Česká filharmonie

The Czech Philharmonic (Czech: Česká filharmonie) is a symphony orchestra based in Prague, recognized worldwide as one of the most distinguished orchestras. The orchestra is headquartered in the magnificent Rudolfinum concert hall, an architectural gem on the banks of the Vltava River.

History

The name "Czech Philharmonic Orchestra" first appeared in 1894 as the designation for the orchestra of the Prague National Theatre. The orchestra gave its first concert under its current name on January 4, 1896, when Antonín Dvořák conducted his own compositions. Although this was a milestone, the orchestra did not become fully independent from the opera until 1901. The first representative concert took place on October 15, 1901, under the direction of Ludvík Čelanský, the orchestra's first artistic director.  

In 1908, Gustav Mahler conducted the world premiere of his Symphony No. 7 with the orchestra, attracting international attention. However, the orchestra's international breakthrough came primarily during the chief conductorship of Václav Talich, who held the post from 1919 to 1931 and again from 1933 to 1941. In 1941, Talich and the orchestra made a controversial trip to Germany, where they performed Bedřich Smetana's "Má vlast" (My Country) in a concert imposed by the German authorities. This event remains a complex and sensitive chapter in the orchestra's history.  

After World War II, renowned conductors succeeded each other, including Rafael Kubelík (1942-1948), Karel Ančerl (1950-1968), Václav Neumann (1968-1989), Jiří Bělohlávek (1990-1992, 2012-2017), Gerd Albrecht (1993-1996), Vladimir Ashkenazy (1996-2003), Zdeněk Mácal (2003-2007), and Eliahu Inbal (2009-2012).

The period following the Velvet Revolution in 1989 brought financial uncertainty and organizational changes. The controversial appointment of Gerd Albrecht and the subsequent departure of Jiří Bělohlávek in the early 1990s caused much upheaval. Fortunately, Bělohlávek returned as chief conductor in 2012, a reappointment that was enthusiastically received by both the orchestra and the public. However, his leadership was abruptly ended by his death on May 31, 2017.

In 2013, Semyon Bychkov began guest conducting with the orchestra and was later appointed director of the Tchaikovsky Project. In October 2017, Bychkov was announced as the next chief conductor and music director, effective from the 2018-2019 season. In September 2022, his contract was extended through 2028.

In addition to the chief conductors, prominent guest conductors have also played an important role in the orchestra's development. Sir Charles Mackerras and Manfred Honeck were regular guest conductors. Jakub Hrůša has been the permanent guest conductor since the 2015-2016 season. In October 2017, Hrůša and Tomáš Netopil were appointed joint principal guest conductors, also effective from the 2018-2019 season. In February 2024, the orchestra announced the appointment of Sir Simon Rattle as its next principal guest conductor for a period of five years, with the title 'Rafael Kubelík Conducting Chair'. In April 2024, it was announced that Semyon Bychkov will step down as chief conductor and music director after the 2027-2028 season.  

The Czech Philharmonic's first phonograph recording dates from 1929, when Václav Talich recorded "Má vlast" for His Master's Voice. The orchestra's recordings are mainly released on the Supraphon label.

Honors and awards

The Czech Philharmonic has won numerous awards, including ten Grand Prix du Disque de l'Académie Charles Cros, five Grand Prix du disque de l'Académie française, and several Cannes Classical Awards. The orchestra was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2005 and received two Wiener Flötenuhr awards with Pavel Štěpán, Zdeněk Mácal, and Václav Neumann (1971 and 1982). In a 2008 survey by Gramophone magazine, the orchestra was ranked 20th among the best orchestras in the world.  

Chief Conductors

Ludvík Čelanský (1901-1903) Vilém Zemánek (1903-1918) Václav Talich (1919-1931, 1933-1941) Rafael Kubelík (1942-1948) Karel Šejna (1950)   Karel Ančerl (1950-1968) Václav Neumann (1968-1989) Jiří Bělohlávek (1990-1992, 2012-2017)   Gerd Albrecht (1993-1996) Vladimir Ashkenazy (1996-2003) Zdeněk Mácal (2003-2007) Eliahu Inbal (2009-2012) Semyon Bychkov (2018-present)