This show is part of our Performing Arts Series. To purchase a Performing Arts Series package, please follow this link: https://www.center.iastate.edu/orderonline
The Czech National Philharmonic was founded in 1908, during which the orchestra performed its first concerts under the direction of Bohuslav Martinů. In 1945, it was reconstituted after the Second World War, and awarded the title of ‘National’ Philharmonic. The orchestra is famous for performing the works of Dvorak, Smetana, Martinů, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Schubert. Over the course of its existence, the Czech National Philharmonic Orchestra has developed an extremely extensive and varied repertoire. Focuses mainly on the great composers of world music of the 19th and 20th centuries, however, it also promotes contemporary Czech and world music, as evidenced by the performance of more than 250 new compositions. The orchestra also ranks among the authentic interpreters of the classics of Czech national music culture: Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana, Leoše Janáček a Bohuslav Martinů.
The distinguished Maestro Pavel Snajdr will be the conductor for this tour.
Maestro Pavel Snajdr was a member of the composers’ society Bezmocná hrstka (Helpless Handful) and his works have earned him two awards in the Generation competition. Keenly interested in performing contemporary music, he and the Brno-based ensemble Ars incognita have premiered approximately 40 pieces by present-day composers, some of which have been recorded on CD. In 2001 the ensemble gave an independent concert at the Prague Spring festival and in 2005 within the Prague Premieres festival at the Rudolfinum.
He has collaborated with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, Brno Philharmonic Orchestra, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, North Bohemia Philharmonic Orchestra Teplice and the Hradec Králové Philharmonic, and on two occasions conducted concerts at the Music Forum festival in Hradec Králové.
