Ředitel MHF Dvořákova Praha Jan Simon představuje program letošního ročníku

·22 min·2 clips

Jan Simon reveals the 2025 Dvořák Prague Festival program, featuring a new focus on Dvořák's song cycles.

The episode is an interview with Jan Simon, director of the International Music Festival Dvořák Prague. He announces the 2025 festival dates from March 5 to 23. Simon explains the festival's core structure, including the Dvořák Collection which systematically maps Dvořák's works. This year introduces a focus on Dvořák's song cycles, curated by soprano Kateřina Knižíková across four concerts. Knižíková will perform adaptations of works like Love Songs and Gypsy Melodies, arranged for her soprano voice by Jiří Gemroth. Other themed concerts include 'Dialogue between Vltava and Sena' featuring French composers and collaborations with the Benevico Quartetto. The chamber program extends beyond the Dvořák Collection to include ensembles like the Philharmonics from Berlin and Vienna and Cello Duelo. World orchestras are a central component, with the Staatskapelle Dresden performing Mahler's Fifth Symphony and Kirill Gerstein playing Schumann. The Chamber Orchestra of Europe will feature András Schiff as conductor and soloist. The Czech Philharmonic serves as the residential orchestra, with concerts including rarely performed works like Schumann's cello concerto. A new 'Bez kravaty' series of five concerts aims to refresh the festival by blending classical music with humor and accessibility, inspired by performers like the Marx Brothers. This includes projects like 'Sound New Worlds' by Iguzman and Ju and 'Mozart in Mambo' with Sarah Willis and Cuban musicians. The festival also highlights educational efforts, such as the Ševčíková Akademie which provides comprehensive training including psychological support. Competition finals for the Praga contest are split into categories for piano/string instruments and wind instruments. Simon mentions a new visual identity and website to attract a wider, younger audience while retaining traditional values.

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