Originally known as The South Bohemian State Orchestra, the South Czech Philharmonic, based in České Budějovice (Budweis), was founded in 1981. Today, it comprises 39 artists and remains the only professional philharmonic orchestra in the South Bohemian region.

Origins of the orchestra are associated with a Czech conductor Jaroslav Vodňanský. The position of Chief Conductor was then held by Ondřej Kukal, Břetislav Novotný, Jaroslav Krček, Stanislav Vavřínek, and Jan Talich. The current Chief Conductor, Miran Vaupotić, has been leading the orchestra since 2021.

Besides interpreting the music of classical composers and pieces appropriate for chamber orchestras and smaller concert halls, the ensemble is dedicating increasing attention to the contemporary trend of interlinking genres and discovering new perspectives of both interpretation and presentation of music, and systematically strives to enhance its qualities.

The majority of SCP members are young, ambitious, skillful, and promising musicians, appreciating any opportunity to cooperate with other leading conductors and soloists. Today, the South Czech Philharmonic aspires to maintain the interest of existing attenders, while focusing on a younger audience and wider public and thus attracting those South Bohemians who have so far been more or less indifferent to classical music. There is no doubt that the orchestra has a sufficient capacity, enthusiasm, and the right direction to achieve all of that.

Albums

Dimensions Vol. 5

Dimensions Vol. 5

Release Date: July 28, 2023
Catalog Number: NV6542
21st Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
Hot on the heels of its preceding installments, DIMENSIONS VOL. 5 from Navona Records highlights the works of seven celebrated composers. These orchestral pieces showcase a broad range of innovative compositional styles featuring traditional and modern influences, drawing inspiration from an opera about a mystical wolf, moments of uncertainty and reflection in life, the music of Handel, and traditional Latvian folk music, just to name a few. Leveraging musical passion and orchestral ferocity, DIMENSIONS VOL. 5 offers listeners a broad example of some of the most exciting work in contemporary orchestral music.

Madreperla

Release Date: April 14, 2023
Catalog Number: NV6518
21st Century
Chamber
Orchestral
Accordion
Orchestra
The accordion surely is an evocative instrument, its mere timbre conjuring mellow images of the Italian Riviera or cobbled Parisian streets. One would expect it to be quite out of place in the relatively formal environment of the classical concert hall – and be sorely mistaken, as far as Richard Galliano is concerned. The versatile French composer and accordion virtuoso sets out to elegantly shatter expectations – and his new album MADREPERLA proves him right. MADREPERLA's brilliance stems not only from the sheer audacity of juxtaposing the accordion with a full orchestra, nor from the fact that it succeeds spectacularly in doing so. What's most intoxicating is Galliano's fusion of symphonic writing with eclectic styles of dance – the pavane, the mazurka, the milonga, the forró, the waltz – whose particular zest, allure and élan pour forth torrentially from these compositions. A triumph.

Inviting Worlds Vol 3

Release Date: December 9, 2022
Catalog Number: NV6482
21st Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
INVITING WORLDS VOL 3 offers a fresh look into the Navona Records series with a new roster of modern composers. Building on the canon of orchestral works presented thus far, this edition of the series features works inspired by historic poetry, iconic stories, and memories, tied together and brought to life by the raw power of today’s ensembles. From whimsical and uplifting passages to deep stirring nostalgia, the works featured on INVITING WORLDS VOL 3 are unrelenting in their emotive qualities.