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Welcome to the FANTASY Film Music Concert!

22. 2. 2025 | 19:30
23. 2. 2025 | 15:30

RUDOLFINUM | Dvorak Hall

Program

PROGRAM

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

2017

Alan Menken

Overture

This film introduces us to Belle, a modern, educated young woman who consistently rejects Gaston’s arrogant advances. When her father is captured by a creature living in a secluded castle after wandering into the woods, Belle doesn’t hesitate to offer herself in his place. As she spends time with the creature, she gradually discovers that a curse lies at the heart of his misfortune.

HOOK

1991

John Williams

The Flight to Neverland

Peter tends to focus more on his work than on his family. When Captain Hook kidnaps his children and takes them to Neverland, Peter is reminded—thanks to Tinker Bell—that he was once the adventurous Peter Pan who led a group of boys and even defeated Captain Hook before. The adventurous track “The Flight to Neverland” underscores the film’s key moment when Tinker Bell transports Peter to Neverland.

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO

1988

Joe Hisaishi

Theme

This animated film from Studio Ghibli tells the story of sisters Satsuki and Mei, who move with their father to the countryside to be closer to their ailing mother. Soon after settling in, they discover a magical world filled with forest spirits and enchanting creatures, led by the warm-hearted spirit Totoro, who becomes both their guide and friend. An adventurous theme resonates throughout the film.

SPIRITED AWAY

2001

Joe Hisaishi

One Summer's Day

Another Ghibli film follows ten-year-old Chihiro, who, along with her parents, sets out for their new home along a quiet forest path leading to a mysterious tunnel. When her parents give in to the allure of deserted food stalls, they are transformed into pigs, and Chihiro must find the courage to rescue them. The gentle piano melody "One Summer's Day," which accompanies their journey, is one of Joe Hisaishi's best-known compositions.

PRINCESS GOLDENHAIR

2025

Lukáš Daniel Pařík

Suite

A new adaptation of K. J. Erben's well-known Czech fairy tale has just hit cinemas. While this modern take offers a fresh perspective, certain elements tie it back to earlier versions—like casting Petr Štěpánek as Zlatovláska's father and featuring the musical motif "Nes mě loďko ke břehu" by Angel Mikhailov, composed in 1973. Tonight, you'll experience a concert suite written for the Fantasy Concert.

PRINCESS CURSED IN TIME

2020

Lukáš Daniel Pařík

There Across the River

Another Czech fairy tale tells a story of Ellena, the king's daughter, has been cursed by the witch Murien since childhood, and on her twentieth birthday, she is destined to plunge the kingdom into darkness. A protective spell prevents the curse from taking effect, but it traps her in a time loop. This loop gives Ellena the chance to prepare to confront evil, learn from her mistakes, and discover true love.

PRINCESS CURSED IN TIME 2

2022

Lukáš Daniel Pařík

The Death of Archivald

Princess Ellena broke the time loop and defeated the witch Murien, but her battle isn’t over yet. The curse destined to plunge Aspania into darkness still threatens the land, and Ellena must join forces with her friends to stop it. The alchemist Archivald, who supported her in the first adventure, plays a vital role. His sacrifice drives Ellena and her companions to search even more urgently for a solution.

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE

2001

John Williams

Hedwig's Theme

Hedwig's Theme serves as the primary motif throughout all eight films of the Harry Potter series. John Williams composed the piece at Warner Bros.' request for a trailer, even though he hadn’t seen any scenes from the film or read a single chapter of the book. Within a day, it became clear that this melody would come to define the entire franchise.

HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS

2002

John Williams

Fawkes the Phoenix

The theme encapsulates the magical and noble essence of Fawkes, the phoenix and devoted companion of Albus Dumbledore. It first appears in the second film, when Harry encounters Fawkes in Dumbledore's study. At that moment, Fawkes is being reborn—first consumed by flames, then rising from the ashes. Williams uses delicate strings and an oboe solo to evoke the ethereality of the phoenix.

THE NEVERENDING STORY

1984

Klaus Doldinger, Giorgio Moroder

Concert Suite

Young Bastian discovers a mysterious book in a shop. Despite the owner's warning that reading it might be dangerous, he becomes instantly captivated by its tale from the magical world of Fantasia. However, Fantasia itself is on the brink of destruction, and its ruler calls upon the young Atreyu to save the realm. Yet, Atreyu won't be alone—Bastian is drawn into the story far more deeply than he ever expected.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

2010

Danny Elfman

End Credits

In Tim Burton's 2010 adaptation, we follow the story of a 19-year-old Alice who flees from a garden party and chases a large white rabbit wearing a vest. The rabbit vanishes into a burrow beneath an ancient tree in a castle park, and as Alice leans over to peer inside, she tumbles into the Underworld. There, she partially relives the experiences she once had as a child in Lewis Carroll's original tale. This is reflected in the recurring lyrics, "Oh, Alice, dear, where have you been?" that appear throughout the film.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 3

2019

John Powell

Once There Were Dragons

The melody of "Once There Were Dragons" plays during the final moments of the animated trilogy, as Hiccup, Astrid, and their children set sail to visit their dragon friends at the edge of the Hidden World—a mysterious realm that Hiccup and Toothless discovered nine years ago when they realized that humans and dragons could no longer safely coexist. This piece weaves together the main musical themes of the trilogy, offering a nostalgic conclusion to Hiccup and Toothless's journey.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2

2014

John Powell

Flying with Mother

In the second episode, Hiccup is reunited with his mother, Valka, who was once thought to be dead. After years apart, they meet again, and Hiccup learns that Valka lives in a hidden cave, where she cares for and protects the dragons. Despite their long separation, they quickly realize how much they have in common. The song "Flying with Mother" underscores a heartfelt moment when they fly dragons together, as Valka explains how she learned to understand them.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA

2005

Harry Gregson-Williams

Only the Beginning of the Adventure

Based on the Chronicles of Narnia book series, the first film opens on a country estate where four siblings are hiding during World War II. While playing hide-and-seek, they stumble upon a secret passage hidden in an old wardrobe that leads them to the magical world of Narnia. In this enchanting realm, an eternal winter has been cast over the land by the wicked witch Jadis. Joined by the majestic lion Aslan and a host of new friends, the siblings unite to battle her and restore freedom to Narnia.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS

2002

Howard Shore

Suite

After the disintegration of the Fellowship of the Ring, the story unfolds along two parallel paths. Frodo and Sam continue their perilous journey to Mount Doom, pursued by the enigmatic Gollum. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli set out to rescue Smiley and Pippin, who have been kidnapped by Orcs. The film is filled with breathtaking battles, unexpected twists, and deep emotions—and this concert suite will guide you through every moment.

PIRATES OF CARIBBEAN 2

2006

Hans Zimmer

Jack Sparrow & Davy Jones' Organ

The sequel to the pirate series follows Jack Sparrow on another wild adventure as his life hangs in the balance against Davy Jones—the formidable captain of the Flying Dutchman. To avoid his grim fate aboard the cursed ship, Jack turns to his friends Will Turner and his fiancée Elizabeth Swann, who, however, harbor their own hidden agendas centered around him.

PIRATES OF CARIBBEAN 3

2007

Hans Zimmer

Drink Up Me Hearties

Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann team up with Captain Barbossa to rescue their friend Jack Sparrow from Davy Jones' locker. Yet even after his rescue, the adventure is far from over. The pirates must now face the threat posed by an alliance of Davy Jones, Lord Cutler Beckett, and the East India Trading Company. Meanwhile, Jack follows his own ambitions, and Will is determined to save his father, who is doomed to eternal servitude aboard the Flying Dutchman. Ultimately, everything comes to a head in a massive naval battle that will decide the fate of the pirates.

Bio

BIO

FILMHARMONIE
Orchestra

Filmová filharmonie (also Filmharmonie) is a symphony orchestra dedicated to delivering spectacular film music concerts. Monumental film scores demand exceptional skill and passion, which is why their performances—featuring up to 90 talented musicians—offer an unforgettable musical experience. In its 10 years of existence, the Filmharmonie has showcased a wide array of themed programs and continues to expand its repertoire, ensuring that every concert offers a distinctive musical journey.

ONDŘEJ VRABEC
Conductor

Ondřej Vrabec is a solo horn player with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, the chief conductor of the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra, a teacher at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, and an accomplished chamber musician. He graduated from both the Prague Conservatory and the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, and further enhanced his studies through numerous masterclasses. Throughout his career, Ondřej has collaborated with leading figures in the world of wind music and received invaluable guidance in conducting from some of the most renowned conductors, including Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Benjamin Zander, and Jiří Bělohlávek.

Ondřej Vrabec has also earned several prestigious competition laurels. In the inaugural International Hans von Bülow Conducting Competition 2021, he was awarded both the second prize and a Special Prize, and he secured the third prize in the first International Arthur Nikisch Conducting Competition 2020. Additionally, he received honorable mentions from the jury at the Prague Spring Conducting Competition in 2007 and the Tokyo Conducting Competition in 2015.

BARBORA KONOPÁSEK FIALOVÁ
Soloist

Barbora Konopásek Fialová has been passionate about popular singing since her student days. In 2019, she graduated from the Prague Conservatory with a degree in popular music. As a solo vocalist, she has performed with the Václav Hybš Orchestra, guest-starred with the group Plavci alongside Honza Vančura, and collaborated with the Pilsen Philharmonic and DJKT Plzeň. Since 2018, she has primarily performed at the Karlín Musical Theatre, where you can currently hear her in musicals such as Anděl Páně, Beetlejuice, and more. She also appears at the Hybernia Theatre and the multicultural venue Nová Spirála. You can hear her as a vocalist at concerts featuring Lucie Bílá, Tereza Mašková, and Janek Ledecký.

THE KÜHN CHOIR OF PRAGUE
Mixed Choir

The Kühn Mixed Choir is one of the largest choirs in the Czech Republic. It is committed to a diverse choral repertoire spanning all periods, with a focus on contemporary music, large vocal-instrumental works performed in collaboration with leading Czech orchestras, and even the recording of film music. The Fantasy Concert program was rehearsed by choirmaster Jakub Pikla, who will also be playing the organ tonight.

BONIFANTES
Boys Choir

Over its 20-year history, the Bonifantes Boys Choir has established itself as one of the world's premier ensembles. The choir has recorded extensively and performs regularly in Europe, Asia, and America, earning dozens of gold medals at international choral competitions. It is particularly renowned among experts for its interpretation of contemporary classical music. Jan Míšek is the founder and artistic director of Bonifantes.

DANIEL ŠVÁB
Presenter (Saturday)

Daniel Šváb is a Czech actor, musician, and moderator. He is currently performing with Divadlo Na Jezerce, Studio Ypsilon, Divadlo Minor, and Studio Hrdinů. You can also see him at the Kampa Museum's Summer Stage, where he appears in the play Werich as Jiří Voskovec, as well as in productions of Marta and Forman. In addition to his acting career, Daniel is an active musician and an enthusiastic music lover.

DANIEL STACH
Presenter (Sunday)

Daniel Stach is an editor, presenter, and science communicator. Since 2016, he has been part of Czech Television’s science editorial team, where he presents programs like Hyde Park Civilization. His efforts in popularizing science have earned him several awards, including the Ferdinand Peroutka Award, the Vojtěch Náprstek Medal from the Czech Academy of Sciences, and the Silver Medal of the President of the Senate. In 2018, following a recommendation from the Astronomical Institute of the CAS, the International Astronomical Union honored him by naming the planet (93256) Stach after him. In addition, as a former junior national water slalom athlete, he has also ventured into moderating sporting events, winning the World Paddle Awards in the Media Professional category in 2018.

Upcoming concerts

UPCOMING CONCERTS

WESTERN
13. 4. 2025

Rudolfinum, Dvorak Hall

SCI-FI
13. & 15. 6. 2025

Rudolfinum, Dvorak Hall

Scifi 2025.png
Credits

CREDITS

conductor

soloist

mixed choir

choirmaster

boys choir

choirmaster

ONDŘEJ VRABEC

BARBORA KONOPÁSEK FIALOVÁ

THE KÜHN MIXED CHOIR

JAKUB PIKLA

BONIFANTES

JAN MÍŠEK

AND ALL THE MUSICIANS OF THE FILMHARMONIE

presenter (saturday)

presenter (sunday)

photographers

bouquet supplier

director and dramaturg

management and archive

production

marketing

stage manager

illustrator

DANIEL ŠVÁB

DANIEL STACH

PETR CHODURA

PETR ZMEK

KYTKY OD PEPY

MATĚJ LEHÁR

KLÁRA LEHÁROVÁ

LUDMILA ELIÁŠOVÁ

JASNA CAO

TEREZA TROJANOVÁ

TOMÁŠ BAXA

NATÁLIE PECHROVÁ

VÍT MÜLLER

STANIL STANCHEV

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