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The 80th edition of the Prague Spring International Music Festival moves into its second week with a lineup ranging from major orchestral debuts to intimate chamber performances.
After a dazzling first week featuring the Czech Philharmonic with Semyon Bychkov, the Boston Symphony under Andris Nelsons, and the NHK Symphony led by Fabio Luisi—not to mention a compelling residency by violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja—concertgoers can expect another packed program from May 19 to 25.
Highlights of second week
- May 22–24: A three-day "Beethoven trilogy" begins with Kammerakademie Potsdam's Czech debut, joined by pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard. The program includes Beethoven and the Czech premiere of Toshio Hosokawa’s In the Forest.
- May 23: Sweden’s Gothenburg Symphony, led by Finnish conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali in his Czech debut, performs Smetana’s Håkon Jarl with Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki.
- May 24–25: Chamber music takes center stage with Trio Incendio’s Prague Spring debut and a recital by violinist Ivan Ženatý with pianist Martin Kasík. A youth showcase at St. Simon and Jude Church will feature the premiere of Emilyno jaro, composed by Beata Hlavenková. In the evening, Concentus Musicus Wien and conductor Tomáš Netopil present Mozart’s Requiem at the Rudolfinum.
On Thursday, May 22, the festival launches its “Beethoven triple”—a three-day series celebrating Beethoven. The Kammerakademie Potsdam will kick it off, making its Czech debut under chief conductor Antonello Manacorda, joined by French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard. Their program will feature works by Beethoven and the Czech premiere of In the Forest, a composition by Japanese composer Toshio Hosokawa.
On Friday, May 23, fans of Czech music can look forward to a compelling interpretation of Bedřich Smetana’s symphonic poem Håkon Jarl, performed by the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra led by Finnish conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali, also making his Czech debut. Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki will appear as soloist.
The weekend will be devoted to chamber music, beginning with the Prague Spring debut of Trio Incendio, and a recital by violinist Ivan Ženatý and pianist Martin Kasík.
On Saturday, May 24, St. Simon and Jude Church will host young graduates of the MenART Academy in a concert titled Salon ZUŠ, which will include the world premiere of Emily’s Spring (Emilyno jaro), a new work by Beata Hlavenková commissioned by Prague Spring.
In the evening, the Rudolfinum will present a benchmark interpretation of Mozart’s Requiem performed by Concentus Musicus Wien under the baton of Tomáš Netopil.
The week concludes May 25 with the Prague Spring debut of the acclaimed Quatuor Ébène.
In collaboration with the National Theatre and State Opera, Janáček’s Jenůfa will premiere in a new production by Calixto Bieito with musical direction by Stefan Veselka on May 22.
Tickets for most events are still available at www.festival.cz and at festival box offices at the Rudolfinum and Municipal House.
