Kožená performs recital at Prague Castle

The Czech opera star Magdalena Kožená performed a much-anticipated recital at the Spanish Hall at Prague Castle on Monday evening. Accompanied by her regular collaborator, pianist Malcolm Martineau, the mezzo-soprano performed a programme of songs by Ravel, Hayden and Bartok that she will repeat on Wednesday at London’s Barbican. Led by Czech Philharmonic director David Mareček, the audience at the sold-out Spanish Hall sang Happy Birthday for Kožená, who turns 40 later this month.