Concertino Praga is more than just music
Concertino Praga is not just about music – it’s about encounters, friendships and joint experiences that remain forever.
This year’s edition of the Antonín Dvořák International Radio Competition for Young Musicians, Concertino Praga 2024, provided a number of exceptional musical experiences and the triumph of the Polish violinist Zoja Syguda, who won the final evening at the Rudolfinum. The final, which was held on 14 September 2024, was part of the Dvořák Prague international music festival and it not only attracted music experts, but also the wider public. Both the jury and the audience were in agreement this time: the victory went to Zoja for her exceptional performance of Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto. Second place went to the Czech pianist Nora Lubbadová, who impressed with her performance of Grieg’s piano concerto.
The competition’s final was the culmination of a demanding contest participated in by 36 musicians from 15 countries. The progress to the final was decided upon the basis of an anonymous recording which gave each of the participants the opportunity to show their talent regardless of the facilities they had available. The jury was led by the renowned French horn player Sarah Willis, while other jury members included Tomáš Jamník, Ivo Kahánek and Paul Lewis. After the final concert, Paul Lewis appreciated the courage and maturity of all the young musicians who had shown “passion”, a devotion to music and the courage to perform before microphones and cameras on a prestigious stage at such a young age.”
The finalists were accompanied by the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of the conductor Marek Prášil. A traditional performance by the Czech Radio Children’s Choir, which commenced proceedings with the song “Andělské přátelství” by Adam Michna of Otradovice, also contributed to the evening’s success.
The winner Zoja Syguda received a scholarship from the Karel Komárek Family Foundation at the amount of 5000 euros and the Czech Radio Prize, which includes the recording of a professional CD at the studios of Czech Radio. The laureates set off on a tour of South Bohemia and performed at concerts in Bechyně, Tábor and Jindřichův Hradec as part of the Concertino Praga South Bohemian Festival, which followed the final.
The Concertino Praga South Bohemian Festival, which follows the final evening at the Rudolfinum, is a unique opportunity for the competition laureates to share their artistry with audiences in South Bohemia. This festival was held in places with historical charm, such as Bechyně, Tábor and Jindřichův Hradec. During this week, the young musicians not only performed for classical music lovers, but also for local schools and for children as part of an educational concert in Jindřichův Hradec, which was part of the “Vlnohraní” radio project.
However, the festival is not only about music and performances. The young laureates have the opportunity to make friends and share joint experiences in an informal environment. As such, this gives rise to rare moments when musicians from various countries, speaking various languages, discover that music is truly a universal language. Even though this year’s concerts were influenced by the unforeseen floods, which led to the concert in Český Krumlov being cancelled, the participants made use of this unexpected break to rehearse the festival composition “Andělské přátelství”, which became a symbol of the friendship and the connections that the festival creates every year.
The Concertino Praga South Bohemian Festival constitutes a unique combination of music, history and joint experiences, which remain in the hearts of the participants long after the last tones resounds. For the young musicians, it not only means an opportunity to present their talent, but also to acquire valuable experienced and memories which will form their further musical career.
Enter by the end of March 2025 and become a part of the festival, where music exceeds boundaries and lifelong friendships are made! More information about the competition and entries can be found here: https://rozhl.as/ConcertinoPraga2025.
