Biography

The Czech Philharmonic Sextet was founded in 1994 by leading members of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. By its unusual setup consisting of two violins, violas and cellos it is a unique permanent chamber ensemble not only in the Czech Republic, but also in the world. The leader of the ensemble is the deputy concertmaster of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Irena Jakubcova. The other leading members of the ensemble are the concertmaster of the cello section of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra František Host and the first violist and head of the viola section of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Jaroslav Pondělíček. The motivation for the founding of this ensemble was the interesting sound, which is richer than that of string quartet, as well as valuable compositions of great masters, which are otherwise performed sporadically due to a non-standard setup of instruments.
The sextet has given dozens of concerts and won recognition and respect of the public as well as the expert critique both at home and abroad. The ensemble annually gives concerts in Japan, where it has had the most success with listeners and all the musical public. The Czech Philharmonic Sextet records for Japanese labels; in the Czech Republic it collaborates with recording companies Arco Diva and Artesmon.


Essential Repertoire:

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART
Grande Sestetto Concertante
(authentic transcription of Sinfonia Concertante in E Flat major, KV 364)

Antonín DVOŘÁK
Sextet for 2 violins, 2 violas, and 2 violoncellos A major, Op. 48

Johannes BRAHMS
Sextet for 2 violins, 2 violas, and 2 violoncellos B major, Op. 18
Sextet for 2 violins, 2 violas, and 2 violoncellos G major, op. 36

Bohuslav MARTINŮ
Sextet

Peter Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY
Sextet for 2 Violins, 2 Violas and 2 Violoncellos, Op. 70 “Souvenir de Florence“

Arnold SCHÖNBERG –
Verklärte Nacht (sextet)

Transcriptions of Slavonic Dances by A. Dvořák for sextet
Popular pieces (Bach, Boccherini, Pachelbel, Kreisler, Saint-Saëns ……………..)