Prague Philharmonia Performed at Carnegie Hall

On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Prague Philharmonia performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall. The completely sold-out concert thrilled both audiences and critics alike.

„We are immensely proud of an exceptionally successful tour culminating in a standing ovation at a packed Carnegie Hall, despite a snowstorm of historic proportions. As ambassadors of Czech excellence, we joyfully shared with our American friends our faith in the transformative power of music transcending continents and borders. In the end, it is the Prague Philharmonia that truly took New York by storm!“, reflected orchestra chief conductor Emmanuel Villaume.

„We don’t have Olympic Games in the world of classical music—nor do we need them. In art, it is not about being first, but about being unique. Yet, we all possess a desire to aim for new milestones and conquer the highest peaks. The Prague Philharmonia has now managed to scale a metaphorical Mount Everest: we played at the legendary Carnegie Hall to a packed house that rewarded us after a stirring evening with a standing ovation and demanded three encores. We return home charged with incredible energy that will resonate within us for a long time. And we are already looking forward to sharing it with our beloved home audience,“ says orchestra director Pavel Trojan.

The critic at the New York Classical Review adds: “How Dvořák should sound is a matter of personal preference, but one can report that his Eighth Symphony sounded exceptionally piquant, energetic and transparent on Monday night.“ (read the full text by David Wright)

ConcertoNet was also full of praise: “The ebullient Chief Conductor Emmanuel Villaume, now in his tenth year with the orchestra, didn’t need a baton. … Mr. Villaume allowed us to savor every flute avian trill, the rollicking brass, splendid string playing. This was not a sculptural work: this was painting with every orchestral color.“ (read the full text by Harry Rolnick)

In a year marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, the tour also carried a dimension of cultural diplomacy. The Carnegie Hall concert was made possible thanks to the generous support of American patrons from the Horizon Circle Foundation, numerous donors and private supporters from both countries and with the support of the Embassy of the Czech Republic, the Consulate General, and the Czech Center New York. Participation of the Prague Philharmonia Orchestral Academy members was enabled throught the support of the Bakala Foundation.

Thank you for being part of this incredible musical journey!