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

Mahler 8 closes the Prague Spring festival

Off-stage brass in Smetana Hall

Miriam Kutrowatz

Semyon Bychkov conducts the Czech Philharmonic

By Frank Kuznik, 05 June 2025

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“like a lone cop directing traffic on the freeway”

Reviewed at Municipal House: Smetana Hall, Prague on 3 June 2025

Mahler, Symphony no. 8 in E flat major "Symphony of a Thousand"

Czech Philharmonic

Semyon Bychkov, Conductor

Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno

Joel Hána, Choirmaster / chorus director

Prague Philharmonic Choir

Lukáš Vasilek, Choirmaster / chorus director

Kühn Children's Choir

Jiří Chvála, Choirmaster / chorus director

Sarah Wegener, Soprano

Kateřina Kněžíková, Soprano

Miriam Kutrowatz, Soprano

Stefanie Irányi, Mezzo-soprano

Jennifer Johnston, Mezzo-soprano

David Butt Philip, Tenor

Adam Plachetka, Baritone

Derek Welton, Bass

A heartfelt reunion with the Czech Philharmonic in Prague

Frank Kuznik, 19th March

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

****1

Searing Kindertotenlieder from Fleur Barron and Czech Philharmonic

Gianmarco Segato, 18th February

Fleur Barron delivers a searing Kindertotenlieder in the Czech Philharmonic's mini-survey of the Germanic Romantic repertoire under Semyon Bychkov.

****1

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

Frank Kuznik, 5th February

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

****1

Modern mayhem from Thomas Adès and the Czech Philharmonic

Frank Kuznik, 5th December

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.

*****

Chills and thrills from Pappano and the Czech Philharmonic

Frank Kuznik, 27th November

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

*****

Spirited Velvet Revolution concert from Oramo and the Czech Phil

Frank Kuznik, 16th November

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

*****

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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.