Maestro Jakub Hrůša Celebrated in Chicago as New Cultural Initiative Launches
Approximately 60 classical music enthusiasts took part in a vibrant celebration of Czech culture and music in Chicago, where the American Friends of the Czech Republic co-sponsored a special reception honoring Maestro Jakub Hrůša. The evening coincided with his highly anticipated performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, highlighting and deepening the long-standing musical bond between the Czech Republic and the United States.
The event also marked the launch of the newly established Friends of the Czech Philharmonic, which introduced the inaugural Musical Celebration in Prague scheduled for June 2026. This landmark initiative begins what is envisioned as an annual tradition, bringing together the orchestra’s global community in the heart of Prague.
Maestro Hrůša is one of the leading Czech conductors of his generation, serving as Chief Conductor of the Bamberg Symphony, Music Director of The Royal Opera in London, and recently announced as the next Chief Conductor and Music Director of the Czech Philharmonic, effective with the 2028–2029 season. He was recently honored with the International Classical Music Award—often referred to as the “classical music Oscar”—recognizing his outstanding artistic achievements. He is also a recipient of the Medal of Merit from the Czech President Petr Pavel for his extraordinary contributions to the arts.
The evening was graciously hosted by the Driehaus-Pellouchoud family and co-sponsored by the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago and the Czech Philharmonic Foundation. Guests also enjoyed an intimate musical performance by Irena Jakubcová, Assistant Concertmaster of the Czech Philharmonic, and Kenneth Olsen, Assistant Principal Cello of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Photo credit: Agata Martinik Photography