W. A. Mozart: Symphony No. 1 in E-flat major, KV 16, I. Molto allegro, II. Andante, III. Presto

Antonín Dvořák: Three Modern Greek Poems Op. 50 (in Martin Peschík’s orchestral arrangement) – Klepht Song, Nereids, Parga’s Lament

Antonín Dvořák: Serenade in E major, Op. 22 (selection), I. Moderato, III. Scherzo, V. Finale. Allegro vivace

intermission

Antonín Dvořák: Gypsy Songs Op. 55 (selection) – My song rings out with love again, Songs my mother taught me, Now the string is tuned, lad, Flowing sleeves and trousers

W. A. Mozart: Symphony No. 29 in A major, KV 201, I. Allegro moderato, II. Andante in D major, III. Menuetto: Allegretto — Trio, IV. Allegro con spirito

Edita Randová belongs to leading Czech mezzo-sopranos. The critics appreciate above all her voice range (from alto to dramatic mezzo-soprano) and the timbre of her voice in connection with perfect singing technique. She started her career at the Karlín Musical Theatre and at the State Opera in Prague. At present she dedicates herself primarily to concert activities. She has sung at renowned concert halls all around Europe, in Australia, Mexico, USA, Canada, Brazil and China and has also performed at the famous Carnegie Hall. In 2009 she received the European Prize of Gustav Mahler for outstanding contribution in the field of music. She takes part in a number of international festivals, cooperates with both Czech and foreign symphony and chamber ensembles under the baton of important Czech and international conductors. She regularly records song cycles for the Czech Radio. Edita Randová’s recordings were broadcast by radio stations in Italy, Australia, France and Argentina. Besides the opera repertoire, Edita Randová also has a rich concert repertoire including oratorios, cantatas, masses, song cycles as well as individual songs from old masters to contemporary works of Czech as well as leading world composers. A number of contemporary composers dedicated their compositions to her.

Martin Peschík studied piano and conducting the Conservatory in České Budějovice. He graduated from conducting at the Janáček Academy of Performing Arts in Brno in Prof. Jan Zbavitel’s class. He has been the chief conductor of the West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Mariánské Lázně since 2011, in 2011-2017 he was also its director. Since 2002, he has held the post of choirmaster and conductor at the South Bohemian Theatre České Budějovice, in 2008-2011 he was the ensemble’s chief conductor and since 2011 the conductor. He has staged and conducted a number of operas, operettas, musicals and ballets (Tosca, La Bohème, Pagliacci, Othello, Rigoletto, Faust, L’elisir d’amore, Rusalka, The Gypsy Baron, Die Fledermaus, Die Csárdásfürstin, Finian’s Rainbow, Hello, Dolly!) with this orchestra. He has cooperated with the National Theatre in Brno, Niederbayerische Philharmonie, Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra Olomouc, Czech Chamber Philharmonic, South Czech Philharmonic, Czech National Symphony Orchestra Prague, Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra, Moldova Philharmonic Orchestra and others. He has conducted in a number of European countries (Germany, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Romania) and at important music festivals. He is a sought-after chamber player and répétiteur. He also dedicates himself to composition and adaptation of compositions.    

The chamber orchestra Virtuosi Pragenses was founded by leading Czech violin virtuoso and conductor Libor Hlaváček in 1970. The members of this renowned ensemble are prominent Prague instrumentalists. In their play, critics appreciate their musicality, cultivated sound and precise performance of the compositions. This chamber orchestra has made a number of radio and television recordings, cooperates with important Czech and foreign soloists and conductors and its repertoire includes famous works from the Baroque period until the 20^th century. The orchestra has appeared on renowned concert stages and at festivals – Wiener Festwochen, Prague Spring, Dubrovnik International Music Festival, Festtage Passau, Prague Autumn, international music festival Czech Touches of Music, Vienna Summer Festival and music festivals in Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Jordan etc.