Czech Philharmonic a hit at New York's Carnegie Hall with sold-out concerts

The Czech Philharmonic’s recent residency at New York City’s prestigious Carnegie Hall was marked by sold-out concerts and critical acclaim. This past week, the orchestra captivated audiences as part of Czech Week in New York, drawing high-profile attendees such as architect Daniel Libeskind and actor Alec Baldwin.

Speaking to Czech News Agency, General Director David Mareček expressed optimism that such appearances could become a regular tradition, especially after Carnegie Hall’s Artistic Director Clive Gillinson highlighted plans to spotlight smaller nations with rich cultural heritage.

“It’s a great honor to have a three-concert residency in Carnegie Hall, and even more so to turn it into a successful mission,” Mareček said, noting the significance of the orchestra’s three-concert residency and emphasizing the challenge of achieving both artistic and commercial success.

The Czech Philharmonic, led by Chief Conductor Semyon Bychkov, opened its residency on Dec. 3 with music by Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana. The concert featured American cellist Yo-Yo Ma performing Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B Minor and concluded with symphonic poems from Smetana’s Má vlast.

The second concert showcased Dvořák’s works alongside Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, while the final evening included Dvořák’s Piano Concerto in G Minor, performed by Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov, and Leoš Janáček’s rarely performed Glagolitic Mass.

Enthusiastic applause and standing ovations followed all three performances. The latter featured the Prague Philharmonic Choir and earned the orchestra the Dvořák American Heritage Association Award for its contributions to Czech music.

The residency marked the Czech Philharmonic’s 20th appearance at Carnegie Hall, dating back to its debut under Karel Ančerl in 1965. Mareček expressed gratitude for the support of Czech audiences both in New York and via streamed performances.

"We were surprised by the support we receive from Czechs who came with us to Carnegie Hall, and the number of people who watched the live stream of Smetana's Má vlast on December 3rd," Mareček said.

"For musicians as well as singers from the Prague Philharmonic Choir, it's a great boost to know that people at home are interested. Even President Petr Pavel flew in directly from a trip to Australia and New Zealand to support Czech culture and the presentation of the Year of Czech Music."

Following their New York success, the orchestra will travel to Toronto for two performances. Reflecting on the connection to the Canadian city, Mareček referenced conductor Ančerl, who spent his final years in Toronto after leading the Czech Philharmonic before passing away in 1973.

The Czech Philharmonic will return home for a series of holiday concerts at Prague's Rudolfinum from Dec. 18. For tickets and additional info, see their official website.