was founded in 1929 as an important part of the Czechoslovak musical scene. For the performance of larger works by Bartók or Schoenberg or guest appearances of significant conductors and composers, such as Igor Stravinsky, Sergei Prokofiev, and Paul Hindemith (who grew fond of Ostrava and returned several times), it was joined by the Ostrava Opera orchestra.

It was in 1954, however, that the current ensemble was really founded (as Ostrava Symphony Orchestra) and led by Otakar Pařík. After 1962, it performed as State Philharmonic Ostrava (led by Václav Jiráček), and in 1971, led by longtime chief conductor Otakar Trhlík, its name was finally changed to the current form Janáčkova Filharmonie Ostrava (Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava). Today it is one of the most important Czech orchestras; it enters its seventh decade with a new Artistic Director: Heiko Mathias Förster, who brings new impulses thanks to his 25-yearold experience with German orchestras.

The Janáček Philharmonic’s mission is to promote Czech music abroad while presenting a world-class repertoire played by top conductors and soloists in Ostrava. Since its establishment in 1954, the Orchestra has consolidated its position as one of the best Czech ensembles. The orchestra is regularly invited abroad, notably to the United States, South Korea, China, Germany, and Austria. It performs with both young stars and famous soloists and conductors. The orchestra further focuses on concerts for children, and is about to launch new programmes for the elderly as well.

The Orchestra’s repertoire ranges from established classics to the latest yet undiscovered works. All the musicians belong to the top of their field, but the biggest advantage of the orchestra is its complexity: musicians are well-coordinated and at every concert, they deliver a convincing performance. The orchestra is known for a distinctive soft sound of the strings and for its uncompromising wind section.

The Orchestra has undertaken numerous international tours, including Europe, the Unites States, Japan, China, Australia, and South Korea.

Current performances of the orchestra are strongly influenced by two recent significant chief conductors: Christian Arming and Theodore Kuchar, as well as Petr Vronský. The result is an overall plasticity and colourfulness of the sound with clear elements of the Slavonic mentality. It is leafing performer of contemporary music, including that scored by a large number of musicians. It has given a large amount of Czech premieres, mainly thanks to the conductor and composer Petr Kotik, notably Stockhausen’s Gruppen for three orchestras at 1999 Prague Spring; the performance in the Spanish Hall of the Prague Castle was so successful that the demanding, almost thirty-minute long composition had to be played again. Other favourite authors include John Cage, Morton Feldman, and Iannis Xenakis.

The Janáček Philharmonic is based at Ostrava City House of Culture, it has its own series in the Gong Hall, a rebuilt gas tank. Apart from its rich concert activity, it organises many educational and entertaining programmes and holds concerts in the neighbouring cities.