Birthday of the Czech Philharmonic. Dvorak forever

PRAGUE. Czech Philharmonic - 120. The past and glorious present of the Rudolfinum.

130 years ago, an unremarkable plot in the center of Prague, occupied by warehouses and outbuildings, local bankers decided to turn into an oasis of culture. They pretended to be invited by leading architects - Zitek and Schultz, who were able to provide the most convincing design of a multifunctional building in the Neo-Renaissance style. So in the capital appeared Rudolfinum (Rudolfinum). The name was not chosen by chance. Crown Prince Rudolph, the educated and versatile talented heir to the throne of the Austrian Empire, became the patron of the noble undertaking. One of his teachers was the famous zoologist Alfred Brem. 4 years after the discovery of Rudolfinum, his namesake died in unclear circumstances on the Mayerling estate.

In 1896, the new Prague landmark became the home of the Czech Philharmonic. In a luxurious hall with amazing acoustics, like at the opening of Rudolfinum 11 years ago, Dvorak’s music was played: in 1885 - “Slavic Rhapsody No. 2”, in 1896 - “Slavic Rhapsody No. 3”. Both times he directed the orchestra, achieving the perfect performance of his works, the author himself. The Prague public was lucky to see Grieg, Tchaikovsky, Brahms and other great composers. Over the years of its existence, Rudolfinum has gone through a lot: reconstruction, occupation, misuse, dismantling of sculptures, change of name. Over time, everything returned to normal. In addition to the Philharmonic, students of musical universities have settled in these walls after the war. This year another important date will be celebrated - the 70th anniversary of the Prague Spring Festival, one of the main organizers is the Czech Philharmonic. The latest reconstruction made it possible to equip its halls with an air conditioning system, make the unique acoustics even more perfect, and the room is as comfortable as possible for the audience.

At the anniversary concert on January 4, the music of the great Dvorak was again sung - his Bible songs, as well as several works sounded at the opening of the Philharmonic in the 19th century. Since September 2012, Jiří Bělohlávek has been at the helm of the country’s main orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic, a famous conductor who worked with many of the largest orchestras in the world, two-time winner of the Gramophone Award.

The plans for the anniversary season include performances by two prominent conductors - Semyon Bychkov and Valery Gergiev, violinists Anne-Sophie Mutter and Yanin Yansen, as well as the premiere of the concert version of the opera Katya Kabanova by Janachek.

Elena Tanakova © Gallerix.ru