Orchestral conducting practice
List of orchestras
Conducting is not a theoretical discipline that can be mastered solely through books, lectures, or passive observation. It is an art that requires real-time interaction with musicians, deep listening skills, and the ability to shape sound dynamically. No amount of theoretical study can replace the hands-on experience of standing in front of an orchestra, feeling its collective energy, and making immediate artistic decisions.
The Prague Philharmonia was founded in 1994 on the initiative of the conductor Jiří Bělohlávek (1946-2017). Today it is one of the most recognised orchestras, not only among Czech but also world ensembles.
The Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc was founded in 1945 and is one of the leading Czech symphony orchestras. It performs a broad classical repertoire and has worked with many distinguished Czech and international conductors and soloists.
Founded in 1835, the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra is one of Europe's oldest symphony orchestras. In 1894 it gave the European premiere of Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," in Karlovy Vary.
The City Theatre of Ústí nad Labem is a professional opera and ballet theatre with its own orchestra, chorus and soloists. Its historic theatre building opened in 1909 and remains an important cultural centre of North Bohemia.
The West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra in Mariánské Lázně traces its history to 1821 and is the oldest continuously active professional symphony orchestra in the Czech lands. It presents subscription concerts, symphonic programmes and traditional spa concerts throughout the year.
The Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice was founded in 1969 and has developed a strong reputation in the Czech Republic and abroad. Its repertoire ranges from Baroque and Classical works to Romantic, contemporary and crossover projects.
The Prague Symphony Orchestra (FOK), founded in 1934, is the official orchestra of the City of Prague. A full-sized professional symphony orchestra with a broad classical repertoire, it is based in the Smetana Hall of Prague's Municipal House.
