Concertino Praga 2025 now has all its competitors!
The Concertino Praga international radio competition for young musicians is entering its 59th year with a fundamental change. For the first time since 2020, when it joined forces with the Academy of Classical Music, the competition will be divided into two categories: string and wind instruments.
This specifically involves the following categories: Solo Playing I for the following instruments: violin, viola, violoncello, piano, harp and accordion. Solo Playing II for the following instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn and trombone.
“The division of the instruments into two independent categories should be quite encouraging for talented young musicians. The growing numbers of applications have confirmed this trend and the jury’s evaluations will show whether the competition will be able to maintain its high level in this revived format.
At the same time, however, we have to realise that this expansion will also bring with it greater financial demands for both the organisers, especially in association with the organisation of two final concerts with an orchestra.
Our main motivation continues to be the provision of support for musical talent – and it’s wonderful to be part of it,” said the Head of the Artistic Ensemble, Competition and Presentation Section, Mgr. Kateřina Konopásková
The number of applications
We are happy to be able to announce that we have received 34 applications from a total of 14 countries in the Solo Playing I category. 25 competitors from 11 countries have also entered the Solo Playing II category.
The jury and the final
The expert jury for the first round, consisting of significant musicians, will sit on 12 May.
The Solo Category I: the harpist Lydie Härtelová, the pianist Karel Košárek, the violinist Jan Mráček, the violoncellist Vít Petrášek and the music producer Petr Strejc.
The Solo Category II: the clarinettist Karel Dohnal, the trumpeter Vladimír Rejlek, the conductor Marek Šedivý, the French horn player Jan Vobořil and the flautist Žofie Vokálková.
This time there will be two final concerts that will be held at the following times and places:
The Solo Category II – the Bethlehem Chapel, Friday 12 September 2025 at 7 pm
The Solo Category I – the Rudolfinum, the Dvořák Hall, Saturday 13 September 2025 at 7 pm
The final concerts will also include the so-called “Talent Stage”. This is a special stage where talented musicians who placed just below the threshold for the final can perform and it will take place in the Suk Hall at the Rudolfinum in Prague on Saturday 13 September 2025 at 5 pm.
The Concertino Praga South Bohemian Festival
The final round is followed by the now traditional Concertino Praga South Bohemian festival, where there has been a change of concert venues this year. The festival will start in Písek instead of Český Krumlov.
Písek | the Church of the Holy Trinity – 15 September at 5 pm
Bechyně | the Château – the Vok Hall – 16 September at 5 pm
Tábor | Střelnice – spolkový dům – 17 September at 7 pm
Jindřichův Hradec | the Chateau – the Knights’ Hall – 19 September at 7 pm
The Concertino Praga Competition has been a launchpad for young musicians since its inception in 1966. The first winner was the violinist Dmitry Sitkovetsky, while the last year was dominated by the polish violinist Zoja Syguda. Who will join the list of laureates in 2025?
Follow the progress in the competition and be sure not to miss any of its final performances!
