Semyon Bychkov conducts the Czech Philharmonic

In March, to end their European tour, the Czech Philharmonic and their Chief Conductor Semyon Bychkov came to the Barbican Hall for this eagerly awaited concert – the first international visiting orchestra to perform there since the pandemic.

In a world where one orchestra often sounds very much like another, the Czech Philharmonic has retained an immediately recognisable distinctiveness, especially, as here, in two peaks of the Czech repertoire, each so characteristic of its composer.

Dvořák's unique joyousness, sensuous happiness and nostalgia combine in his lyrical Eighth Symphony, by turns rustic, wistful and exuberant.

The church's all-consuming obsession (as he saw it) with death and suffering, was not for Janáček and his Glagolitic Mass, an ecstatic, visionary, pantheistic celebration, including fanfares, a wild organ solo and sudden outbursts, is like nothing else. 'Luminous, totally crazy, insane, full of joy of life,' is how Semyon Bychkov describes it.

Introduced by Ian Skelly.

Dvořák: Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88

8.15 pm
Interval Music (from CD)

Janáček: Pohádka
Laura van der Heijden (cello)
Jâms Coleman (piano)

8.30 pm
Janáček: Glagolitic Mass

Evelina Dobračeva (soprano)
Lucie Hilscherová (alto)
Aleš Briscein (tenor)
Boris Prýgl (bass)
City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Semyon Bychkov (conductor)