Role

:

Ensemble

 

Prager Kammerorchester, also known as the Prague Chamber Orchestra, is a classical music ensemble based in Prague, Czech Republic. The ensemble was founded in 1951 by conductor and violinist Oldřich Vlček, who served as its artistic director until his death in 1999. The ensemble's main members are highly skilled musicians who specialize in playing string instruments, including violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Over the years, the ensemble has collaborated with many renowned soloists and conductors, including Yehudi Menuhin, Sviatoslav Richter, and Sir Neville Marriner. One of the highlights of the ensemble's early career was its performance at the 1956 Prague Spring International Music Festival, where it received critical acclaim for its interpretation of Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G minor. The ensemble's reputation continued to grow throughout the 1960s and 1970s, as it toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States. In 1989, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix du Disque for its recording of Mozart's Piano Concertos Nos. 20 and 21, featuring pianist Ivan Moravec. This was followed by another Grand Prix du Disque in 1991 for its recording of Mozart's String Quintets, featuring violist Milan Škampa. In addition to its recordings, the ensemble has also been recognized for its live performances. In 1994, it was awarded the Czech Music Council's Prize for Best Performance of the Year for its interpretation of Dvořák's Serenade for Strings in E major. The ensemble has also been a regular participant in the Prague Spring International Music Festival, where it has performed works by composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky. Despite the passing of its founder, the ensemble has continued to thrive under the leadership of its current artistic director, violinist Pavel Šporcl. In recent years, the ensemble has expanded its repertoire to include works by contemporary composers, such as Philip Glass and Arvo Pärt. Today, Prager Kammerorchester remains one of the most respected and acclaimed classical music ensembles in the world. Its commitment to excellence and its dedication to preserving the rich tradition of classical music have earned it a place among the great orchestras of our time.

More....