In cooperation with the Art Gallery

Program

Futur Swing

Milan Kárník Jakeš – vio; Michal Wróblewski – as; Martin Hrubec – g; Tomáš Mika – gbjo; Ondřej Komárek – db

The repertoire of Futur Swing, performing in an acoustic setup, is inspired above all by the music of Django Reinhardt (1910–1953), the legendary guitarist whose playing and compositions gave rise to the style known as gypsy jazz or gypsy swing. The band’s approach to Reinhardt’s nearly century-old pieces is based on improvisational freedom, playfulness, humor, and pushing the traditional gypsy jazz idiom into new directions, all while striving to preserve the spirit of the old era. Rather than a classic revival that maintains tradition, Futur Swing also seeks to explore new paths of interpretation and improvisation, adding fresh sonic dimensions. The musicians’ creative approach to improvisation reflects Reinhardt’s techniques while simultaneously exploring modern harmonies and rhythmic structures. Futur Swing thus serves as a bridge linking the traditional elements of gypsy swing with a new era.

Jindřich Henry Volf – Charles IV

Jindřich Henry Volf – p; Pavel Bořkovec Quartet: Ondřej Hás – vi; Marek Blaha – vi; Matěj Kroupa – vla; Štěpán Drtina – vcl; Kateřina Bodláková – voc; Martin Růža – voc

Outstanding Karlovy Vary jazz pianist, composer, and educator Jindřich Henry Volf will open the concert with his composition Charles IV. This five-movement work, inspired by selected aspects of the Czech king’s life, has been arranged by the author into three different versions. At the festival, the piece will be premiered in the version for piano, string quartet, and two voices.

The Pavel Bořkovec Quartet has gained recognition primarily through its distinctive programming and a systematic focus on contemporary music. The vocal parts in the composition will be performed by jazz and blues singer Kateřina Bodláková, who also collaborates with Jindřich Volf, and Martin Růža, a singer of phenomenal range who, in addition to jazz singing, also studied opera.