Den nordiske samtidsmusikkfestivalen ”Heading North” ble avviklet i Praha i perioden 23. mars – 1 april, og fra ambassaden i Praha meldes det om et vellykket arrangement.

Festivalen ble arrangert av Praha filharmoniske selskap, og fant sted i byens prestisjetunge historiske konsertsal Rudolfinum. Her ble det arrangert 8 konserter med fullt orkester, 2 matinéer og 6 kammerkonserter som til sammen samlet et publikum på ca. 3.500 personer.

På programmet sto nordisk samtidsmusikk. Norge var representert med komponistene Arne Nordheim, Eivind Buene, Ørjan Matre, Nils Henrik Asheim, Lasse Thoresen, Maja Solveig Kjelstrup Ratkje og Rolf Wallin.

Matre og Asheim var til stede under festivalen og Den norske ambassaden i Praha holdt en mottakelse for dem i embetsboligen 28. mars. I tillegg arrangerte ambassaden i samarbeid med de øvrige nordiske ambassadene i Praha en felles nordisk åpningsaften og mottakelse i Rudolfinum 25. mars, og ved begge anledninger ble det ble det lagt til rette for møter mellom komponistene og tsjekkiske musikkmiljøer og musikkjournalister.

Festivalen fikk oppmerksomhet i dagspressen, blant annet i de riksdekkende avisene MF Dnes, Lidové noviny, Právo, Prague Post og Plzenský deník, i etermedia og i tidsskrifter.

Festivalen er støttet av Grieg07, og det ble flere ganger pekt på forbindelsen mellom Grieg og konsertsalen Rudolfinum, der Grieg dirigerte Prahas filharmoniske orkester under fremførelsen av sine komposisjoner i Praha i 1903.

Programmet for festivalen var som følger:

Saturday 24.3.2007, 7:30 p.m: Dvorák Hall
Pilsen Philharmonic Orchestra
Prague Philharmonic Choir, choirmaster Lukáš Vasilek
Liana Sass – soprano
Michal Lehotský, Slovakia – tenor
Roman Janál – baritone
conductor Jirí Malát

Kimmo Hakola (*1958, Finland): Verdoyances crépuscules pour orchestre, 2004
John Frandsen (*1956, Denmark): At the Yellow Emperor´s time. Aria for soprano and orchestra, 2003
Juraj Filas (*1955, Czech Republic): Requiem. Oratio spei for soprano, tenor, baritone, mixed choir and orchestra, 2002

Sunday 25.3.2007, 10:30 a.m. Dvorák Hall
Prague Singers, choirmaster and conductor Stanislav Mistr
Roxy Ensemble
Jacques Werup, Sweden – recitation
Jana Sýkorová – mezzosoprano
conductor Marko Ivanovic

Hans Gefors (*1952, Sweden): Minnesgärd - Canto II for choir, 2000-2002 (text by Inger Christensen)
Marie Holánová (*1980, Czech Republic): Alice, choir on text by Lewis Carroll, 2005-2006 (world premiere)
Jesper Nordin (*1971, Sweden): Invisible Mantra for mixed choir, 2005
Sebastian Fagerlund (*1972, Finland): Imaginary Landscapes for chamber ensemble, 2002
Rolf Martinsson (*1956, Sweden): Vid tidens slut op.61 for flute, oboe, clarinet, string
orchestra and recitation, 2002 (text by Jacques Werup)
Josef Marek (*1948, Czech Republic): In spe for mezzosoprano, chamber mixed choir
and chamber orchestra on Latin spiritual textes, 2006 (world premiere)

Sunday 25.3.2007, 7:30 p.m. Dvorák Hall 
Northbohemian Philharmonic Orchestra Teplice, conductor Petr Vronský

Mika Pelo (*1971, Sweden): Scenario for orchestra, 2004
Petr Kotík (*1942, Czech Republic-USA): Asymetric Landing for symphonic orchestra, 2002-2003
Örjan Matre (*1979, Norway):  Echo imprints for two horns and string ensemble, 2006
Kaija Saariaho (*1952, Finland): Orion for orchestra, 2002

Monday 26.3.2007, 7:30 p.m.Dvorák Hall
Prague Philharmonia
Kühn´s Children Choir Prague, choirmaster Jirí Chvála
Mikko Luoma, Finland – accordion
conductor Ronald Zollman, Belgium

Ondrej Adámek (*1979, Czech Republic): Sinuous Words for chamber orchestra,
2004-2005
Jukka Tiensuu (*1948, Finland): Spiriti. Concerto for accordion and orchestra, 2005
Rolf Wallin (*1957, Norway): Appearances for large ensemble, 2002
Karin Rehnqvist (*1957, Sweden): Ljus av ljus / Light of light for chidren choir and orchestra, 2003

Tuesday 27.3.2007, 7:30 p.m.Dvorák Hall 
Concert in collaboration with the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague
Hradec Králové Philharmonic Orchestra
Michal Hanuš – organ
Tomáš Víšek – piano
Markéta Mazourová, Martin Kopriva – percussion
conductor Andreas S.Weiser, Germany

Martin Hybler (*1977, Czech Republic): Vzdušný palác / Castle in the air, 2006 (world premiere)
Radim Bednarík (*1979 , Czech Republic): Strome, kdybys tak promluvil... / Let speak,
tree... (Hommage à Jirí Orten) for orchestra, 2006 /world premiere)
Lukáš Sommer (*1984, Czech Republic): Díkuvzdání / Proffer thanks. Concerto for
organ and symphonic orchestra, 2006 (world premiere)
Luboš Mrkvicka (*1978, Czech Republic): Triple concerto for piano, 2 percussionist and chamber orchestra, 2004-2005 (world premiere)
Miloš ORSON Štedron (*1973, CR): Re for symphonic orchestra, 2007 (world premiere)

Wednesday 28.3.2007, 7:30 p.m.Dvorák Hall 
Concert in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Czech Philharmonic Collegium
Jirí Pospíchal - violin
Olga Jelínková – soprano
Jitka Hosprová - viola
Nederlands Blazers Ensemble, Amsterdam
Sanna Kurki-Suonio – folk singing
Eija Kankaanranta – kantele

Ivan Kurz (*1947, Czech Republic): Poslední vecere / Last Supper for violin and 12 strings, 2006 (world premiere)
Zdenek Lukáš (*1928, Czech Republic): Quis potest dicere  for soprano, viola and ensemble,
 2005 (world premiere)
Juhani Nuorvala (*1961, Finland): Finns, stage project 

Thursday 29.3.2007, 7:30 p.m.Dvorák Hall                                 
Brno Philharmonic Orchestra
Czech Philharmonic Choir Brno
Robert Kozánek – trombone
Yvetta Tannenbergerová  – soprano
Michal Macuha – baritone
conductor Leoš Svárovský

Jan Málek (*1938, Czech Republic): Sinfonia III. per b, 2002 (world premiere)
Arne Nordheim (*1931, Norway): Fonos. Three memorables for trombone and orchestra, 2003-2004
Eivind Buene (*1973, Norway): Scherzofrenia for orchestra, 2002
Sven-David Sandström (*1942, Sweden): Juloratorium for 2 soloists, choir and orchestra, 2004 (text by St.Lucas)

Friday 30.3.2007, 7:30 p.m. Dvorák Hall
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Bohumil Kotmel, Miroslav Vilímec – violins
conductor Zdenek Mácal

Zdenek Šesták (*1925, Czech Republic): Euripides. Dramatic frescoe for symphonic orchestra, 2001 (world premiere)
Poul Ruders (*1949, Denmark): Final Nightshade. An Adagio of the Night for symphonic orchestra, 2003
Anders Hillborg (*1954, Sweden): Exquisite Corpse for orchestra, 2002 (rev.2004)
Atli Heimir Sveinsson (*1938, Iceland): Sinfónía númer 4, 2006 (world premiere)

Saturday 31.3.2007, 10:30 a.m.Dvorák Hall
Concert in collaboration with the Embassy of Luxembourg
Prague Chamber Orchestra
Prague Philharmonic Choir, choirmaster Bohumil Kulínský
Alfred Strejcek – recitation
Carlo Jans, Luxembourg – flute
Jitka Hosprová – viola
Katerina Englichová - harp
Yvona Škvárová – mezzosoprano
Richard Samek – tenor
conductor David Švec

Josef Rut (*1926, Czech Republic): Kazatel / Preacher. Oratorio on text by Old Testament for recitation, mixed choir and chamber orchestra, 2001 (world premiere)
Jindrich Feld (*1925, Czech Republic): Musique concertante pour flûte, viola, harp and string orchestra, 2005 (world premiere)
Jaroslav Krcek (*1939, Czech Republic): Z kamení chléb / From stone a bread. Opera-ballet on libretto by composer for pro mezzo-soprano, tenor, mixed choir and orchestra, 2003 (world premiere)

Saturday 31.3.2007, 7:30 p.mDvorák Hall
Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
Kühn´s Children Choir Prague, choirmaster Jirí Chvála
conductor Jan Kucera

Niels Rosing-Schow (*1954, Denmark): Black Virgin for symphonic orchestra, 2004-2005
Jón Nordal (*1926, Iceland): Venite ad me for children choir and orchestra, 2003  
Sunleif Rasmussen (*1961, Faroe Islands): La Nuit des Eplorés pour choeur d´enfants et orchestre, 2003
Michal Košut (*1954, Czech Republic): Symphony No.2 „Via sotterranea“, 2003
Hans Abrahamsen (*1952, Denmark): Four pieces for orchestra, 2004

B/ parallel programme
„Music at the exhibition“
Shomei Tomatsu, Japan: Skin of Nation

Monday 26.3.2007, 5:30 p.m, Suk Hall
Concert in collaboration with the Institut Français de Prague
 Ensemble Calliopée, France
Vasil Fridrich, Jan Vondrácek – recitation
conductor Kryštof Maratka

Kryštof Maratka (*1972, Czech Republic-France): Le Corbeau a quatre pattes. Farce mélodramatique pour deux voix d´homme parlées et ensemble instrumental sur des textes de Daniil Harms, 2006

Tuesday 27.3.2007, 5:30 p.m.Suk Hall
Janácek Piano Trio (Helena Jiríkovská – violin, Marek Novák – cello, Markéta Janácková – piano)
Jana Boušková – harp
Roman Novotný – flute
Ludmila Peterková - clarinet
Kvarteto Norbert

Lasse Thoresen (*1949, Norway): The Descent of Luminous Waters for violin, cello and piano, 2002
Magnus Lindberg (*1958, Finland): Dos Coyotes for cello and piano, 1993-2002
Jirí Gemrot (*1957, Czech Republic): Summer Suite for violin and piano, 2002
Per Nörgaard (*1932, Denmark): Through Thorns. Passage for harp solo, flute, clarinet and string quartet, 2003

Wednesday 28.3.2007, 5:30 p.m.Suk Hall
In modo camerale (Jana Brožková – oboe, Ludmila Peterková – clarinet, Jaroslav Kubita – bassoon, Daniel Wiesner – piano)
Czech Philharmonic Quartet (Pavel Eret, Zuzana Hájková – violins, Jirí Poslední – viola, Jakub Dvorák – cello)
Petr Nouzovský – cello
Radomír Pivoda – flute
Jan Voboril – French horn
Bretislav Kotrba – trombone

B Tommy Andersson (*1964, Sweden): Games for Giton for wind quintet, 2002
Anna Sigridur Thorvaldsdóttir (*1946, Iceland): "mit" für Violoncello und Klavier, 2001
Ctirad Kohoutek (*1929, Czech Republic): Drobné radosti / Small Delights for flute and string quartet, 2006
Bent Soerensen (*1958, Denmark): The Shadows of Silence for piano
Anders Eliasson (*1947, Sweden): Pentagram for oboe, clarinet, French horn, bassoon
and piano, 2003

Thursday 29.3.2007, 5:30 p.m.Dvorana / Ceremony Hall
Jirí Hurník – violin, Jan Peruška - viola
Jan Meisl – accordion
Katerina Englichová – harp
Daniela Smutná – soprano
Daniel Skála
Kubín Quartet

Ivo Bláha (*1936, Czech Republic): Alter ego per violino e viola, 2005 (world premiere)
Atli Ingólfsson (*1962, Iceland): Radioflakes for accordion, 2003
Jana Vöröšová (*1980 , Czech Republic): Bo uill on. Five songs for soprano and harp on textes by Jacques Prévert and Henri Michaux, 2004-2005 (world premiere)
Milan Báchorek (*1939, Czech Republic): Concerto fantasia for dulcimer and string quartet, 2004

Friday 30.3.2007, 5:30 p.m. Galerie Rudolfinum
Resonance Ensemble
Pavel Drešer – accordion
Christina Kluge, Germany – recitation
conductor Michal Macourek

Maja Solveig Kjelstrup Ratkje (*1973, Norway): Gagaku variations for accordion and string quartet, 2002
Nils Henrik Asheim (*1960, Norway): Nicht für Sprecher, Flöte, Klarinette, Violine, Violoncello, Klaver und Schlagzeug, 2002
Anders Koppel (*1947, Denmark): Création pour saxophone, hautbois, violon,
violoncelle, double bass, percussion et piano, 2004
Britta Byström (*1977, Sweden): Strapats for chamber ensemble, 2002
C/ All Fools´ Day encore

Sunday 1.4.2007, 3:00 p.m. 
Margit Klepácová - cello
Markéta Mazourová – percussion
Iveta Kovácová – soprano

Zdenek Lukáš (*1928, CR): Preludium per due sonatori for cello and percussion, 2006 (world premiere)
Markéta Mazourová (*1974, Czech Republic): Four folk songs for cello and percussion, 2006 (world premiere)
Petr Malásek (*1964, Czech Republic): Holky modrooké. Variations for cello and marimba, 2006 (world premiere)
Jaroslav Krcek (*1939, Czech Republic): Písen je písen / Song is a song. Two Moravian and three Czech folk songs for cello and percussion, 2006 (world premiere)
Boris Urbánek (*1961, Czech Republic):  Pasácek vepru. Fantasy on folk motives for cello and marimba, 2006 (world premiere)
Ilja Hurník (*1922, Czech Republic): About St Anna for voice, cello and percussion, 2005 (world premiere)
Lukáš Hurník (*1967, Czech Republic): Five and half, quite six variations on folk song „Kdybys mela, má panenko, sto ovec“ for cello and percussion, 2006 (world premiere)