Designed as a platform to prepare instrumental students for professional life, each year selected members of the CP will be in residence at the Academy, working with students in a programme of masterclasses, professional audition sessions, and side-by-side chamber music and orchestral concerts.
The CP’s inaugural 2018 residency at the Academy, which recognised the 100th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia, marked a defining moment in the relationship between the organisations, strengthening bonds and paving the way for a more permanent working partnership.
The Czech Philharmonic’s general manager, Robert Hanc, said: ‘The Czech Philharmonic had a wonderful experience at the Royal Academy of Music, both in its one-to-one encounters with the students and when it came to sharing the concert platform. Education and outreach are a really important part of the Orchestra’s identity and having the opportunity to share our heritage with such talented and professional students is a real privilege. We could not be more delighted that this relationship now has time to grow into an even more meaningful partnership‘.
The Academy’s Principal, Jonathan Freeman-Attwood CBE, said: ‘One of the most significant appointments at the Academy has been our Klemperer Chair of Conducting, Semyon Bychkov. Soon after he was appointed Chief Conductor of the great Czech Philharmonic in 2018, the Academy was proud to host in October that year the London concert to mark 100 years of Czech Independence. This concluded a week of side by side concerts and masterclasses – including the main celebratory event live on BBC Radio 3 – in which the quality, character, range and generosity of the orchestra made a lasting and deep impression on our young musicians.
‘Having identified common values alongside new friendships, this formal educational bond between the Royal Academy of Music and the Czech Philharmonic will offer inspiring opportunities to which I look forward with enormous excitement.’