The Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra Ostrava ranks among Czechia’s premier symphony orchestras. In an interview, the director, Jan Žemla, describes the orchestra’s first British tour, the logistics of transporting 85 musicians and their instruments, and audience reactions at prestigious venues such as the Birmingham Symphony Hall. He further outlines the benefits of the philharmonic assuming control of the Leoš Janáček International Music Festival and how Ostrava’s planned concert hall aligns with this vision.
The Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra Ostrava made its first tour of the United Kingdom in February 2026. What key challenges did the planning process present – both in terms of logistics and artistic preparation – and what was the British audience’s reaction to the Ostrava ensemble’s sound?
Logistics consistently presents the greatest challenge. With 85 musicians in the orchestra, transporting such a substantial group internationally demands meticulous planning down to the smallest detail. This involves organising aircraft seating, accommodation lists, UK entry documentation, required rest periods, and scheduling. The instruments pose an additional challenge – on this occasion, they were transported overland while the musicians flew. Every instrument requires proper documentation to clear customs smoothly. It is fundamentally a sophisticated operation that could not succeed without an exceptionally coordinated team.
From an artistic point of view, delivering strong performances in acoustically outstanding venues such as the Birmingham Symphony Hall and the Bristol Beacon was crucial. British audiences welcomed us enthusiastically, and professional critics responded favourably. Reviews praised our rendition of Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony as “the most authentic performance they had experienced”, while characterising our sound as “a refreshing breeze from Central Europe”. Beyond being gratifying praise, these comments fundamentally demonstrate that the orchestra’s consistent, long-term development has earned international recognition.
For the first time this year, the JFO will organise the Leoš Janáček International Music Festival, scheduled from 1 June to 3 July. What is the primary benefit of this partnership, and what synergies between the festival and the orchestra can audiences expect?
The primary benefit is achieving a unified vision and seamless coordination. Rather than operating as separate parallel entities, the festival and the Janáček Philharmonic season will function as an integrated whole. This enables superior programme planning, more efficient collaboration with guest artists, and sustained development of both institutions’ identities. On a practical level, the festival serves as a platform for ambitious productions, premiere performances, and high-profile guests beyond the scope of standard subscription programming, thereby considerably enriching our artistic range. Additionally, our bargaining power strengthens. When discussing partnerships for both the festival and philharmonic season, we gain access to more compelling projects and richer artistic collaborations. Over time, the Janáček Philharmonic will naturally assume the role of the festival’s resident ensemble.
You frequently mention your goal of unifying the festival, the philharmonic, and the planned concert hall into one cohesive entity. How near are we to realising this aspiration of establishing ourselves as a European cultural hub comparable to major metropolitan centres?
We are moving in the right direction, which is what matters most right now. As you correctly point out, our objective is to build something like a living organism. The concert hall serves as the essential infrastructure, a kind of “hardware”. The philharmonic and festival provide the substance – the “software” that gives the space its purpose and meaning.
However, Ostrava is already making a significant international impact. The concert hall construction is generating attention in global cultural circles, alongside the philharmonic’s international projects and performances by world-class artists. If we can sustain exceptional artistic quality, solid financial foundations, and a distinct identity over time, Ostrava will organically emerge as a respected European cultural destination. I believe we are firmly on track to accomplish this.
Thank you for the interview.
