Czech Academy of Music and Martinů Voices Award

On 30 March, the Czech Music Academy Awards for 2023 were presented at a ceremony at the O2 universe in Prague.

The Angel Award in the Classics category went to the vocal ensemble Martinů Voices for their outstanding interpretation of Benjamin Britten's Christmas cycle A Ceremony of Carols and the compositions Te Deum and Homage to St. Cecilia. 

The album was recorded by Martinů Voices in April and June 2023 in the Bohuslav Martinů Hall at the Liechtenstein Palace in Prague and released by Animal Music.

Martinů Voices, under the direction of conductor Lukáš Vasilek, is one of the absolute leaders in the world of vocal music.

The ensemble was founded in 1994 and has become one of the most sought-after vocal ensembles in the Czech Republic and abroad. Their repertoire covers a wide range of vocal music, from the Renaissance to the present day, with an emphasis on the compositions of Bohuslav Martinů.

In addition to an award-winning CD of Britten's works, Martinů Voices has also released a CD of Bohuslav Martinů madrigals to rave critical acclaim.

The ensemble also performed at a benefit concert for the B. Martinů: https://www.martinu.cz/.../1758-martinu-voices-zazpivaly.../

It is important to mention that pianist Miroslav Sekera was also nominated for the Anděl Award in the category of Martinů performance for his CD of Martinů piano concertos.

Although he did not win the prize in the end, his nomination is further confirmation of the exceptional position of the Czech school of performance in the field of Martinů's works.

For your listening pleasure we select Martinů Madrigals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URe9CQ2Qstc