Renowned Pianist Marc-André Hamelin Joins Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra
On Monday, October 21, the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra will present an exceptional concert at Prague's Municipal House.
The Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra has prepared a vibrant concert for Monday, October 21, promising an evening full of musical highlights. International guest pianist Marc-André Hamelin will lead listeners through the first two pieces, culminating in Ludwig van Beethoven’s renowned Fifth Symphony, often referred to as the "Fate Symphony." The concert will take place in the Smetana Hall at Prague’s Municipal House and will be broadcast live on Český rozhlas Vltava, starting at 7:30 PM.
British conductor Jonathan Darlington will be at the helm of the evening, guiding the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra through the program. The concert will open with two works performed by the Canadian-born Hamelin, described by The New York Times as an “artist with nearly superhuman technique.” His virtuosity will shine in the opening piece, Totentanz (Dance of Death) by Franz Liszt, a composition that reflects Liszt’s deep religious interest and fascination with death.
Following Liszt’s piece, Hamelin will perform Maurice Ravel’s Concerto for the Left Hand in D major, a unique one-movement composition known for its intricate tempo and rhythmical diversity. This work was famously written for pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who lost his right arm during World War I, and showcases Ravel’s genius in creating a full orchestral sound with just the left hand on the piano.
The climax of the evening will be Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor, a work that has intrigued audiences for centuries. Often interpreted as a reflection of Beethoven’s struggles with isolation and encroaching deafness, the symphony’s powerful progression from darkness to light symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the various interpretations, one thing is certain—the piece ends with an undeniable sense of optimism and triumph.
Don’t miss this extraordinary evening of music on October 21, whether live in the grand setting of the Municipal House or via Český rozhlas Vltava’s broadcast.
