A Czech Master on a Czech Piano: Karel Košárek to Premiere Petrof Pianos in Singapore

Friday, 4 July 2025 · 8:00PM · Victoria Concert Hall

True Music Singapore are pleased to welcome distinguished Czech pianist Karel Košárek to Singapore for a special recital on 4 July 2025 at Victoria Concert Hall. He steps in for Jan Schulmeister, who is unable to perform due to medical reasons. We extend our warmest wishes to Jan for a smooth and full recovery.

This performance is part of the European Piano Sound Concert Series 2025 and marks the Singapore concert debut of PETROF pianos — one of Europe’s most celebrated piano makers. Known for their warm, singing tone and distinctively Bohemian character, PETROF pianos have been the pride of Czech craftsmanship since 1864. It is only fitting that one of the Czech Republic’s most accomplished pianists will be the first to introduce this remarkable instrument to Singapore’s concert halls.

About the Artist

Karel Košárek is a pianist of remarkable versatility and finesse, celebrated for his refined interpretations and deep musical insight. He has performed across Europe, North America, and Asia, both as a soloist and chamber musician, and is known for his stylistic range — from the Romantic canon to modern and jazz-influenced repertoire.

A regular guest at major classical events, Košárek has been featured at the International Piano Festival Rudolf Firkušný in Prague, one of the Czech Republic’s most distinguished music festivals. He also boasts a rich discography, including acclaimed recordings for Supraphon, the iconic Czech classical music label.

Programme

Bedřich Smetana
– Skočná (Hop Dance) from Czech Dances
– Fantasia on Czech Folk Songs

Franz Liszt
– Sonetto 104 del Petrarca
– Sonetto 123 del Petrarca

Bohuslav Martinů
– Three Czech Dances, H.154
 • Obkročák
 • Dupák
 • Polka

George Gershwin
– Three Preludes for Piano

Friedrich Gulda
– Play Piano Play No. 9 (Allegro, Dolce)
– Prelude and Fugue

George Gershwin
– Rhapsody in Blue (Solo Piano Version)

A Vibrant, Cross-Cultural Musical Journey

Košárek’s recital offers a vivid panorama of styles and influences. The program begins in Bohemia, with Smetana’s joyous dance and his inventive Fantasia, steeped in folk melodies. It then moves into Liszt’s poetic reimaginings of Petrarch’s sonnets — one fiery and impassioned, the other introspective and serene. From there, Martinů brings the energy of village dances to the stage with elegance and wit.

The second half takes a bold turn into the 20th century. Gershwin’s Three Preludes are miniature masterpieces of rhythm and harmony, while Friedrich Gulda’s jazz-inflected works push the boundaries of classical form. The evening concludes with Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue, in its solo piano version — a dazzling fusion of classical structure and American jazz spirit.

Whether you’re drawn to the lyricism of Romanticism, the roots of Czech musical identity, or the expressive edge of jazz, this recital promises an evening of discovery and musical brilliance.

Tickets available via Ticketmaster.sg

For more updates, follow Cristofori Academy of Fine Arts and True Music Singapore on Facebook and Instagram.