A resonant opening for Prague Spring

Semyon Bychkov

The Czech Philharmonic in the Smetana Hall,

The Czech Philharmonic

By Frank Kuznik, 13 May 2025

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“Bychkov... knows the pain of losing one’s homeland as well as anybody”

Reviewed at Municipal House: Smetana Hall, Prague on 12 May 2025

Smetana, Má vlast (My Fatherland)

Czech Philharmonic

Semyon Bychkov, Conductor

An au courant odyssey with the Czech Philharmonic in Prague

Frank Kuznik, 7th May

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

****1

Sol Gabetta bares her soul in Elgar on Czech Phil tour

Clare Varney, 23rd April

Semyon Bychkov conducts the Czech Phil on their latest European tour with the music of Elgar and Stravinsky.

****1

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.

*****

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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.