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Czech National Concert Band Makes Its Debut at Smetana’s Litomyšl Festival
On 28 June 2026, the Czech National Concert Band made its first-ever appearance at the prestigious Smetana’s Litomyšl Festival, performing as part of the Festival Gardens programme.
The concert was conducted by the orchestra’s Chief Conductor Václav Blahunek, who, together with the musicians, prepared a varied programme combining Czech musical tradition with contemporary artistic projects.
A highlight of the evening was the appearance of Barbora Pešková and Marie Voborníková, scholarship recipients of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation. The two young sopranos performed the charming roles of Vendulka and Barča from Bedřich Smetana’s opera The Kiss (Hubička). Barbora Pešková also appeared as a soloist, performing The Girl from Moravia by Bohuslav Martinů, one of the most beloved Czech songs.
In addition to the vocal repertoire, the programme included works by Czech composers Evžen Zámečník, Pavel Staněk, and Karel Husa, showcasing the richness and versatility of the symphonic wind repertoire.
The climax of the concert was a joint performance by the Czech National Concert Band and the renowned ensemble Clarinet Factory. Together they performed six works in special arrangements created specifically for this collaboration by Marko Ivanović. The concert concluded with a unique fusion of the concert band’s powerful sound and Clarinet Factory’s unmistakable musical style, earning an enthusiastic response from the audience.
The Czech National Concert Band would like to thank the festival for the invitation and all those in attendance for their warm reception. We look forward to meeting our audiences again at future performances.
Czech National Concert Band at the 44th Talich’s Beroun International Music Festival
On Saturday, 21 February, the Czech National Concert Band appeared for the fifth time as part of the accompanying programme of the 44th Talich’s Beroun International Music Festival. As in previous years, the concert was closely connected with the conducting masterclasses that have become an integral part of the orchestra’s activities.
For the first time, the orchestra collaborated with Marek Prášil, conductor of the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre in Ostrava. Together they created a programme inspired by this year’s festival theme, “Women of Destiny.”
The first half of the concert featured works by two female composers. It opened with a composition by the American composer Carolyn Bremer, followed by Spring Meadow by the young Czech composer Kateřina Horká. The feminine theme continued with Co to máš, má milá (the third movement from Frýdlant Suite) by Pavel Staněk, in which every orchestral solo was performed by female members of the orchestra. This work, together with the closing piece of the first half, Convivium by Dutch composer Jan Bosveld, was conducted by Jiří Pohnán, a participant in this year’s conducting masterclasses.
The second half of the programme was devoted to Czech composers. It opened with Smetana Fanfare by Karel Husa, followed by Lašské slunce by Evžen Zámečník. Pavel Staněk was represented once again with his suite Písničky z východního konce, and the concert concluded with the third movement from Moravian Folk Fantasies by Klement Slavický, arranged for concert band by Jaroslav Zeman.
Czech National Concert Band Performs at Prague Castle
On 9 November, the Czech National Concert Band performed in the magnificent Spanish Hall of Prague Castle at a gala concert celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Band of the Castle Guard and Police of the Czech Republic. The orchestra was invited as a guest ensemble and performed under the baton of its Chief Conductor Václav Blahunek, who also serves as Chief Conductor of the Band of the Castle Guard.
The orchestra presented three works that were enthusiastically received by the audience:
- Festivo – Václav Nelhýbel
- Music for a Festival – Philip Sparke
- Co to máš, má milá – Pavel Staněk
Performing at such a prestigious event was a great honour and an unforgettable experience for our orchestra. The unique atmosphere of the Spanish Hall, combined with the ceremonial significance of the occasion, created an exceptional musical experience.
Several members of the Czech National Concert Band also joined the Band of the Castle Guard for a joint performance of Fiesta Mexicana by Owen Reed, bringing the concert to an impressive conclusion.
The Czech National Concert Band sincerely thanks the organisers for the invitation and the opportunity to be part of this outstanding musical celebration.
Czech National Concert Band Performs Dutch Wind Music in Hradec Králové
On Monday, 27 October, the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Hradec Králové resonated with the sounds of symphonic wind music performed by the Czech National Concert Band. The concert was conducted by the Dutch conductor Joop Boerstoel, the current President of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE).
Joop Boerstel is a highly respected figure in the world of symphonic wind music. In his native Netherlands, he is best known for his work with amateur and youth ensembles and has long been one of the leading advocates of the symphonic wind repertoire. His precise conducting and exceptional attention to detail gave the performance a truly remarkable atmosphere.
The evening’s programme was devoted entirely to Dutch composers, offering the audience a unique opportunity to explore the rich tradition of Dutch symphonic wind music.
The concert featured Martin Chmelař, principal trombonist of the Band of the Castle Guard and Police of the Czech Republic, as soloist. He delivered a brilliant performance of the first movement from Johan de Meij’s Trombone Concerto.
Earlier that Monday morning, Joop Boerstel led a seminar on Dutch symphonic wind music at the Přelouč Elementary School of Arts. During the session, he introduced students to the history and development of Dutch wind music, highlighted the composers and ensembles that have shaped the genre, and discussed current trends in contemporary symphonic wind repertoire.
Special thanks go to Markéta Linhart and Jiří Pohnán, who prepared the orchestra during the rehearsal camps and made a significant contribution to the success of the performance.
The Czech National Concert Band’s concert in Hradec Králové demonstrated that symphonic wind music holds a strong position on the Czech musical scene and continues to captivate both professional musicians and the wider public.
Chamber music representing CNBC
Last week, we had the pleasure of providing live music for a corporate event hosted by HP N Media s.r.o. Our wind quintet and flute trio created a pleasant atmosphere during the welcome drink – the champagne tasted great, and even better with music! 🥂✨
We performed a charming and varied repertoire that captured the audience’s attention and received many compliments – not only from classical music lovers. We’re grateful to have contributed to such a festive evening and look forward to our next musical occasion!