Inspired by legend, Janáček’s Balada blanická, the exceptionally challenging composition Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini performed by resident soloist Federico Colli, and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, one of his most performed and admired works – all of this is included in the program of the last Opava concert under the direction of leading Czech conductor Tomáš Netopil.

Leoš Janáček
Balada blanická

Sergei Rachmaninoff
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for piano and orchestra, op. 43

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Symphony No. 40 in G minor, KV 550

Federico Colli – piano
Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava
Tomáš Netopil – conductor

The legend of the Blaník knights in the poetic rendering by Jaroslav Vrchlický inspired Janáček’s symphonic poem Balada blanická. This orchestral piece from 1919 was Janáček’s artistic response to the creation of Czechoslovakia, and the composer dedicated it to President Masaryk for his seventieth birthday.

In the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for piano and orchestra from 1934, Sergei Rachmaninoff chose to work with the famous melody from Paganini’s Caprice No. 24. Paganini, about whom numerous stories of a pact with the devil circulated, became a symbol of fantastic virtuosity in the 19th century. Likewise, in Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody, Paganini’s name represents an exceptionally challenging composition that showcases the pianist’s technical and expressive brilliance. The performance will be taken on by Italian pianist Federico Colli.

In Mozart’s oeuvre, Symphony No. 40 from 1788 holds the position of one of the most performed and admired works. Especially romantic composers found an understanding for Mozart’s urgent and passionate expression.

Conductor Tomáš Netopil regularly collaborates with the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava (JFO). After winning the Sir George Solti International Conductors’ Competition, he became one of the leading Czech conductors and is now a sought-after guest of the most important orchestras and opera stages worldwide.

The concert is financially supported by the Moravian-Silesian Region and the statutory city of Opava. The JFO’s subscription series of symphonic concerts is held under the auspices of the Deputy Governor of the Moravian-Silesian Region Mgr. et Mgr. Lukáš Curylo and the Mayor of the statutory city of Opava Ing. Tomáš Navrátil.