CCMS – Subscription Series

Just as the Czech Philharmonic has its artist-in-residence, chamber music is given a dramaturgical identity by the curator. This year the choice fell on the phenomenal violinist Julia Fischer. In the first row of the Czech Chamber Music Society, she will perform with her ensemble as well as with the musicians of the Czech Philharmonic. They will be joined by pianist András Schiff. Baroque music will be performed by the Collegium Marianum, modern music by the Belfiato Quintet. And we also invite you to hear the great French piano Trio Wanderer.

The Year of Czech Music dominates the programmes of all musical institutions between Aš and Jablunkov. However, the second series of the CCMS will also feature lesser-known Czech natives such as Klement Slavický, Josef Bohuslav Foerster, Jiří Antonín Benda, Erwin Schulhoff, Rudolf Friml and Eduard Douša. And it is not only Smetana who is celebrating a great anniversary. The Czech Nonet has been on the scene for an incredible 100 years! You can also look forward to Kateřina Kněžíková, the Czech Trio or the Bennewitz Quartet.

Our exclusive recital series is packed with famous names. In addition to the fantastic violinist Julia Fischer, you will hear Icelandic pianist Vikingur Ólafsson, who recently made his debut with the Czech Philharmonic. For the first time in Prague, the much-praised Polish countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński will make his debut, and you can also look forward to another return to the Rudolfinum by the legendary Mitsuko Uchida.

Tuesday evening concerts in Suk Hall offer a varied and entertaining mix of programmes. The series will appeal to both fans of vocal works in rarely performed pieces by Dvořák and Smetana and lovers of strings and wind instruments. The plan includes both older music by Mysliveček and the premiere of a composition by Ondřej Štochl. The imaginary highlight will be the Smetana "birthday" evening with pianist Jitka Čechová.

Saturday matinees this season are dominated by breath. In addition to the Czech Philharmonic Winds, visitors to the Martinů Hall will also hear the Czech Saxophone Quartet with guest David Eben, the transverse flutist Žofia Vokálková and the royal instrument of wind and keyboard at the same time. Organist Pavel Svoboda will be joined by hornist Kateřina Javůrková in a programme spanning across periods. And if you think you know Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition well, pay attention.

This year, we will see the first concert of the popular series a week before the first Sunday of Advent. The last one falls on Christmas Eve and it is better to enjoy the carols in a close family circle. Christmas-themed programmes performed by the chamber ensembles of the Czech Philharmonic members and their guests will be presented in the Suk Hall of the Rudolfinum at 15.00 and 17.30. On Sunday afternoons you can enjoy not only the music but also a seat in the Café Rudolfinum.