The aim of the project is to give young musicians the opportunity to shine on international stages, gain valuable experience, meet colleagues from abroad, and grow naturally – both artistically and personally. At the same time, the tour offers a vibrant and living presentation of Czech music and performance tradition across Europe.
Europe, Young Energy and Czech Music
The tour will take the performers to a number of major European cities – Sofia, Paris, Naarden, Vienna, Brussels, Bratislava and Luxembourg. Each concert is designed so that Czech music enters into dialogue with the wider European repertoire. This creates space not only for sharing music, but also for meeting, inspiration, and new collaborations that may continue long beyond the scope of this project.
Spring Concerts 2026
17 February 2026 – Czech Centre Sofia
The concert featured Otakar Antonín Štefan (clarinet), Viktor Stocker (accordion), and Denis Stefanov (piano), joined by a special guest, the winner of Concertino Praga 2022, Bulgarian violinist Diana Chausheva. The performance was met with great enthusiasm—the Czech Centre was filled with an appreciative audience, and the artists were also invited for an interview on Bulgarian radio, with which we maintain a long-term collaboration.
18 March 2026 – Czech Centre Paris
Alexandra Piskořová (flute), Natálie Hrdová (clarinet), and Eliška Tkadlčíková (piano) performed for the Paris audience. The concert Piano Pulse #3: Jouvence de Prague was warmly received and was followed the next day by a masterclass led by composer, conductor, and pianist Kryštof Mařatka. Designed for the laureates of the Concertino Praga competition, the masterclass offered an exceptional opportunity to further develop their interpretation of contemporary music under the guidance of an internationally acclaimed artist.
21 March 2026 – Comenius Day, Naarden (Netherlands)
As part of the festive Comenius Day (Comeniusdag) in Naarden, the Netherlands, Viktor Stocker (accordion) and Naďa Strnadová (cello) performed. The concert formed part of the official programme commemorating the legacy of Jan Amos Comenius at the place of his final resting, taking place during a ceremonial reception for invited guests. The young Czech musicians presented, among other works, compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach and contributed to the dignified and culturally rich atmosphere of the event. They also took part in masterclasses in Brussels and Mons, led by renowned pedagogues Olsi Leka and Olivier Douyez.
The event was held in collaboration with the Czech Centre Brussels.
21 April 2026 – Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bratislava
As part of the 2026 spring concert series, the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Concertino Praga competition continued with another significant event—this time at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bratislava. The invitation to perform was accepted by young Czech musicians Naďa Strnadová (cello) and Viktor Stocker (accordion), who appeared as part of a festive evening program.
The concert was marked by an exceptionally warm and celebratory atmosphere and became a powerful artistic experience. Both performers captivated the audience not only with their technical excellence and musical maturity, but also with their natural charm and engaging stage presence. Their performance was met with enthusiastic acclaim and confirmed the high quality of the emerging generation of Czech performers.
Autumn Czech–Austrian Tour
The autumn part of the project will connect Czech and Austrian musicians in chamber ensembles and offer a varied programme in different concert venues – from historic halls to a radio studio.
Performers
Duo Comenius – Jan Bostl (clarinet), Magdalena Koudelková (piano)
Trio Vyšehrad – Natálie Toperczerová (violin), Štěpánka Plocková (cello), Pavol Praženica (piano)
Gugg Piano Duo (Czech part of the tour) – Tereza Gugg-Kalabová and Johannes Gugg (piano)
Sotriffer Trio (Austrian part of the tour) – Maria Sotriffer (violin), Michael Sotriffer (cello), Marcel Lazăr (piano)
Concerts
3 November 2026 – Trmice Castle
4 November 2026 – The Oskar Nedbal Theatre, Tábor
6 November 2026 – Studio S1, Czech Radio, Prague
7 November 2026 – Lorely Saal, Vienna
8 November 2026 – Zwettl
9 November 2026 – Gmunden
10 November 2026 – St. Johann in Tirol
The concerts are co-organised by the North Czech Philharmonic Teplice, Klasici v Táboře, the Austrian Cultural Forum, the Czech Centre Vienna, and Jeunesse – Musikalische Österreichs.
Next Stop: Brussels
The tour will continue on 11 November in Brussels, featuring Matthew Stephen Hockaday (clarinet), Naďa Strnadová (cello) and Adam Znamirovský (piano).
The concert is organised in cooperation with the Prague House in Brussels.
Another stop in Brussels will be a concert on 12 November at the Brussels Parliament, where Matthew Stephen Hockaday (clarinet) and Adam Znamirovský (piano) will perform, accompanied by the Brussels Sinfonietta. The concert is being organised in cooperation with Muziekacademie Anderlecht.
Music That Connects
The Concertino Praga laureates’ tour is more than just an anniversary celebration. It is a living project that connects young musicians, audiences and institutions across Europe. Here, music becomes a shared language – natural, open and full of energy. And that is where its greatest charm lies.
The project partners are the Piano Paris Prague A3P Association and the Život umělce Foundation.
