Nymburk Chamber Orchestra

The Nymburk Chamber Orchestra (NKO) has a history spanning over forty years, filled with artistic development, prominent personalities, and transformations. Here is a detailed overview of its history and operations to date:

1. Foundation and Early Period (1980–1985)

The orchestra was founded in 1980.

• Founding Lineup: In the beginning, the ensemble consisted of about two dozen amateur musicians from Nymburk and the surrounding area.

• First Leadership: Leadership was taken over by Han Zong Hwau, a Korean student at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (AMU). Under his guidance, the orchestra rehearsed intensively and prepared for public appearances.

• First Concert: The orchestra's first official concert took place on June 2, 1983.

2. The Golden Era of Prof. Jaroslav Motlík (1985–1998)

A key impulse for the professionalization and artistic growth of the ensemble came in 1985.

• The Personality of Prof. Motlík: Leadership was assumed by the prominent Czech violist and then-principal violist of the Czech Philharmonic, Prof. Jaroslav Motlík.

• Flourishing of the Ensemble: Under his baton, the orchestra stabilized at 20 permanent members. A major advantage was the optimal lineup, which combined both string and wind instruments.

• Repertoire and Collaborations: During this time, the orchestra did not only play classical repertoire; composers wrote pieces specifically for the Nymburk Chamber Orchestra. The ensemble also regularly accompanied the large choirs of the era and became a cornerstone of Nymburk's musical life.

• End of an Era: Prof. Motlík ended his tenure at the head of the NKO for health reasons in 1998.

3. The Milan Veselý Period and the Turn of the Millennium

Following the departure of Professor Motlík, Milan Veselý took over the leadership of the orchestra. He continued to maintain the regional tradition, organized regular concerts, and kept the ensemble together even as generations of amateur musicians shifted. Milan Veselý led the orchestra for many years until his passing in 2016.

4. Present Day under Arnold Smrtka (2016–Present)

In the autumn of 2016, Prague soloist and violin virtuoso Arnold Smrtka took the helm of the orchestra.

• Modernization and New Energy: With his arrival (and his concurrent appointment at the Nymburk Primary Art School / ZUŠ), the orchestra received a new impulse. Young, talented students and graduates of local art schools began joining the ensemble.

• Star Guests: Under current leadership and thanks to the programming by orchestra member Leoš Soustružník, the NKO regularly collaborates with internationally recognized artists. Soloists performing with the orchestra include violinist Ivan Ženatý, guitarist Lukáš Sommer, and pianist Kristian Badarovský. Conductor Marek Štilec also collaborates with them as a guest conductor.

• Main Venues: The city of Nymburk remains the home stage for the orchestra, where it performs primarily in sacred spaces such as the Hus Congregation (Husův sbor) or the Church of St. Giles (Kostel sv. Jiljí). The orchestra is also a traditional participant in the Bohuslav Matěj Černohorský International Music Festival.

Today, the NKO operates as an established semi-professional ensemble under the auspices of the Nymburk Cultural Center. It connects passionate amateur musicians with professional educators and soloists from across Central Bohemia and Prague.