The Prague Philharmonia was founded in 1994. The orchestra's
repertoire focuses on masterpieces of the Classical and Romantic periods as
well as music of the twentieth century, including works by neglected composers,
rarely-played pieces, and new works by contemporary composers. The orchestra's
Chief Conductor has been its founder, Jiri Belohlavek. From 2005/06 onwards,
Kaspar Zehnder will take over as Chief Conductor. The Prague Philharmonia also
collaborates with Principal Guest Conductor Michel Swierczewski and the young
Czech conductor Jakub Hrusa. Distinguished international soloists who have collaborated
with the Prague Philharmonia include Martha Argerich, Yefim Bronfman, Andras
Schiff, Elisabeth Leonskaya, Maria Joao Pires, Fazil Say, Gerhard Oppitz, Ivan
Moravec, the Duo Labeque, Sarah Chang, Shlomo Mintz, Isabelle Faust, Ivan Ienat
, Heinrich Schiff, Raphael Wallfisch, David Geringas, Jiri Barta, Jose Cura
and Jennifer Larmore. Distinguished guest conductors have included Christopher
Hogwood, David Stern, Martin Turnovsk , Libor Pesek, Tomas Hanus and Leos Svarovsk
. The orchestra regularly collaborates with renowned Czech singers such as Magdalena
Kozena, Eva Urbanova, and Dagmar Peckova. The Prague Philharmonia appears at
all the important Czech music festivals as well as at an increasingly large
number of festivals throughout Europe. The orchestra has made over forty recordings
for leading labels. The Prague Philharmonia operates with financial support
from the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, the City of Prague, its
main partner CAC Leasing, a.s. and partner Ringier, a.s.