Czechia’s Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a string of live dates in the new year.
Kicking off their tour in Birmingham on February 12, 2026, the orchestra will play Birmingham, Guildford, Bristol, Bradford, Cheltenham, London and Sheffield.
The tour will be led by Daniel Raiskin, Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the JFO and two distinguished British violinists, Jennifer Pike and Chloë Hanslip, will be the soloists performing with the orchestra on the tour.
Janáček Philharmonic’s long-established traditions have resulted in a distinctive Bohemian sound and progressive repertoire that’s been highly regarded by both local and international audiences and critics. The orchestra shines in its ability to flawlessly perform not only Janáček but also an extensive repertoire comprising most Late Romantic to contemporary pieces including those by Suk, Mahler, Bartok, Prokofiev and Shostakovich.
Speaking ahead of the tour and in a break from rehearsals, Daniel Raiskin said:
“Bringing the Janáček Philharmonic’s distinctive sound and passion to UK audiences is a true privilege. The UK audiences are known for their profound appreciation of Czech music, and we are honoured to strengthen this connection. Our programme will obviously feature Czech composers Janáček and Dvořák, but alongside their masterpieces will be Shostakovich’s powerful symphony – a work that feels particularly relevant today and is deeply personal to me. This musical journey is made even more special by the participation of two exceptional British violinists, Jennifer Pike and Chloë Hanslip.”
Based in the industrial Czech city of Ostrava, The Janáček Philharmonic is one of the leading symphony orchestras in the Czech Republic. The orchestra eagerly awaits moving to a new home – the brand new Ostrava Concert Hall. This currently-under-construction
building is one of the city’s most anticipated cultural projects, designed by the renowned architect Steven Holl.
Katarina Hobbs, Director of CzechTourism in the UK is proud to support the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra UK tour which will put Czech culture and talent in the spotlight.
“If audiences enjoy this tour and I am sure they will fall in love with the pieces, perhaps it will encourage British music lovers to travel more for overseas and international performances too.” She added: “Czechia is very much on the radar of classical music fans in the UK who are really starting to appreciate the country’s cultural appeal. The Janáček Philharmonic is a shining example of that and we’re delighted they will be showcasing some of our best-loved classics on their UK tour.”
As the homeland of world-renowned composers such as Leoš Janáček, Bedřich Smetana, and Antonín Dvořák, it is fitting that Czechia’s musical heritage is strongly represented on the tour’s setlist. Alongside compositions by these celebrated figures, the Janáček Orchestra will also perform works by various other international composers.
Audiences can anticipate an impressive tour *program featuring a selection of renowned compositions, including:
Leoš Janáček: Overture and Pantomime from The Cunning Little Vixen / 7’
Max Bruch: Violin Concerto / 24’
Jean Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 / 35’
Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10 / 54’
Antonín Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, “From the New World” / 40’
Tour dates in full:
12 February 2026 Birmingham Symphony Hall
13 February 2026 G Live Guildford
14 February 2026 Bristol Beacon
15 February 2026 St George’s Hall, Bradford
17 February 2026 Cheltenham Town Hall
18 February 2026 Cadogan Hall, London
19 February 2026 Sheffield City Hall
