Praised for its musical excellence and flawless performances, the Czech Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra (CJPO) has a long musical tradition rooted in Czech culture. Its distinguished new Chief Conductor designate Daniel Raiskin believes it’s also one of very few international orchestras to have retained a truly distinctive sound. Hear for yourself in two delightful excerpts from Janáček’s opera The Cunning Little Vixen, based on a comic strip character. Soloist Jennifer Pike is a violinist of unique artistry and compelling insight who can “hold an audience spellbound” (The Strad), making her the perfect advocate for Bruch’s universally popular First Violin Concerto with its ravishingly beautiful slow movement, the beating heart of the work.

Shostakovich unleashed his Tenth Symphony in December 1953, nine months after Stalin’s death (and just months before the CJPO was formally established). There’s an ever present sense of danger, a maniacal march, a forced-sounding waltz, plaintive solos and an over-excited finale at the end of which, Shostakovich’s musical monogram triumphs. This monumental work creates a shattering live experience and leaves a profound sense of Shostakovich’s life under Stalin.

See the full B:Classical Season here