Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra

The Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra (Janáčkova filharmonie Ostrava) is a Czech orchestra based in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Named after composer Leoš Janáček, the orchestra performs its concerts at the City of Ostrava Cultural Centre.  The roots of the orchestra date back to 1929, with the establishment of a radio orchestra in Ostrava. In 1954, the orchestra was formally established under the name of the Ostrava Symphony Orchestra, with Otakar Pařík as its first chief conductor under that name, and gave its first concert under that name on 3 May 1954. In 1962, the orchestra changed its name to the Státní filharmonie Ostrava (Ostrava State Philharmonic Orchestra), then with Václav Jiráček as chief conductor. In 1971, the orchestra changed its name to its current form, the Janáčkova filharmonie Ostrava (Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava). In the 1990s, the orchestra developed a new emphasis on performance of contemporary music.