The Czech National Theatre has started the new year with significant changes to its music staff. Andriy Yurkevych, the orchestra’s conductor for the past two and a half years, has stepped down “for personal reasons.” Yurkevych, who is of Ukrainian origin, is being succeeded by Hermann Bäumer, a seasoned trombonist formerly with the Berlin Philharmonic and former music director of the city of Mainz.
Bäumer, who turns 60 this month, brings with him 12 years of experience in musical leadership. Notably, in 2007, he traveled to Iran with the Osnabrück Orchestra and performed at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall.
In addition to this appointment, Zuzana Kadlčiková has been named the new chorus master of the National Theatre, replacing Adolf Melichar, who will continue in his role as chorus master for the State Opera.
Per Boye Hansen, the Norwegian artist who leads the artistic direction of the National Theatre Opera, remains in his position. The changes—officially attributed to “personal reasons” and “continuing in other roles”—remain somewhat ambiguous, a reflection of the unique cultural atmosphere and lifestyle often associated with Prague.