The recent Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra's tour of Queensland was an extraordinary success. The orchestra and its soloists were the main attraction of the 16th Australian Festival of Chamber Music that was held in Townsville from 3 June to 9 July 2006. The musicians from the city of Ostrava also performed two concerts in Cairns.

The forty members of the orchestra under the baton of Festival Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Theodore Kuchar performed pieces by Czech and international composers over three nights for the festival audience. Their opening Symphony Under the Stars was held in Townsville's Queens Park on 4 July and was attended by the Governor of Queensland, Ms Quentin Bryce along with hundreds of listeners. The further two concerts titled Mostly Mozart and The Fire and The Rose were held in the Townsville Civic Theatre and were completely sold out. The Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra performed pieces by Mozart and Dvořák as well as the premiere version of Cello Dreaming by Australian Composer Peter Sculthorpe. The solo parts were performed by Professor of Music at the Prague Conservatory Jiří Bárta (cello) and Australian Indigenous musician William Barton (didgeridoo).

Janáček Philharmonic soloist Jiří Hanousek performed an extremely successful concert titled The Glory of the Cello. In a packed St. Joseph's Church the concert was thoroughly enjoyed by the entire audience which included the Governor of Queensland.

During their stay in Townsville the performers from the city of Ostrava also spent time teaching young Australian musicians.



The Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Theodore Kuchar just finished the Symphony Under the Stars. Townsville, QLD, 4 July 2006




Jiří Hanousek, The Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra soloist, plays The Glory of the Cello concert in St. Joseph's Church, Townsville, QLD, 5 July 2006