This year, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Tokyo is participating in the celebrations of the “Year of Czech Music”, a tradition that dates back to 1924, when it was first celebrated in connection with the centenary of the birth of a famous composer Bedřich Smetana. This year, Czech classical music is again celebrating important anniversaries, such as the 200th anniversary of the birth of the aforementioned Bedřich Smetana or the 120th anniversary of the death of a composer Antonín Dvořák.

To start these important celebrations, a concert of the Sextet of the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK was held at the Embassy in Tokyo, who performed a Sextet for Horns and String Quartet in E-flat major from Ludwig van Beethoven and The String Quartet No. 12 in F major known as “the American Quartet” from Antonín Dvořák. In the opening speech, Ambassador Martin Klučar launched „Year of Czech Music“ and also observed a moment of silence for victims of the recent earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Opening speech of Ambassador Martin Klučar.

The Sextet of the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK performed the concert in Japan formed of the Eve Quartet, a string quartet founded in 2002, which is active both in Czechia and internationally, and their performances entertain audiences of all ages. Currently, the quartet is preparing for their second music album. Ms. Zuzana Rzounková, a world-renowned horn player and member of the Prague Symphony Orchestra, and Mr. Martin Sokol, first horn player of the Prague Symphony Orchestra, completed the sextet.

The Sextet of the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK.

Czech classical music is well-known and popular in Japan, and the composition “Vltava” by Bedřich Smetana is even part of music classes in Japan. It is therefore no surprise that the concert thrilled the Japanese audience and was a fitting start to the jubilee year dedicated to Czech music.

We thank the performers and the Prague Symphony Orchestra for an extraordinary performance!