Interview

When the Prague Philharmonic Choir decided to invite its first-ever foreign guest conductor, it went straight to the top: Simon Halsey, who is considered the preeminent choral conductor of his time. In a 46-year career, he has worked with many of the world’s greatest orchestras, conductors and choruses, and left his mark as the artistic director of such prestigious ensembles as the London Symphony Chorus and Rundfunkchor Berlin.

5 February 2025, Klasika+, Jan Sebastian Tomsa

In 2007 you were appointed principal choirmaster of the Prague Philharmonic Choir. What do you consider to be the greatest success of this ensemble under your direction? 

We understand each other artistically and pull together. Without this no choir can work properly. Perhaps I am being too self-confident, but I think that it can be seen and heard.

1. 2. 2025, Martin Zvěřina, Lidovky.cz

Arthur Honegger’s Joan of Arc at the Stake is probably the most important vocal and instrumental work of the 20^th century, conductor Lukáš Vasilek tells Lidovky.cz. In the interview the choirmaster of the Prague Philharmonic Choir talks about the brilliance and difficulty of staging Joan of Arc, about French music, but also about the difference between the work of a conductor and
a choirmaster.

A great article by Frank Kuznik, who interviewed the principal choirmaster of the Prague Philharmonic Choir, Lukáš Vasilek. He is now among the world’s top choirmasters, yet he remains humble and modest, continuously working hard on himself. Read more.