Jihočeská komorní filharmonie České Budějovice
Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra of South Bohemia

“Jihočeská komorní filharmonie (JKF) České Budějovice” is the official name of the orchestra, which was established in 1981 under the name of “Jihočeský státní orchestr” (South Bohemian State Orchestra).
The orchestra currently has 37 members and it is the only professional philharmonic orchestra in the district of South Bohemia. Jaroslav Vodňanský, the conductor responsible for the establishment of this orchestra, was the head conductor until the late 1980s.
The following period under the leadership of Ondřej Kukal as head conductor and Břetislav Novotný – the first violinist of the “Kvarteto města Prahy“ - as conductor, could be considered as a significant stage in the JKF’s growth in quality and professionalism.
The orchestra’s core repertoire consists of interpretations of classical music. However, the dramaturgy of the concert seasons is varied and ranges from baroque to contemporary music. The concert schedules of the philharmonic orchestra sometimes also include great symphonic and instrumental compositions.
Such well-known conductors as Václav Smetáček, Milan Munclinger, Josef Vlach, Vladimír Válek, Viktor Barsov and Walter Hügler have cooperated with the JKF orchestra, as have a number of significant soloists such as Josef Suk, Ivan Moravec, Václav Hudeček, Eduard Haken, Věra Soukupová, Dagmar Pecková, Eva Urbanová, Josef Hála, Zuzana Růžičková, Eugene Indjic, Ivan Klánský, Alexander Rudin, Eugen Fodor, Shizuka Ishikawa, Alexandr Večtomov and Pavel Šporcl as well as others.
Besides domestic concerts the “Jihočeská komorní filharmonie“ also performs on foreign stages (Munich, Vienna, Salzburg, Zurich, Bern). It also participates at international music festivals for example Pražské jaro (The Prague Spring), Emmy Destinn Music Festival, IMF Český Krumlov, Janáčkův máj, and festivals in France, Germany, Austria and Spain).
Foreign critics especially appreciate the lively and colourful sound of the orchestra and its sensitivity and craftmanship.
The JKF often cooperates with Czech television and radio in the making and performing of recordings.
The current head conductor of “Jihočeská komorní filharmonie České Budějovice“ is Stanislav Vavřínek.

CONCERT HALL of Otakar Jeremiáš
In 1988, the Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra of South Bohemia became the owner of a building which consisted of a converted church and a specially built annex. Thus the orchestra now owns a building which is completely suitable for concerts and administration. Due to its favourable location in the town centre, the concert hall has become one of the main cultural centres of the town České Budějovice.
The heart of the building is the Otakar Jeremiáš concert hall named after an important composer who was a native of České Budějovice. The hall has excellent acoustics and an auditorium for 218 visitors. The concert environment is enhanced with a view of a modern-style organ.