Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

The Czech Radio Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over 90 years. The group was founded in 1926 as the Czechoslovak Radio Choir, and it quickly established itself as one of the premier choral ensembles in Europe. The choir's early years were marked by a series of groundbreaking performances that showcased its exceptional talent and versatility. In 1930, the choir performed the world premiere of Bohuslav Martinů's "Czech Madrigals," a work that would become one of the composer's most celebrated pieces. The choir also collaborated with other prominent Czech composers, including Leoš Janáček and Antonín Dvořák, and performed at major music festivals throughout Europe. During World War II, the choir faced significant challenges as the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia threatened its existence. However, the group persevered and continued to perform, even as many of its members were forced into hiding or sent to concentration camps. After the war, the choir emerged as a symbol of Czech resilience and cultural pride, and it continued to thrive under the leadership of conductor Josef Veselka. In the decades that followed, the Czech Radio Chorus continued to build its reputation as one of the world's leading choral ensembles. The group performed at major music festivals and concert halls throughout Europe and the United States, and it collaborated with some of the most celebrated conductors and composers of the 20th century. One of the choir's most notable collaborations was with the legendary conductor Sir Charles Mackerras, who led the group in a series of acclaimed recordings of Czech choral music. The choir also worked with other prominent conductors, including Rafael Kubelík, Vaclav Neumann, and Jiří Bělohlávek. In addition to its work in the concert hall, the Czech Radio Chorus has also made numerous recordings that have earned critical acclaim and commercial success. The group's discography includes a wide range of choral music, from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its recordings. One of the choir's most celebrated recordings is its performance of Janáček's "Glagolitic Mass," which was conducted by Bělohlávek and released on the Chandos label in 2005. The recording received widespread critical acclaim and won several major awards, including a Grammy for Best Choral Performance. The Czech Radio Chorus has also been recognized for its contributions to Czech culture and music. In 1996, the group was awarded the prestigious Thalia Prize, which is given annually to outstanding artists and performers in the Czech Republic. The choir has also been honored by the Czech Ministry of Culture and the Czech Academy of Music, and it has been designated a "National Cultural Monument" by the Czech government. Today, the Czech Radio Chorus continues to be a vital and dynamic force in the world of classical music. Under the leadership of conductor Lukáš Vasilek, the group remains committed to excellence in performance and to promoting the rich tradition of Czech choral music. With its exceptional talent and dedication to the art of choral singing, the Czech Radio Chorus is sure to continue captivating audiences for many years to come.

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