South Bohemian Festival Concertino Praga 2025: Music that Connects
The South Bohemian Festival Concertino Praga concluded its journey this year in the magnificent Knights’ Hall of the State Castle and Chateau in Jindřichův Hradec.
Over the course of several days, the laureates of the 59th edition of the international radio competition for young musicians, Concertino Praga, went on tour across South Bohemia – from Písek, through Bechyně and Tábor, to Jindřichův Hradec.
What makes the festival unique is the opportunity it gives young finalists to perform in venues filled with history and unmistakable atmosphere. Yet the experience was not only about music – many of the participants spoke about friendship, joy, and a deep sense of belonging.
Friendship and the Joy of Music
Latvian pianist Matvejs Fokins praised above all the relaxed and friendly atmosphere: “It was clear that we were all exactly where we were meant to be. From the very first dinner together, we already felt like a team.” He takes home not only new experiences but also inspiration and the anticipation of future encounters.
Czech clarinetist Otakar Antonín Štefan, who received an honorable mention of the 1st degree and the Audience Prize, emphasized that Concertino was not just a competition for him, but above all a place to meet others. A strong memory for him was also the spontaneous music-making with fellow finalists and the joy of feeling the audience’s support.
Music as a Common Language
Accordionist Viktor Stocker left the festival not only with 2nd place, but also with the Audience Prize, the EMCY Prize, and other distinctions. He described the concert in Bechyně as the strongest moment: “The hall there, with its wonderful acoustics, left a lasting impression on me.” He also recalled the children’s audience at Střelnice in Jindřichův Hradec, where he performed together with colleagues as part of the program Vlnohraní.
Bulgarian cellist Darin Lambrev will forever connect the festival with “many moments of laughter” and experiences beyond the stage – such as bus journeys together or swimming. “From South Bohemia I take with me joy, gratitude – and a bit of sadness that the festival has come to an end,” he added.
Italian flutist Chantal Ramona Veit especially appreciated the sense of solidarity among the finalists: “It was very warm – we quickly grew close to one another and supported each other.”
The Youngest Winner and the Magic of the Oboe
The youngest finalist was only eleven years old: violinist Yeonah Kim from South Korea, winner of the category for keyboard and string instruments. She said that for her, the festival was not a competition, but rather “the joy of sharing the journey with musical friends.”
Her compatriot, oboist Raeun Hong, winner of the wind instruments category, also made a deep impression. “We came from different countries, and when words were not enough, music became our common language,” she explained.
Spanish saxophonist Víctor Amadeu Puigbò Rincón emphasized how important friendship and informal moments were throughout the festival: “I felt here as if I were part of a family.”
A Festival that Brings More than Music
The South Bohemian Festival Concertino Praga 2025 was therefore not only a series of concerts, but also a journey where friendships and unforgettable memories were born – experiences the young musicians will carry with them for years to come. In the beautiful historic halls of South Bohemia, their stories, dreams, and hopes resonated – becoming part of the long tradition of a festival that, for nearly six decades, has been discovering and supporting new musical talents.
