Together with the Orchestra and Chorus of the Royal Opera House, he presented a programme featuring works by two composers close to Czech audiences. The evening included Bartók’s orchestral suite from the ballet The Miraculous Mandarin and Dvořák’s cantata The Spectre’s Bride, inspired by the ballad of the same name by Karel Jaromír Erben.

Leading soloists took part in the performance: Kateřina Kněžíková (soprano), Nicky Spence (tenor), who stepped in at short notice for the indisposed Pavel Černoch, and Pavol Kubáň (baritone).

Jakub Hrůša, one of the most distinguished figures of today’s Czech and international music scene, brings to London not only his exceptional interpretative skills but also the powerful legacy of Czech musical tradition. His appointment represents a significant moment in cultural relations between the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom.

“It is a great honour for us that a Czech conductor stands at the head of one of the world’s most important opera houses. This moment is not only a personal success for Jakub Hrůša, but also proof of the strength and prestige of Czech musical tradition, which is recognised around the globe,” said Czech Ambassador Václav Bartuška on this occasion.

“The inaugural concert with the Orchestra and Chorus of the Royal Opera, featuring international soloists, was an extraordinary experience. I was glad to have chosen such a contrasting pair of works by Bartók and Dvořák, which inspired both the musicians and the enthusiastic audience to appreciate lesser-known Czech treasures and to recognize the immense qualities of these two amazing ensembles. Symbolically, this concert heralded a wonderful cultural dialogue between the Czech and Central European tradition and creativity, and British excellence and openness. For me personally, it was an intensely heartfelt moment on stage,” summarized Jakub Hrůša about his experience of the concert.