Mozart’s famous Gran Partita. However, Dvořák has enriched his serenade with two string instruments and the idioms that confirm its “Czech” character. Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No. 10 belongs to a series of purely string works that preceded his symphonies for large orchestra.

The Prague Philharmonia was founded in 1994 on the initiative of the conductor Jiří Bělohlávek (1946-2017) under the original name Prague Chamber Philharmonia. Since the 2015–16 season the orchestra has been led by the French conductor Emmanuel Villaume. Today it is one of the most recognised orchestras, not only among Czech but also world ensembles. Regular invitations to tour abroad as well as recording projects with the most renowned international labels bear testimony to this.

The elegant Neo-Renaissance building of Rudolfinum was built between 1876-1884. It was conceived as a multipurpose cultural center with concert and exhibition halls. The building was taken under the patronage of the heir of the Habsburg throne, the archduke Rudolph after whom the building was named.

Between 1919 and 1941 Rudolfinum served temporarily as an assembly hall of Czech Parliament. Since then it has functioned as a concert hall, exhibition space, and a seat of the Czech Philharmonic. Two concert halls stage the most prominent classical music concerts such as the Dvořák Prague or Prague Spring festivals. 

In 1896 the Czech composer Antonín Dvořák conducted Czech Philharmonic performing his Symphony No. 9 "From the New World". That´s how the history of Czech Philharmonic, Rudolfinum and Dvořák Hall began...