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Ensemble

 

The Ostrava Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus is a classical music ensemble based in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The ensemble was founded in 1954 as the Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra, named after the famous Czech composer Leoš Janácek. The orchestra was initially made up of amateur musicians, but over time it grew in size and professionalism. The Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra became known for its performances of Janácek's music, as well as other Czech composers such as Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana. The orchestra also began to perform works by international composers, including Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky. In 1990, the Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra merged with the Ostrava Symphony Orchestra to become the Ostrava Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra. The merger brought together two of the most prominent orchestras in the region, and allowed for a greater range of performances and collaborations. The Ostrava Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus is led by conductor Heiko Mathias Förster, who has been with the ensemble since 2015. Förster has worked with a number of orchestras and opera companies throughout Europe, and has been praised for his dynamic and expressive conducting style. The orchestra's main members include a mix of seasoned professionals and up-and-coming musicians. The ensemble is made up of around 80 musicians, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The chorus is made up of around 60 singers, who perform with the orchestra on a regular basis. The Ostrava Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus has performed at a number of prestigious venues and festivals throughout Europe, including the Prague Spring International Music Festival, the Bratislava Music Festival, and the Festival de Musique de Strasbourg. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of renowned soloists, including pianist Ivan Moravec and violinist Josef Suk. One of the highlights of the orchestra's history was its performance at the 2002 Prague Spring International Music Festival. The ensemble performed a program of works by Czech composers, including Janácek's Sinfonietta and Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 "From the New World." The performance was met with critical acclaim, and helped to solidify the orchestra's reputation as one of the leading ensembles in the region. The Ostrava Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus has also been recognized for its recordings, receiving a number of awards and nominations over the years. In 2007, the ensemble's recording of Janácek's Glagolitic Mass was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Choral Performance category. The recording was praised for its powerful and expressive interpretation of the work. Overall, the Ostrava Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus has established itself as one of the premier classical music ensembles in the Czech Republic and beyond. With its dynamic performances, talented musicians, and commitment to promoting Czech music, the ensemble continues to inspire audiences and musicians alike.

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