One of the most prestigious classical music festivals is about to kick off in just a few days. From May 12 to June 5, 2014, prestigious orchestras and talented performers will follow one another in Prague. This year 130 orchestras, including chamber music orchestras, will officiate. Among the performers are such celebrities as Lang Lang, Hilary Hahn, Julia Fischer, Andrea Scholl, etc…
Ingenious conductors take turns. Among them Jiri Belohlavek, Paavo Jarvi, Johnathan Nott and many others. On the 12th, the opening evening of this 69th edition of the Festival begins with Bedrich Smetana’s Ma Patrie. This Czech composer, committed to his country’s independence, wrote this cycle of six symphonic poems in 1879. It is the perfect embodiment of the nationalist upsurge reiterated in 1968 during the famous Prague Spring, the inspiration for this festival.
Jiri Belohlavek will conduct the work. After several years at the helm of the Prague Symphony Orchestra, then the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, he is now internationally renowned.
A seasoned performer, in tune with Smetana’s creations and the Czech soul, he proves to be virtually indispensable for this event.
His role becomes even more perceptible when we consider that this edition is dedicated to Rafael Kubelik. This eminent conductor was behind the creation of this Festival with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in 1946. 2014 marks the 100th year of his birth.
A unique year for the French presence at the Prague Spring. Les Arts Florissants return after an absence of 19 years.
Some pleasant listening ahead…
Precious musical moments, talented performers, a Festival to be considered as an aesthete!
Photo credits Prague Spring.
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