The concert of the Smetana Trio in Alexandria took place on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Czech Republic’s accession to the European Union. At the same time, it marked the first event of the Year of Czech Music in Egypt programme.
The first-ever performance of the Smetana Trio in Egypt was an excellent opportunity to launch the Year of Czech Music 2024 as well as to commemorate major anniversaries of renowned Czech composers such as Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvořák, Josef Suk, and Leoš Janáček, as well as the anniversary of the Smetana Trio itself, founded in 1934 by Czech pianist Josef Páleníček.
Throughout its history, the Smetana Trio has performed on leading concert stages worldwide—from prestigious Czech festivals such as Prague Spring, Janáček May, and Moravian Autumn to international venues across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Its performances resonate globally and captivate audiences in countries including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States.
The Smetana Trio consists of Jitka Čechová (piano), Markéta Janoušková (violin), and Jan Páleníček (cello).
The concert took place at the premises of the partner organisation Jesuit Cultural Center of Alexandria, in the presence of the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Egypt, Ivan Jukl.
The concert of the Smetana Trio was supported by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Cairo and the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic.
Photos: Hossam Ezzat
