This roof-raising finale to the 2027 Perth Festival of the Arts classical programme comes courtesy of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, whose versatility across a multitude of musical genres has made it an audience favourite across Europe. Conducted by the charismatic American maestro Steven Mercurio, it brings a colourful programme packed with drama, atmosphere and some irresistible, dancing energy.  

Smetana’s most popular symphonic poem, Vltava, vividly charts the course of the famous Czech river from its burbling source to its majestic arrival in Prague, passing through hunts, folk festivals and mythical water spirits on the way. Matching it for instantly hummable tunes is Tchaikovsky’s 1st Piano Concerto, whose grand opening theme sets the scene for an epic display of pianistic power, in this case from the multi-award-winning virtuoso, Aron Kariv. Completing a timeless trio is Tchaikovsky’s Fantasy Overture, Romeo and Juliet, whose soaring central love theme is set against the thrilling ferocity of the music evoking their warring families.

Two contrasting classics from cinema and world music add seductive layers to this enticing programme. Astor Piazzola’s Libertango conjures visions of sultry dance halls in Buenos Aires whilst Jerry Goldsmith’s classic score for Roman Polanski’s film noir classic, Chinatown, captures its dark emotional undercurrents. It also features a heartbreaking love theme to rival Tchaikovsky, played here by the founder member of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, stellar trumpeter Jan Hasenörhl.