Popelka leads a fiery finish for Dvořák’s Prague

Petr Popelka conducts the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra

Simona Šaturová and Jozef Benci

Paul Lewis and the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra

By Frank Kuznik, 26 September 2023

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“Dvořák’s Te Deum is not typical sacred music, especially with Petr Popelka on the podium”

Reviewed at Rudolfinum: Dvořák Hall, Prague on 25 September 2023

Brahms, Piano Concerto no. 1 in D minor, Op.15

Novák, De profundis op. 67

Dvořák, Te Deum

Paul Lewis, Piano

Simona Šaturová, Soprano

Jozef Benci, Bass

Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno

Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra

Petr Popelka, Conductor

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

Frank Kuznik, 23rd February

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

Omer Meir Wellber conducts a winter warmer in Prague

Frank Kuznik, 11th December

With an assist from Gidon Kremer, the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra shines in an overheated, challenging program.

***11

In Prague, Brad Mehldau offers a fresh take on Bach

Frank Kuznik, 15th October

Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau and the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra offer a different perspective on the Baroque master.

****1

A Dvořák revival fit for a king in Prague

Frank Kuznik, 19th September

Dvořák's failed King and Charcoal Burner gets a second chance and new life at his namesake festival.

****1

Prague Spring finishes with a stirring farewell

Frank Kuznik, 2nd June

Krzysztof Penderecki leads a masterful performance and powerful tribute to Jiří Bělohlávek.

*****

Opening concert Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad

David Karlin, 30th January

Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad opens with a programme of beautiful music and a pair of fine soloists, but a concert somewhat let down by a lack of rapport between soloists and orchestra.

***11

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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.