The North Bohemian Philharmonic Teplice is one of the oldest musical institutions in the Czech Republic, with a tradition dating back to 1838, when the orchestra was officially founded. From the late 19th century onwards, it became an important centre of symphonic music, regularly presenting concert series featuring leading conductors and soloists of the time. World-renowned figures performed on the Teplice stage, including conductors Eugen d’Albert and Richard Strauss, as well as pianist Ferruccio Busoni.
The activities of the original municipal orchestra were interrupted at the end of the Second World War in connection with the closure of the German municipal theatre. In the mid-20th century, the orchestra was re-established, with significant development taking place in the 1970s, when the ensemble was expanded. In 1979, it adopted the name North Bohemian State Philharmonic.
Today, the municipal contributory organisation North Bohemian Philharmonic Teplice successfully represents the city both at home and abroad. A notable milestone was its tour of Asia in 2013, during which the orchestra performed in Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Nevertheless, the Philharmonic’s principal mission remains the cultural life of the city of Teplice and the surrounding region.
The Philharmonic is established by the Statutory City of Teplice, which has also entrusted it with the organisation and management of the Ludwig van Beethoven Music Festival. Founded in 1964, the festival has expanded significantly since 2004 — from an original five concerts in Teplice it has developed into a prestigious international music showcase, now featuring approximately twenty chamber and symphonic concerts in ten additional cities. The North Bohemian Philharmonic thus remains one of the key pillars of musical culture in Northern Bohemia.
For more information visit the website of the North Bohemian Philharmonic.
