October 10, 1996:
Even eight months after Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Chief Conductor Gerd Albrecht left office, disagreement still predominates in the ensenble. The orchestra's seventh managing director, Jiri Kovar, tried to make the situation clear at an October 4 press conference in the concert hall of Prague's Rudolfinum.
Some philharmonic members have asked for Kovar's removal, because of his canceling a contract with the Japanese music agency Musica for their regular tour in Japan. Kovar explained this by saying the agency lacks finances and there are other better known agencies interested in the philharmonic.
Although conductor Vladimir Valek (also the head of the Radio Philharmonic) is leading the orchestra today, the position of chief conductor is still free. That is connected with another conflict, as some philharmonic members have negotiated this free post with Czech-born American conductor Zdenek Macal (who should have led the orchestra in Japan) even though it is not their prerogative to do so.
Kovar also announced at the press conference that he was canceling participation at the prestigious Toshiba festival, which selected the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra from a group of five. He was forced to take this step because of the disagreements obstructing the professional work of the orchestra.
Ondrej Slavik/Magda Vanova
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