The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra is set to return to Seoul next week under the direction of chief conductor and music director Semyon Bychkov, following their highly acclaimed 2023 performance in Korea. Last year's all-Dvorak program earned widespread praise for the ensemble's refined musicianship and powerful, cohesive sound, setting high expectations for their upcoming two-performance engagement in the Korean capital.
The highlight of the visit will occur on Tuesday, coinciding with the Czech Republic's Independence Day, when Bychkov will conduct Smetana's monumental symphonic poem "My Homeland" (Má vlast). This six-part masterpiece, running approximately 80 minutes, is often described as the soul of Czech music. The 73-year-old conductor characterizes the work as representing "so much of the Czech destiny," reflecting the nation's historical struggles and cultural identity.
Despite not being Czech by birth, Bychkov expresses a profound connection to the work's emotional essence, particularly its themes of yearning for identity and independence. He explains the historical context that shaped Smetana's composition: "When Smetana lived, the country was under the Austrian Empire. Inevitably, when you are dominated, you defend your roots, your language, your culture, your identity." According to Bychkov, this sentiment resonates throughout Smetana's musical compositions.
Bychkov draws a poignant comparison between Smetana and Beethoven, noting that both composers continued creating despite losing their hearing. "Smetana wrote the first two poems of Má vlast and then could no longer hear. Everything else was born in his mind," he observed. This parallel adds another layer of depth to the performance, highlighting the composer's remarkable dedication to his craft despite personal adversity.
The conductor emphasizes the deep connection between Smetana's and Dvorak's music, rooted in Czech folk traditions that embody the nation's collective memory. "Smetana's music is connected to the old legends of the Czech nation. The same is true of Dvorak," Bychkov explains. He considers folk music the foundation of all artistic expression, stating, "Folk music is where everything begins. It's the foundation of all art."
The second performance will take place on Wednesday at Lotte Concert Hall, featuring a different but equally compelling program. Korean cellist Han Jae-min will join the Czech Philharmonic to perform Dvorak's Cello Concerto in B minor, widely regarded as one of the most beloved works in the cello repertoire. The evening will also include Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5, offering audiences a blend of Czech and Russian musical traditions.
Bychkov, who has served as the Czech Philharmonic's leader since 2018, is now in his seventh season at the helm. Under his guidance, the orchestra has significantly elevated its international profile, recently receiving the prestigious honor of being named Gramophone Orchestra of the Year 2024 by the renowned British classical music magazine. This recognition underscores the ensemble's continued excellence and growing global reputation.
The partnership between Bychkov and the Czech Philharmonic has also yielded several major recording projects. Their recent releases include Smetana's "Má vlast" in March 2024 and Dvorak's Symphonies Nos. 7, 8, and 9 in September 2024, both under the Pentatone label. Additionally, they are currently working on an ambitious Mahler Symphony Cycle, with Symphony No. 3 scheduled for release in March 2025 and the complete set expected to be available in 2026. These recordings demonstrate the orchestra's commitment to preserving and sharing the Czech musical heritage while expanding their repertoire to include other masterworks of the classical canon.
