CONDUCTOR
Christian ARMING
Music Director of the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège
Principal Guest Conductor of the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra
Christian Arming is one of the most sought-after Austrian conductors, acclaimed in both the symphonic and operatic worlds. Since the 2011/12 season, he has been the Music Director of the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, and he previously held the same post with the New Japan Philharmonic in Tokyo. In 2017, he was appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra.
Born in Vienna, Arming studied conducting under Leopold Hager at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. His career was strongly influenced and supported by Seiji Ozawa, who introduced him to audiences in Boston and Tokyo. At just 24 years old, in 1996, Arming became Chief Conductor of the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava. Six years later, he was appointed Music Director of the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels and its orchestra (2002–2004).
ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR
Ondřej Packan
Serving as assistant conductor for the preparation of this magnificent symphony is an enormous challenge. We must convey Mahler's cosmic vision, pushing beyond all limits and dimensions — after all, he inscribed it with the words, "Imagine the universe beginning to resound and ring." Expressing the emotional contrasts between the movements will be extremely demanding: the first sets the Pentecost hymn to music with almost a philosophical undertone, while the second brings to life the closing scene of Goethe's tragedy Faust. The finale culminates in the words "Alles Vergängliche ist nur ein Gleichnis" ("All that is transient is but a parable"), when the universe itself seems to sound. Performing it in such a monumental orchestration demands exceptional unity, precision, and the ability to sustain tension right to the final note.
Josef Kurfiřt
Mahler wrote his Eighth Symphony in a remarkably short period, and given its vast scale and complexity, it is an incredible achievement. He crystallised a clear vision for a work that is unique both within his own output and in the broader symphonic repertoire. Performing this symphony in Trojhalí Karolina will likewise be the fulfilment of a clear vision that Jan Soukup, founder of the Moravskoslezská Sinfonietta, has carried in his mind for many years. When I began collaborating with the MSS several years ago, this idea was presented to me, and I was captivated from the very first moment. Bringing this extraordinary work to life requires energy, skill, inspiration, and meticulous preparation. That is why we, the performers, humbly invoke the opening words of this beautiful symphony: "Veni, creator spiritus" — Come, Creator Spirit, visit us, come into the hearts of your faithful, and fill them with your grace…
SOLOISTS
Veronika Rovná, 1. soprano
"I first encountered Mahler's music a few years ago, when I had the opportunity to perform the final 'heavenly' movement of his Fourth Symphony. His grandeur and genius completely captivated me, and it is an honour to be part of the concerts that will take place at Trojhalí Karolina in 2026. I believe that Mahler's Eighth Symphony will be an extraordinary experience not only for us, the performers, but also for the city of Ostrava."
Liana Sass, 2. soprano
"I consider Gustav Mahler one of the greatest composers of symphonic music. He often incorporates the human voice into his symphonies. I have always admired his work, but my first true encounter with it came only last year, when I sang Das Lied von der Erde to the words of ancient Chinese poetry. I was completely absorbed by it. That is why I gladly accepted the invitation to perform in Symphony No. 8. It is a work of immense scale, and I truly believe this performance will attract great interest and delight the audience. I am also very much looking forward to working with such wonderful colleagues."
Tereza Kurfiřtová, 3. soprano
"I have been connected to Gustav Mahler since childhood — I was born just a few kilometres from his birthplace in Kaliště and studied music at an art school that bears his name. The opportunity to take part in performing this monumental and beautiful work fills me with joy, and I look forward to May 2026, when together with the Moravskoslezská Sinfonietta and other artists we will present the Eighth Symphony to our audience."
Michaela Zajmi, 1. alto
"I am a soloist of the National Theatre in Prague. For us opera singers, developing our skills in song repertoire is also very important. Gustav Mahler is one of my favourite composers, and I often perform his song cycles in concert. When I was offered the chance to sing in Mahler's 'Symphony of a Thousand,' I accepted without hesitation — it is a magnificent and monumental work, and I was also drawn by the fact that the Moravskoslezská Sinfonietta already has an excellent reputation and standing in the music world."
Václava Krejčí Housková, 2. alto
"The song repertoire of Gustav Mahler was the topic of my bachelor's thesis at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. Thanks to this, I began to take a deeper interest not only in his songs but also in the orchestral works of this genius composer. I became an enthusiastic attendee of 'Mahlerian' concerts. His profound sense of drama and lyricism continues to stir deep emotions in me. I am truly looking forward to my first 'Mahler' as a performer — singing Symphony No. 8 on the concert stage will be a dream come true."
Daniel Schostok, tenor
"The invitation to sing the tenor solo in Mahler's Eighth Symphony with the Moravskoslezská Sinfonietta makes me happy and proud. For an ensemble only ten years old to be capable of presenting the 'Symphony of a Thousand' speaks of its great dedication, passion, and talent. Trojhalí Karolina is a stunning venue where vision becomes reality and music touches not only the hearts of listeners but also those of the musicians themselves."
Lukáš Bařák, baritone
"Mahler's Eighth is not only monumental — as is evident right from its opening — but it is also filled with emotions that spring from the depths of Mahler's soul. With each listening, you discover something new. I am very much looking forward to joining my colleagues on the grand stage of Trojhalí Karolina."
Ivan Lyvch, bass
"I am excited to take part in Mahler's symphony. It is both a great challenge and a valuable experience — Mahler's music is demanding, yet incredibly powerful. I believe that both the performers and the audience will truly enjoy it."