What we are up to in 2026

This year opens with an extraordinary reinterpretation of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, presented in a bold new arrangement for marimba, French horn, violin, and bass clarinet. At the heart of the project is Radek Baborák — renowned horn virtuoso, conductor, and musical innovator — who brings together an exceptional ensemble of long-time collaborators: world-class vibraphonist Andrei Pushkarev, violinist Dalibor Karvay, and clarinetist Petr Valášek. The result is a fresh, genre-defying perspective on one of the pillars of the classical repertoire.

Our classical lineup continues with two major recordings in collaboration with the Czech Philharmonic. These include Arthur Honegger and Paul Claudel’s dramatic masterpiece Joan of Arc at the Stake, performed with the Prague Philharmonic Choir under the baton of Lukáš Vasilek and featuring Audrey Bonnet in the role of Joan of Arc, as well as new recordings of symphonic works by Ondřej Kukal and Jiří Teml, conducted by Jakub Hrůša and Tomáš Netopil. Further highlights feature a deeply personal solo album by pianist Terezie Fialová devoted to the music of Latvian minimalist Pēteris Vasks, alongside a duo recording by cellist Václav Petr and pianist David Mareček celebrating the refined sound world of the Belle Époque.

The jazz series brings equally strong voices and new directions. Trumpeter and composer Štěpánka Balcarová presents a new quartet album featuring vocalist Małgorzata Hutek; Martin Brunner and Markéta Foukalová introduce songs composed on poems by Jan Zábrana; and saxophonist Luboš Soukup unveils his latest project, pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz expression.

In songwriting, we go back to the roots while embracing new collaborations. Legendary songwriter Dagmar Voňková presents newly recorded original songs, reaffirming her unmistakable artistic voice. At the same time, we are happy to introduce two exciting new partnerships: singer-songwriter Václav Havelka with his long-awaited debut solo album, and the band Fru Fru.