Czech Philharmonic Velvet Revolution Concert

Czech Philharmonic ⬩ Velvet Revolution Concert

The programme for the Velvet Revolution Concerts includes 20th century works composed under difficult circumstances or with a troubled fate. Jakub Hrůša put together an original “Slavonic” programme of early works by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Leoš Janáček, and Witold Lutosławski (Poland), who faced censorship because of artistic and civic ideals.

Duration of the programme 1 hod 30 min

Programme

Sergei Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 (33')
Moderato
Adagio sostenuto
Allegro scherzando

— Intermission —

Leoš Janáček
Suite for orchestra, Op. 3 (14')
Con moto
Adagio
Allegretto
Con moto

Witold Lutosławski
Concerto for Orchestra (28')
Intrada
Capriccio notturno e arioso
Passacaglia, toccata e corale

Performers

Yuja Wang piano
Lukáš Vondráček piano

Jakub Hrůša conductor

Czech Philharmonic

The idea of regularly presenting Czech Philharmonic concerts connected with the themes of freedom and democracy emerged several years ago for a simple reason: the orchestra wanted to create a tradition of special artistic events that would remind audiences of important milestones of Czech history—the protests of the 17th of November (1939 and 1989) and the circumstances surrounding them, their goals, ideals, and moments of tragedy and triumph. On a more general level, the idea was to present the works of composers whose music and lives were in some way marked by the struggle for freedom or recognition.

Ultimately the concert planned for last year at the Rudolfinum with an impressive programme (Miloslav Kabeláč: The Mystery of Time, Dmitri Shostakovich: Leningrad Symphony) did not take place because of emergency public health measures, but Czech Television did carry a broadcast of Smetana’s Má vlast under the baton of the Czech Philharmonic’s chief conductor Semyon Bychkov. Of course, Má vlast is one of those compositions that has a rich history of performances of all kinds and that has assumed a symbolic role, often being heard on ceremonial occasions or even at turning points of history. Clearly, the themes of freedom and democracy can be viewed from different perspectives in music, so there is plenty to choose from for programming.

Rudolfinum — Dvořák Hall

11/17/2021 Wednesday 7:30 PM
11/18/2021 Thursday 7:30 PM

How to buy tickets

Buy online

For online shopping you will be redirected to the website of the Czech Philharmonic.

Personally at the Rudolfinum cash desk

Vacancies and other information about the concert will be provided by the Czech Philharmonic's Customer Service.

The sale of individual tickets for subscription concerts (orchestral, chamber, educational) will begin on Wednesday 7 June 2023 at 10.00 a.m. Tickets for the public dress rehearsals will go on sale on 13 September 2023 at 10.00 a.m.

Customer Service of Czech Philharmonic

Tel.:  +420 227 059 227

E-mail: info@czechphilharmonic.cz

Customer service is available on weekdays from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm.