Belfiato Quintet is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2002 in Prague, Czech Republic. The ensemble consists of five members who play woodwind instruments: Jana Brožková on flute, Ondřej Štajnochr on oboe, Radek Baborák on horn, Jiří Javůrek on clarinet, and Vojtěch Samec on bassoon. The founding members of Belfiato Quintet met while studying at the Prague Conservatory and the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. They shared a passion for chamber music and decided to form a woodwind quintet. The name "Belfiato" comes from the Italian word for "blowing," which reflects the ensemble's focus on wind instruments. Since its founding, Belfiato Quintet has become one of the most prominent woodwind quintets in Europe. The ensemble has performed in major concert halls and festivals throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. They have also recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of Mozart's complete works for wind quintet. One of the highlights of Belfiato Quintet's career was their performance at the 2006 Prague Spring International Music Festival. The ensemble performed a program of works by Czech composers, including Antonín Dvořák and Leoš Janáček. The performance was well-received by both audiences and critics, and helped to establish Belfiato Quintet as a leading chamber music ensemble in the Czech Republic. In 2008, Belfiato Quintet won first prize at the International Chamber Music Competition in Osaka, Japan. The competition featured ensembles from around the world, and Belfiato Quintet's performance was praised for its technical precision and musicality. The win helped to raise the ensemble's international profile and led to more performance opportunities in Asia. Another notable performance by Belfiato Quintet was their collaboration with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in 2012. The ensemble performed Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante for winds and orchestra, with Radek Baborák as the solo horn player. The performance was conducted by Jiří Bělohlávek, one of the most respected conductors in the Czech Republic. The collaboration was a major success, and led to more opportunities for Belfiato Quintet to perform with orchestras. In addition to their performances, Belfiato Quintet is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and has worked with students at the Prague Conservatory and the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. They also participate in community outreach programs, bringing classical music to audiences who might not otherwise have access to it. Belfiato Quintet's repertoire includes a wide range of works for woodwind quintet, from classical and romantic composers to contemporary music. The ensemble is known for their technical precision and musicality, as well as their ability to communicate with audiences through their performances. Overall, Belfiato Quintet is a highly respected and accomplished chamber music ensemble. Their performances and recordings have earned them critical acclaim and a loyal following of fans around the world. With their commitment to education and outreach, they are also helping to inspire the next generation of classical musicians.

More....