Czech musical prodigies to perform in Belgium at the prestigious Flagey Hall

Thanks to a partnership with the Karel Komárek Family Foundation (KKFF), the Czech Centres are elevating their support for Czech musical talent to an international stage. From November 9–12, pianists Vivi Nguyen (9), Nora Lubbadová (14), and Adam Znamirovský (14) will participate in masterclasses at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels. Alongside their Belgian peers, they will then perform at the renowned Flagey Cultural Centre. Esteemed Czech pianists Ivo Kahánek and Jarmila Holcová will accompany them as mentors for the project.

This opportunity offers the young musicians invaluable experience on the international music scene. The educational program will provide them with critical contacts, mutual inspiration, and an exchange of expertise to build upon in their future careers. Together with the Czech artists, Belgian talents Iris Keijzer, Mahault Ska, and Jannat Huseinzoda are also participating in this initiative.

"Supporting young talent is not just a priority for the Czech Centres—it’s a matter of the heart. Connecting with the world and gaining international experience from the very beginning is essential in the cultural sector. We feel a responsibility for the future of Czech culture, which rests on the next generation. We deeply appreciate sharing this mission with the Karel Komárek Family Foundation and value their dedication to Czech culture," said Jitka Pánek Jurková, CEO of the Czech Centres.

The event is co-organised by the Karel Komárek Family Foundation, which has long supported young Czech talent on their path to success. Earlier this year, in September, the foundation and the Czech Centres organized a similar concert for young musicians in Vienna.

"Foreign experience is absolutely invaluable for young artists. Performing before demanding international audiences, exchanging ideas with peers, and learning from renowned foreign mentors provides the confidence and expertise they need to grow. Such opportunities enable young talents to develop their potential, inspire others, and represent the Czech Republic on the global stage with dignity—both now and in the future," said Luboš Veselý, Director of the KKFF Foundation.

The masterclasses at the Brussels Conservatory will also feature American concert pianist Daniel Blumenthal and Czech pianist and teacher Bohuslava Jelínková Çavuşoğlu, who is based in Brussels. The program will culminate in a performance by the young talents at the Flagey Cultural Centre on Tuesday, November 12.

"The concert will showcase the outcomes of this international collaboration, with a diverse program reflecting both Czech and Belgian musical traditions," added Kristýna Halounová, Director of the Czech Centre in Brussels.

About the Karel Komárek Family Foundation

The Karel Komárek Family Foundation (KKFF) focuses on developing Czech cultural heritage and transforming public spaces. The foundation also supports other areas aimed at unlocking human potential and fostering change. Notable initiatives include the international music festival Dvořák’s Prague, the Piano to Schools project, and the Proměny měst a zahrad (Cities and Gardens Transformation) program, which has been revitalizing public spaces since 2006. Beyond long-term projects, KKFF addresses immediate needs, such as aiding the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting with the aftermath of the tornado in Moravia, supporting communities impacted by the war in Ukraine, and providing flood relief in Moravia in 2024. The foundation has also been a long-term supporter of The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., contributing to initiatives such as The REACH arts space. The foundation was established by Karel Komárek (founder of KKCG) and his wife, Štěpánka Komárková.