TRIO BOHÉMO

Passion for seeking deeper meaning in music is the foundation of artistic expression for the young group Trio Bohémo, who are now establishing themselves with great success on leading international stages as a talented ensemble combining the Czech musical tradition with the international repertoire. On 23 August 2024, Supraphon released the first album of the winners of the Parkhouse Award in London, the International Johannes Brahms Competition in Austria, the International Filippo Nicosia Award in Italy, and other prestigious international competitions. Trio Bohémo’s debut album promises unforgettable listening and an enlightened view of two important composers—Bedřich Smetana and Franz Schubert. The recording brings together two important piano trios: Smetana’s Trio in G minor and Schubert’s Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat major. Trio Bohémo’s extraordinary interpretation seeks the meaning hidden behind the musical notation, offering listeners a special experience. The album is being released on CD and digitally and is the first Supraphon classical recording that is also in the Dolby Atmos format, enabling playback using surround sound technology.

Just before the release of the album recorded early this year in England at the Britten Studio in Snape Maltings, we asked the trio members a few questions. All three –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ pianist Jan Vojtek, violinist Matouš Pěruška, and cellist Kristina Vocetková –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ agreed to respond.

How did you choose the repertoire? Why did the choice happen to fall to a combination of works by Smetana and Schubert?

Kristina Vocetková: Smetana was a clear choice for us from the beginning. We made our debut at London’s Wigmore Hall with his trio, and from then on we have felt strongly connected to the work. We had thought of pairing Smetana with Schubert, but the combination was not definitively confirmed until the same idea occurred to Matouš Vlčinský, the chief executive producer at Supraphon, with whom we engaged in intense discussion over the dramaturgy.

Matouš Pěruška: For all of us, it was important to play Smetana alongside something that would express how highly we regard Smetana’s trio. We could hardly have found a more brilliant work than Schubert’s Trio in E flat major.

What was hardest about making the recording, and on the other hand, what did you enjoy about it?

Jan Vojtek: Since this was our first recording together, preparing was the hardest thing. We didn’t know how we would feel in a new situation, how the work would go, and what to expect from each other or from our recording team. Luckily, our doubts quickly subsided.

Kristina Vocetková: Some new members joined our trio family for a few days, and friends from England came to Snape Maltings to see us, so we have really lovely memories from making the recording.

What do you regard as an important milestone in your career so far? 

Kristina Vocetková: Our most important milestone was meeting each other at all! None of us were dreaming of a career in a piano trio, but once we had played together for the first time, it was clear to all of us, literally overnight. Our career began to develop rather organically and gradually.

Jan Vojtek: If we had to pick another important milestone, it would be winning the Parkhouse Award in London. The competition seems less conspicuous in comparison with others, but it quickly and effectively introduced us to the English market and brought us lots of opportunities and friendships.

Matouš Pěruška: Last but not least, England brought us our patron, whom we can thank not only for the making of this album, but also for acquiring an instrument for our trio from the workshop Florian Leonhard Fine Violins, which was a moment of importance for me personally as a violinist, but also, above all, for our special sound as a trio.

What are the most interesting things awaiting you in the coming new season?

Kristina Vocetková: The 2024/2025 season will be busy and very exciting for our trio. Awaiting us abroad are not only appearances in Europe, but also three big concert tours. In September we are heading for Australia, and in November we’re going to the USA. In this country, we are looking forward to, among other things, to Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, which we will be performing in May with the Brno Philharmonic and Alena Hron and at a concert in Dvořák Hall at Prague’s Rudolfinum in March.

Are you also including the compositions from the album on your concert programmes?

Jan Vojtek: Both works are a solid part of our repertoire. Schubert and Smetana will accompany us to all of the continents we will be visiting.