The programme, consisting of eight compositions and three poems, pays tribute not only to the main patron of the Bohemian lands, St Wenceslas, but also to the inspiration drawn from the text and music of the Old Czech hymn “Saint Wenceslas”. The song from the late 13th century is known as the “St Wenceslas Chorale” and is one of the cornerstones of Czech statehood and musical culture. 

Programme

Joel Blahnik (1938–2023)
Hail! for brass orchestra

Václav Nelhýbel (1919–1996)
Chorale for symphonic wind orchestra

Jan Zahradníček (1905–1960)
St. Wenceslas 

Zdeněk Lukáš (1928–2007)
Kyrie eleison

Petr Eben (1929–2007)
Two invocations for trombone and organ

Jan Zahradníček (1905–1960)
Night prayer to St. Wenceslas 

Jaromír Weinberger (1896–1967)
Hymn to St. Wenceslas 

Václav Nelhýbel (1919–1996)
Prelude and Chorale for euphonium and wind orchestra 

Jan Zahradníček (1905–1960)
Hymn to St. Wenceslas

Lukáš Matoušek (*1943)
Fanfare on 17 November

Anton Enders (1923–2019)
Reflection of the St. Wenceslas Chorale for wind instruments and tympani

Performers
Band of the Castle Guards and Police of the Czech Republic, Václav Blahunek, chief conductor
Vít Kořínek, trombone
Martin Chmelař, euphonium
Libor Vacek, recitation