In the elegant hall decorated with coats of arms, works by Czech composers were performed, highlighting the richness and emotional depth of the Czech musical tradition. The programme included a selection from Bedřich Smetana's Czech Dances, Fantasy on Themes from Antonín Dvořák's Rusalka in Novák's own arrangement, Leoš Janáček's dramatic Sonata 1. X. 1905 (From the Street) and Josef Suk's lyrical Song of Love, Op. 7, No. 1. The highlight of the evening was a heartfelt performance of Bedřich Smetana's Vltava (Moldau) in a transcription with distinctive elements of Matyáš's own piano interpretation.

Matyáš Novák has been regarded as one of the most promising talents of his generation. He made his debut with an orchestra at the age of ten, performed at Carnegie Hall in New York at the age of nineteen and gave a solo recital at the Prague Spring festival at the age of twenty. His exceptional musical talent, unique way of key-stroking and vast repertoire have earned him recognition in Czechia and abroad. Matyáš has forty concerts with an orchestra and hundreds of solo piano compositions in his repertoire.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who attended this extraordinary concert for creating such an unforgettable atmosphere.

The concert was supported by VAFO Group, a leading European producer of superpremium pet food, and by Helkama-Auto, official importer of ŠKODA cars in Finland.

Photo: Czech Embassy in Helsinki

Photo: © Antonín Halaš