Critics' Choice, Recording of the Year 2021: 'Superb recordings of the Shostakovich piano concertos ... a well- filled CD that is really excellent.'
MusicWeb International
Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava
Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava
Orchestra
The Janáček Philharmonic, based in Ostrava, is one of the leading symphonic orchestras from the Czech Republic. Maintaining long-established orchestral traditions, its distinctive bohemian sound and progressive repertoire it is held to the highest esteem by audiences and critics alike.
Genre
Classical
Biography
Officially established in 1954, the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava soon developed into one of the rising Czech symphonic ensembles. Many world-renowned conductors and soloists have collaborated with the orchestra: Sir Charles Mackerras, Karel Ančerl, Mariss Jansons, Sviatoslav Richter and Rudolf Firkušný, to name but a few.
The Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava has toured Europe extensively, as well as China and South Korea. It has performed in the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Musikverein in Vienna, Philharmonie in Berlin and Gasteig in Munich, among others. Artists who have played with the orchestra include Lisa Batiashvili, Midori, Sergey Khachatryan, Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann, Patricia Petibon, Rolando Villazón, Piotr Beczała, Boris Giltburg, Lukáš Vondráček and Federico Colli.
The prominent Russian conductor Vassily Sinaisky is the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava. Petr Popelka is the Principal Guest Conductor. The orchestra has cooperated with conductors such as Michail Jurowski, Antoni Wit, Jakub Hrůša, Krzysztof Penderecki and Stanislav Kochanovsky.
Reviews
'Trpčeski radiates charisma in both works, sounding dazzling and assertive. His treatment of the slow movements is touchingly poetic ... I can offer an unqualified recommendation.'
Fanfare
Album of the Week: 'The soloist Simon Trpceski is Macedonian, tinged with melancholy and capable of the most breath-taking pianissimo ... The piano trio placed between the two concertos is simply breath-taking'
Slipped Disc (Norman Lebrecht's Blog)
'Simon Trpčeski also presents the piano concertos ... under the direction of Cristian Macelaru, playing with cool transparency, makes full use of the kaleidoscopic effects, but never overstimulates.'
Fono Forum
