The Smetana Trio was founded in 1934 by the legendary Czech pianist Josef Pálenícek, violinist Alexandr Plocek and cellist František Smetana.  Today, it is the foremost Czech chamber ensemble. Currently comprised of Jitka Cechová (piano), Jiří Vodička (violin) and Jan Pálenícek (cello), the Smetana perpetuates the interpretational ideals created by its illustrious predecessors as well as other superlative 20th-century soloists active in chamber music. “There is nothing routine about the Smetana Trio’s approach to this engaging repertoire. Every aspect of their interpretation is carefully considered without losing an ounce of spontaneity. Individual lines are remarkable for their focus and beauty, though the powerful sense of ensemble is never sacrificed to individual display.” (BBC Music Magazine).  

In April 2017, the Smetana Trio was voted to win the BBC Music Magazine Award for its recording of Martinů: The Complete Piano Trios on the Supraphon label.  This is the second time the Trio has received this honor - the first time was in 2007.  

In spring 2018, the Smetana tour North America for the first time since 2014.  With ten concerts across eight US states, the Trio brings a program which showcases their meticulously focused musical oneness with lush, emotive artistic intensity and interpretation.  Highlights from this sprawling tour include performances at the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, Rockefeller University’s Tri-I Noon Concerts in New York, The Phillips Collection in Washington DC, and the Chicago Chamber Music Society.

Additional North American tour dates 
February 16, 2018       Philadelphia, PA          
February 17                  Durham, NC                 
February 20                  Indialantic, FL              
February 23                  New York, NY             
February 24                  Lewes, DE                   
February 25                  Washington, DC           
February 27                  Chicago, IL                   
March 1                         Irvine, CA                     
March 2                         La Jolla, CA
March 3                         Los Angeles, CA                  

ZEMLINSKY Piano Trio, Op. 3
SHOSTAKOVICH Piano Trio No. 1, Op. 8
MENDELSSOHN Piano Trio in D minor Op. 49