The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra: Studio 1 – the heart of the radio symphonists
The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra has called the legendary Studio 1 its home since 1935. A space that was once among the most modern in Europe became the setting for thousands of recordings, hundreds of premieres, and countless musical moments that reached audiences around the world through radio broadcasting. The fourth instalment of the series marking the orchestra’s 100th anniversary explores the history of this remarkable hall and the recordings that have left a lasting mark on it.
Studio 1 became the daily workplace of Prague’s radio symphonists on 11 June 1935, when the orchestra performed its first live concert for Radiojournal broadcasts there. At the time, it was among the most modern and acoustically advanced radio studios in Europe. Its architecture and technical equipment were designed to meet the demands of a large orchestra as well as the then-new medium of radio broadcasting.
As recording standards continued to evolve, the space had to adapt over time. The original organ and choir gallery disappeared, while the technical facilities and acoustic design underwent a series of changes. Studio 1 experienced its most significant transformation during the renovation of the historic Czech Radio building between 2007 and 2011. The modernization enhanced its acoustic qualities and created a space ideally suited both for recording a full symphony orchestra and for chamber concerts broadcast live.
Recording as a natural part of the orchestra’s DNA
Performing in front of microphones is at the very core of a radio orchestra’s identity. Today, the Czech Radio archives preserve thousands of recordings not only by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra but also by other ensembles, including the former Prague Radio Orchestra, which merged with the symphony orchestra in 1964.
Thanks to international radio exchanges, recordings by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra reached audiences across the globe. This, however, did not diminish the interest of record companies in working with the ensemble. On the contrary, the orchestra became a sought-after partner for studio projects that frequently received prestigious awards.
Award-winning recordings of recent years
Among the orchestra’s most notable recent achievements are two Supraphon albums of symphonic works by Leoš Janáček, conducted by Tomáš Netopil, which received the Editor’s Choice award from the British magazine Gramophone.
Particular attention was attracted by a new recording of Bedřich Smetana’s Má vlast under the baton of Petr Popelka. Released by Supraphon at the end of 2024, the recording earned not only an Editor’s Choice award and a nomination for the Anděl Awards, but also the prestigious French distinction Diapason d’or de l’année, one of Europe’s highest honours in classical music.
New projects shaping the orchestra’s identity
The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra continues to expand its discography, doing so in a way that reflects its public service mission. Rather than relying on established crowd-pleasers, it seeks out works of artistic value that also help promote awareness of Czech music.
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