Suk Chamber Orchestra

SUK CHAMBER ORCHESTRA was established in 1974. It is named after Josef Suk (1874–1935), the outstanding Czech composer.

Till year 2000 his grandson, famous Czech violinist Josef Suk (1929–2011), was artistic leader of the orchestra. At present its concert master Martin Kos is artistic leader and also soloist of the orchestra. He continues the work of the late great Maestro.

The orchestra is one of the leading chamber orchestras in the Czech Republic. It has a steady cast and its principal players are also distinguished soloists. The orchestra performs without a conductor and its repertoire ranges from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary music.

Its artistic tradition established by Josef Suk continues to shape the orchestra's musical identity and interpretation.

Besides domestic concert activities the orchestra has performed in many European countries and at prestigious international festivals including Prague Spring Festival, Salzburger Festspiele, Wiener Festwochen and Schleswig-Holstein Festival.

It has also toured the USA, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, China, South Korea and Japan. In 2010 the orchestra completed its eleventh concert tour of Japan, where it also collaborated with renowned Japanese soloists, especially violinist Mariko Senju.

In 2014 the Suk Chamber Orchestra celebrated the 40th anniversary of its foundation. Throughout its history the orchestra has recorded more than thirty CDs.

In 2002 it received the prestigious World Prize of Antonín Dvořák for its outstanding contribution to music, promotion of traditional Czech performing arts and long-term representation of the Czech Republic abroad.