Západočeský symfonický orchestr Mariánské Lázně

West bohemian symphony orchestra
of Mariánské Lázně

In beautiful Marienbad in the very heart of Europe resides the oldest symphony orchestra in the Czech lands, the West-Bohemian Symphony Orchestra.  Its history is connected with the opening of the local spa, with 1821 being the year that a permanent ensemble was founded.  Through its history, the orchestra saw not only many different conductors and musicians but many changes as well. The most significant recent change was in the year 2001, when the orchetra´s legal form became an "o.p.s.", a charitable organization that was founded by the city of Marienbad.  The year-round operations of the orchestra include a 3-cycle subscription season, cooperation with musical schools from Prague, Weimar, Zurich and Nurnberg while the summer features the orchestra in its traditional role as a Promenade orchestra.

The WBSO also travels outside of its city´s boundaries to neighbouring communities in the Karlsbad region and to Germany as well.  An important part of its activities are programs for young listeners, in the form of family concerts and school concerts.  A regular part of the WBSO´s schedule is the featuring of Czech and international soloists of high quality and a 50 year cooperation with the Chopin Festival at the event´s opening and closing concerts.

In the year 2004, Michael Rohac assumed the position of Chief Conductor and remains in this role until present day.  He renewed and enriched the subscription-season concept while expanding the orchestra´s long-standing tradition of Promenade concerts.  From the year 2008, Jakub Sedlacek is the orchestras concertmaster, who at age 23 became the youngest concertmaster in the Czech Republic.

Traditional cultural values and a high level of artistry, together with ever-growing interest from the public (both Marienbad residents and spa guests) are proof that symphonic music belongs in this world-famous spa town.  It is therefore heartening that in recent years, the orchestra has been receiving heightened support from the city, local businesses, the region and the Ministry of Culture.

 We heartily invite you to our concerts

and welcome you to our website!