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Frank Kuznik

Frank Kuznik

Frank Kuznik is the former Editor-in-Chief and Culture Editor of The Prague Post, Central Europe’s premier English-language weekly newspaper. He currently divides his time between Prague and his hometown in the US, Cleveland, where he covers northeast Ohio's dynamic classical music scene. In Prague he is an habitué of the Rudolfinum, National Theater, State Opera and other storied classical music venues, and an unabashed fan of Czech music.

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Itzhak Perlman conducts The Cleveland Orchestra © Kevin Libal

A starry night for Itzhak Perlman at Blossom Music Festival

By Frank Kuznik, 09 July 2026

An evening with the Cleveland Orchestra shows the virtuoso violinist in fine form both as a player and a Beethoven devotee on the podium.

****1

Itzhak Perlman conducts The Cleveland Orchestra © Kevin Libal

A starry night for Itzhak Perlman at Blossom Music Festival

By Frank Kuznik

Michelle Barzel Ross © Erica Brenner Productions

Birds on the Moon: a moving tribute at ChamberFest Cleveland

By Frank Kuznik, 25 June 2026

Composer and violinist Michelle Barzell Ross leads a carefully crafted homage to a late mentor and friend in Birds on the Moon.

****1

Michelle Barzel Ross © Erica Brenner Productions

Birds on the Moon: a moving tribute at ChamberFest Cleveland

By Frank Kuznik

Staatskapelle Dresden © Prague Spring Festival | Michal Fanta

Staatskapelle Dresden provides a scintillating finish for Prague Spring

By Frank Kuznik, 04 June 2026

In a powerful performance conducted by Daniele Gatti, Verdi’s Requiem soars with optimistic energy to close the Prague Spring festival in Smetana Hall.

*****

Staatskapelle Dresden © Prague Spring Festival | Michal Fanta

Staatskapelle Dresden provides scintillating finish for Prague Spring

By Frank Kuznik

Jana Sibera (Blanche de la Force) © Petr Neubert

Barbora Horáková directs an ambitious update of Dialogues of the Carmelites in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 21 May 2026

Barbora Horáková’s new staging of Poulenc’s historic tragedy hits hard at the Prague State Opera, but it never quite reaches its goal.

***11

Jana Sibera (Blanche de la Force) © Petr Neubert

An ambitious update of Dialogues of the Carmelites in Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Lucas and Arthur Jussen with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields © Prague Spring Festival | Václav Hodina

Lucas and Arthur Jussen: a virtuoso pairing at Prague Spring

By Frank Kuznik, 17 May 2026

Lucas and Arthur Jussen make more than a guest appearance in a dazzling performance with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

****1

Lucas and Arthur Jussen with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields © Prague Spring Festival | Václav Hodina

Lucas and Arthur Jussen: a virtuoso pairing at Prague Spring

By Frank Kuznik

Peptr Popelka and the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra © Petra Hajská

Petr Popelka delivers a thrilling opening for Prague Spring

By Frank Kuznik, 12 May 2026

With Petr Popelka on the podium, the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra brings a native feel and colorful exuberance to a cultural icon.

****1

Peptr Popelka and the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra © Petra Hajská

Petr Popelka delivers a thrilling opening for Prague Spring

By Frank Kuznik

Anastasia Kobekina © Petra Hajská

An au courant odyssey with the Czech Philharmonic in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 07 May 2026

Conducted by Semyon Bychkov, the Czech Philharmonic shows its versatility with a sharp, smart evening of modern music.

****1

Anastasia Kobekina © Petra Hajská

An au courant odyssey with the Czech Philharmonic in Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Kolotoč (Carousel) © Martin Špelda

Václav Trojan’s Carousel: a magical night of dreams come true in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 23 April 2026

A vintage opera at the National Theatre offers charming adventures for children and musical sophistication for adults.

*****

Kolotoč (Carousel) © Martin Špelda

Trojan’s Carousel: a magical night of dreams come true in Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Leonard Slatkin conducts the Prague Symphony Orchestra © Petr Chodura

A special relationship renewed: Leonard Slatkin returns to the Prague Symphony

By Frank Kuznik, 16 April 2026

Leonard Slatkin returns to the Prague Symphony Orchestra with one of his own pieces, a Schubert tribute that steals the show.

****1

Leonard Slatkin conducts the Prague Symphony Orchestra © Petr Chodura

A special relationship renewed: Leonard Slatkin returns to Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Leticia Moreno © Omar Ayyashi

Cultural activism: Leticia Moreno in Singapore

By Frank Kuznik, 14 April 2026

The Spanish violinist makes her Sinagpore debut in May performing Szymanowski. She talks about taking repertoire to new places, and being an advocate for unusual Spanish music.

Leticia Moreno © Omar Ayyashi

Cultural activism: Leticia Moreno in Singapore

By Frank Kuznik

State Opera Chorus © Serghei Gherciu

Parsifal reconsidered: A provocative improvisation in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 26 March 2026

Timo Riihonen and Ester Pavlů stand out in a strong cast which carries Andreas Homoki's revised version of Wagner's final opera.

****1

State Opera Chorus © Serghei Gherciu

Parsifal reconsidered: A provocative improvisation in Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Stefanie Irányi, Eric Finbarr Carey and Jongmin Park with the Czech Philharmonic © Jan Kantor

A heartfelt reunion with the Czech Philharmonic

By Frank Kuznik, 19 March 2026

A stellar soloist and deft work by Semyon Bychkov put a fresh spin on familiar fare in the Rudolfinum.

****1

Stefanie Irányi, Eric Finbarr Carey and Jongmin Park with the Czech Philharmonic © Jan Kantor

A heartfelt reunion with the Czech Philharmonic in Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Emmanuel Villaume conducts the Prague Philharmonia © Ivan Malý

In Prague, a worthy tribute to a seminal conductor

By Frank Kuznik, 15 March 2026

The Prague Philharmonia carries on founder Jiří Bělohlávek's legacy with a bracing birthday celebration.

****1

Emmanuel Villaume conducts the Prague Philharmonia © Ivan Malý

In Prague, a worthy tribute to a seminal conductor

By Frank Kuznik

Christian Tetzlaff, Jonathan Nott and the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra © Matěj Komár

Skating on Thin Ice: a bracing Ondřej Adámek premiere in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 23 February 2026

Conducted by Jonathan Nott, the Prague RSO gives a vivid account of a new work by Czech composer Ondřej Adámek with a virtuoso assist from violinist Christian Tetzlaff.

****1

Christian Tetzlaff, Jonathan Nott and the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra © Matěj Komár

Skating on Thin Ice: a bracing Ondřej Adámek premiere in Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Adam Plachetka (Wotan) © Petr Neubert

In Prague, a high-minded new Rheingold never gets off the ground

By Frank Kuznik, 12 February 2026

Sláva Daubnerová's contemporary treatment of the Ring opener at the Prague National Theatre is socially ambitious but artistically disappointing.

***11

Adam Plachetka (Wotan) © Petr Neubert

In Prague, a high-minded new Rheingold never gets off the ground

By Frank Kuznik

Jakub Hrůša with Bryce Dessner and David Chalmin © Petra Hajská

Rockin’ at the Rudolfinum: the Czech Phil plays Bryce Dessner

By Frank Kuznik, 05 February 2026

American guitarist and composer Bryce Dessner brings a subdued palette to his debut appearance with the Czech Philharmonic.

****1

Jakub Hrůša with Bryce Dessner and David Chalmin © Petra Hajská

Rockin’ at the Rudolfinum: the Czech Phil plays Bryce Dessner

By Frank Kuznik

Franz Welser-Möst conducts The Cleveland Orchestra © Yevhen Gulenko, courtesy of The Cleveland Orchestra

An uneven symphonic pairing from Franz Welser-Möst in Cleveland

By Frank Kuznik, 10 January 2026

Mozart and Shostakovich make an uncomfortable fit in a program designed to highlight their differences.

***11

Franz Welser-Möst conducts The Cleveland Orchestra © Yevhen Gulenko, courtesy of The Cleveland Orchestra

An uneven symphonic pairing from Franz Welser-Möst in Cleveland

By Frank Kuznik

Thomas Adès conducts the Czech Philharmonic © Petra Hajská

Modern mayhem from Thomas Adès and the Czech Philharmonic

By Frank Kuznik, 05 December 2025

The composer and conductor celebrates Pierre Boulez's 100th birthday in fine fashion with a smart program and fervent work from both sides of the podium.

*****

Thomas Adès conducts the Czech Philharmonic © Petra Hajská

Modern mayhem from Thomas Adès and the Czech Philharmonic

By Frank Kuznik

Augustin Hadelich © Suxiao Yang

How to change your life: Augustin Hadelich on the Indianapolis Violin Competition

By Frank Kuznik, 01 December 2025

Renowned German violinist talks about the life-changing effects of International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, how it feels more like a violin festival, and how there are no small or big concerts.

Augustin Hadelich © Suxiao Yang

How to change your life: Augustin Hadelich

By Frank Kuznik

Ángeles Blancas Gulín and Sir Antonio Pappano © Petra Hajska

Chills and thrills from Pappano and the Czech Philharmonic

By Frank Kuznik, 27 November 2025

In expert hands, a terrifying 12-tone opera and a heroic piano concerto rattle the walls in Prague’s Rudolfinum.

*****

Ángeles Blancas Gulín and Sir Antonio Pappano © Petra Hajska

Chills and thrills from Pappano and the Czech Philharmonic

By Frank Kuznik

Sakari Oramo © Petr Chodura

A spirited revival of the Velvet Revolution from Oramo and the Czech Philharmonic

By Frank Kuznik, 16 November 2025

Conducted by Sakari Oramo, the Czech Philharmonic turn in a brilliant performance of Mahler's Resurrection Symphony that lights all the old revolutionary fires.

*****

Sakari Oramo © Petr Chodura

Spirited Velvet Revolution concert from Oramo and the Czech Phil

By Frank Kuznik

Hermann Bäumer © Courtesy of Hermann Bäumer

Man of the hour: Hermann Bäumer joins Prague State Opera

By Frank Kuznik, 14 November 2025

The German conductor talks about good fortune, taking on new opera productions, his experiences as a musician in the pit as well as at the podium, and why Prague State Opera is “super!”.

Hermann Bäumer © Courtesy of Hermann Bäumer

Man of the hour: Hermann Bäumer joins Prague State Opera

By Frank Kuznik

Seth Carico (Finn) and Jana Vrána (National Theatre Opera Ballet) © Petr Neubert

A promising revival of Ostrčil’s The Legend of Erin misses the mark in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 16 October 2025

An ambitious effort to honor hometown hero Otakar Ostrčil sags under its own weight at the Prague National Theatre.

***11

Seth Carico (Finn) and Jana Vrána (National Theatre Opera Ballet) © Petr Neubert

Revival of Ostrčil’s The Legend of Erin misses the mark in Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Lukas Sternath © Julia Weseley

Freedom and flexibility: Lukas Sternath returns to Bamberg Symphony

By Frank Kuznik, 15 October 2025

The young Austrian pianist reunites with Jakub Hrůša and the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra for a tour this November. He talks about taking inspiration from improvisation, and being an “accidental” artist...

Lukas Sternath © Julia Weseley

Freedom and flexibility: Lukas Sternath returns to Bamberg Symphony

By Frank Kuznik

Václav Luks conducts Collegium 1704 © Petra Hajská

In Prague, a sparkling season opener from Collegium 1704

By Frank Kuznik, 09 October 2025

Václav Luks launches a celebration of his ensemble's 20th anniversary with a seductive secular treatment of sacred music.

*****

Václav Luks conducts Collegium 1704 © Petra Hajská

In Prague, a sparkling season opener from Collegium 1704

By Frank Kuznik

Semyon Bychkov conducts the Czech Philharmonic © Petr Chodura

Mao Fujita and Semyon Bychkov deliver a virtuoso pairing in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 02 October 2025

A daunting program of Strauss and Shostakovich showcases conductor Semyon Bychkov and the Czech Philharmonic at their very best.

*****

Semyon Bychkov conducts the Czech Philharmonic © Petr Chodura

Mao Fujita and Semyon Bychkov deliver a virtuoso pairing in Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Evan LeRoy Johnson (Idomeneo) and the State Opera Chorus © Serghei Gherciu

Bieito’s Idomeneo runs out of time in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 28 September 2025

At the Prague State Opera, Calixto Brieito relocates Mozart's opera seria to modern times, with disastrous results.

***11

Evan LeRoy Johnson (Idomeneo) and the State Opera Chorus © Serghei Gherciu

Calixto Bieito’s Idomeneo runs out of time in Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Semyon Bychkov conducts the Czech Philharmonic © Petra Hajská

Flat Ravel, timeworn Tchaikovsky: a slow start for the Czech Philharmonic

By Frank Kuznik, 25 September 2025

Conductor Semyon Bychkov and soloist Seong-Jin Cho offer an underwhelming introduction to the new season at the Rudolfinum.

***11

Semyon Bychkov conducts the Czech Philharmonic © Petra Hajská

A slow start for the Czech Philharmonic

By Frank Kuznik

Daniele Gatti © Dvořák Prague Festival

High-caliber Schumann and Mahler at Dvořák Prague Festival

By Frank Kuznik, 14 September 2025

Daniele Gatti and Kirill Gerstein offer fresh, invigorating takes on two warhorses with the Staatskapelle Dresden.

*****

Daniele Gatti © Dvořák Prague Festival

High-caliber Schumann and Mahler at Dvořák’s Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Alain Altinoglu and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony © Petra Hajská | Dvořák Prague Festival

A boisterous opening at the Dvořák Prague Festival

By Frank Kuznik, 05 September 2025

Alain Altinoglu and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra leave a lot to the imagination in a fiery treatment of two signature Dvořák works.

***11

Alain Altinoglu and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony © Petra Hajská | Dvořák Prague Festival

A boisterous opening at the Dvořák Prague Festival

By Frank Kuznik

Santtu-Matias Rouvali conducts The Cleveland Orchestra © Aireonna McCall-Dube

A strong showing by Santtu-Matias Rouvali in Cleveland

By Frank Kuznik, 17 July 2025

Technical finesse and lively interpretations of dance suites showcase both the conductor's and the orchestra's strengths.

****1

Santtu-Matias Rouvali conducts The Cleveland Orchestra © Aireonna McCall-Dube

A strong showing by Rouvali in Cleveland

By Frank Kuznik

Roman Rabinovich and Fleur Barron © Gary Adams

Brett Dean's Epitaphs: scintillating sorrow at Chamberfest Cleveland

By Frank Kuznik, 27 June 2025

Lively performances offer fresh perspectives on elegies old and new in the penultimate ChamberFest Cleveland concert.

****1

Roman Rabinovich and Fleur Barron © Gary Adams

Brett Dean's Epitaphs: scintillating sorrow at Chamberfest Cleveland

By Frank Kuznik

Dominic Armstrong sings “Oh, my son...” © Gary Adams

A ChamberFest Cleveland premiere offers a powerful lament

By Frank Kuznik, 20 June 2025

Contemporary programming at this year's festival brings a sensitive social issue close to home, culminating in Judith Markovich's “Oh, my son…”

***11

Dominic Armstrong sings “Oh, my son...” © Gary Adams

A ChamberFest Cleveland premiere offers a powerful lament

By Frank Kuznik

Gardens at Benátky nad Jizerou Castle © Dagmar Malinová | Central Bohemia Tourist Board

Bohemian groves: a walk through Smetana’s homeland

By Frank Kuznik, 13 June 2025

The father of Czech music, Bedřich Smetana’s music is indelibly tied to the landscapes Bohemia. We take a journey through locations and memorials to this essential figure of Czech culture.

Gardens at Benátky nad Jizerou Castle © Dagmar Malinová | Central Bohemia Tourist Board

Bohemian groves: a walk through Smetana’s homeland

By Frank Kuznik

MIloš Horák (Gloucester) and Tómas Tómasson (Lear) © Petr Neubert

Reimann's Lear makes for a dark season finale at Prague State Opera

By Frank Kuznik, 07 June 2025

Aribert Reimann's Lear takes no prisoners in a disturbing portrayal of a world gone awry, but Barbora Horáková's scattergun direction adds to the confusion.

***11

MIloš Horák (Gloucester) and Tómas Tómasson (Lear) © Petr Neubert

Reimann's Lear makes for a dark season finale at Prague State Opera

By Frank Kuznik

Mahler 8 closes the Prague Spring festival © Pražské jaro | Václav Hodina

Bychkov’s Mahler 8 makes a heavenly finale for Prague Spring

By Frank Kuznik, 03 June 2025

Under the baton of Semyon Bychkov, the Czech Philharmonic and a sprawling supporting cast lead listeners up a stairway to heaven.

****1

Mahler 8 closes the Prague Spring festival © Pražské jaro | Václav Hodina

Bychkov’s Mahler 8 makes a heavenly finale for Prague Spring

By Frank Kuznik

Nelahozeves Castle © Filip Křešťan

Discovering Dvořák’s musical home in Bohemia

By Frank Kuznik, 30 May 2025

We take a trip to Antonín Dvořák’s birthplace, the composer summer hideaway Vysoká, and other spectacular cultural destinations in Central Bohemia.

Nelahozeves Castle © Filip Křešťan

Discovering Dvořák’s musical home in Bohemia

By Frank Kuznik

Alžběta Poláčková (Jenůfa), Aleš Briscein (Laca) © Pavel Hejný

A bleak Jenůfa from Calixto Bieito

By Frank Kuznik, 22 May 2025

The director drains the life out of an impassioned opera with a staging devoid of authenticity and ideas.

**111

Alžběta Poláčková (Jenůfa), Aleš Briscein (Laca) © Pavel Hejný

A bleak Jenůfa from Calixto Bieito

By Frank Kuznik

Jaap van Zweden conducts the Chicago Symphony at Prague Spring © Prague Spring Festival 2025 | Václav Hodina

Muscular Mahler 6 as Chicago Symphony makes Prague Spring debut

By Frank Kuznik, 20 May 2025

With Jaap van Zweden on the podium, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra makes a memorable festival debut, offering a fresh take on a high-powered classic.

****1

Jaap van Zweden conducts the Chicago Symphony at Prague Spring © Prague Spring Festival 2025 | Václav Hodina

Muscular Mahler 6 as Chicago Symphony makes Prague Spring debut

By Frank Kuznik

Akiko Suwanai and the NHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo © Prague Spring Festival | Petra Hajská

A versatile NHK shines at Prague Spring

By Frank Kuznik, 15 May 2025

Conducted by Fabio Luisi, Japan's premier orchestra serves up a superb blend of Eastern and Western music and influences.

****1

Akiko Suwanai and the NHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo © Prague Spring Festival | Petra Hajská

A versatile NHK shines at Prague Spring

By Frank Kuznik

Semyon Bychkov © Prague Spring Festival | Petra Hajská

A resonant opening for Prague Spring

By Frank Kuznik, 12 May 2025

The festival returns to its roots, and freshens them, with Semyon Bychkov and the Czech Philharmonic offering a muscular take on Má vlast.

****1

Semyon Bychkov © Prague Spring Festival | Petra Hajská

A resonant opening for Prague Spring

By Frank Kuznik

Leif Ove Andsnes © Petra Hajska

Hrůša and Andsnes lead a bright night for the Czech Philharmonic

By Frank Kuznik, 24 April 2025

With Jakub Hrůša on the podium and Leif Ove Andsnes at the keyboard, the orchestra offer glowing treatment of a dark program.

****1

Leif Ove Andsnes © Petra Hajska

Hrůša and Andsnes lead a bright night for the Czech Philharmonic

By Frank Kuznik

Beatrice Rana, Alain Altoniglu and the Czech Philharmonic © Ivan Malý

A stellar Czech Philharmonic debut by Beatrice Rana

By Frank Kuznik, 03 April 2025

In a fine-tuned collaboration with conductor Alain Altinoglu, the gifted young pianist shows brilliant command of a keyboard showpiece.

****1

Beatrice Rana, Alain Altoniglu and the Czech Philharmonic © Ivan Malý

A stellar Czech Philharmonic debut by Beatrice Rana

By Frank Kuznik

Ghiulnara Raileanu (Manon) © Serghei Gherciu

A politically charged new Manon in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 27 March 2025

Puccini's classic takes on a harsh contemporary edge in a dark treatment by director Sláva Daubnerová at Prague's National Theatre.

****1

Ghiulnara Raileanu (Manon) © Serghei Gherciu

A politically charged new Manon in Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Arnheiður Eiríksdóttir (Neris) and Svetlana Aksenova (Medea) © Petr Neubert

Cherubini’s Medea falls flat in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 22 February 2025

The challenges of Cherubini’s version of the Greek tragedy prove too much for the National Theatre to overcome.

**111

Arnheiður Eiríksdóttir (Neris) and Svetlana Aksenova (Medea) © Petr Neubert

Cherubini’s Medea falls flat in Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Audrey Bonnet © Petra Hajská

A powerful Jeanne d'Arc in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 13 February 2025

The Czech Philharmonic's impassioned performance of Honegger's dramatic oratorio marks an historic milestone in Prague.

****1

Audrey Bonnet © Petra Hajská

A powerful Jeanne d'Arc in Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Steven Banks, Stéphane Denève and The Cleveland Orchestra © Roger Mastroianni, courtesy of The Cleveland Orchestra

Classical jazz from Stéphane Denève and The Cleveland Orchestra

By Frank Kuznik, 09 January 2025

A tribute to John Coltrane highlights an adventurous outing by The Cleveland Orchestra led by cosmopolitan conductor Stéphane Denève.

****1

Steven Banks, Stéphane Denève and The Cleveland Orchestra © Roger Mastroianni, courtesy of The Cleveland Orchestra

Classical jazz from Stéphane Denève and The Cleveland Orchestra

By Frank Kuznik

Alan Gilbert conducts the Czech Philharmonic © Petra Hajská

A dynamic debut in Prague by Alan Gilbert

By Frank Kuznik, 19 December 2024

With an assist from soloist Kirill Gerstein, Alan Gilbert holds the audience rapt in his inaugural appearance with the Czech Philharmonic.

****1

Alan Gilbert conducts the Czech Philharmonic © Petra Hajská

A dynamic debut in Prague by Alan Gilbert

By Frank Kuznik

Robert Kružík and the Pavel Bořkovec Quartet with the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic © Michael Romanovsky

Marvelous Martinů in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 07 December 2024

The composer's work and influence shone brightly in the finale to this year's Bohuslav Martinů Days festival.

****1

Robert Kružík and the Pavel Bořkovec Quartet with the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic © Michael Romanovsky

Marvelous Martinů in Prague

By Frank Kuznik

Marcel Beekman (Platée) © Pavel Hejný

A rambunctious Platée revival in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 23 November 2024

SKUTR's daring direction and Václav Luks's early music expertise combine to bring new vitality to a Baroque classic.

*****

Marcel Beekman (Platée) © Pavel Hejný

A rambunctious Platée revival in Prague

By Frank Kuznik