'In this repertoire Špaček is second to none,' the press wrote about Josef Špaček's acclaimed CD recording of Dvořák's Violin Concerto. He performs this romantic masterpiece tonight with the Residentie Orkest The Hague. More appealing Czech folk melodies resound in the hymn to the Vltava from Smetana's "My Homeland."

Dvořák's Violin Concertowith Josef Špaček
Even before Czech violinist Josef Špaček graduated from the Juilliard School in New York in 2011, he had already been appointed concertmaster of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. He remained associated with this orchestra until 2020. Meanwhile, the multiple award winner has developed into a much sought-after soloist. He is praised for his "stunning articulation and athletic ability" and his "delightful timbre. 'In this repertoire, Špaček is unparalleled,' the press wrote about the acclaimed CD recording of Dvořák's romantic Violin Concerto, which is full of Bohemian dances.

Smetana's paean to the Moldau
More appealing Czech folk melodies resound in Smetana's 'The Moldau,' the second movement from Smetana's six-part patriotic cycle Má vlast ('My Homeland'). In this evocative composition, we follow the course of the Moldau, from the moment it rises at its source in the mountains to the point where it flows as a mighty river through great cities. The Residentie Orkest also plays two other water-related works: La mer by Debussy and Wagner's overture from his opera about the ghost ship The Flying Dutchman.