Stanislav Vavřínek is one of the most prominent Czech conductors and has been Chief Conductor of the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice since 2018.

Having graduated from the Conservatory in Brno where he studied flute and conducting, he continued his education at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. Subsequently, he also took master classes with Roberto Benzi in Switzerland, culminating with a concert in which he conducted the Biel Philharmonic Orchestra. From 1994 to 1998, Vavřínek was the principal conductor of the Prague Student Orchestra, which won many awards under his leadership. In 1998, he also conducted the International Youth Orchestra in the final festival concert in Shizuoka, Japan.

As a guest conductor, Vavřínek has collaborated with more than 30 symphonic and chamber orchestras including the Brno Philharmonic, the Prague Philharmonie, the Czech Philharmonic, the Prague Symphony Orchestra, the Slovak Philharmonic, the Hamburger Symphoniker, and the Gdansk Philharmonic. He has appeared on stages in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland and Spain, and Japan. He has also collaborated with a number of outstanding soloists and performed at a number of prominent festivals such as the Shizuoka International Music Festival, the Brno International Music Festival, the Prague Autumn, and the Prague Spring. He has recorded nine CDs with music by Mozart, Haydn, Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, Sternwald, Bartók, Shostakovich, and others.

From 1999 to 2008, Vavřínek served as the Chief Conductor of the South Bohemian Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra in České Budějovice before taking up the same position with the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic in Zlín, which he held until 2015. He is a frequent guest conductor of many orchestras both at home and abroad, not only in concerts, but also during various notable extraordinary productions.

From 2006 to 2010, Vavřínek taught at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, where he was a member of the Department of Conducting.

Albums

Symphonic Chronicles Vol II

Release Date: January 5, 2024
Catalog Number: NV6584
21st Century
Romantic
Orchestral
Orchestra
Hailed by critics as a “descriptive and evocative” collection of contemporary classical music, the SYMPHONIC CHRONICLES series returns with a brand new roster of celebrated composers from a wide variety of backgrounds and influences. Anthony Wilson’s Númenor examines the sudden shifts in society that can bring us from peace to turmoil, while Octavian Nemescu’s The Inner Staircase courageously confronts forces of tyranny. In contrast, Stearns Wharf by Michael Roush follows the journey of two lovers in an impassioned pas de deux, while Margaret Brandman’s Gentle Summer Rain comments on the ethereal beauty found in juxtaposing aspects of nature. With performances by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava, Brno Contemporary Orchestra, and Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra, SYMPHONIC CHRONICLES VOL II offers listeners a variegated palette of new music.

Dashing Vol. 4

Release Date: November 10, 2023
Catalog Number: NV6569
21st Century
Folk Music
Holiday
Orchestral
Choir
Orchestra
Piano
Light the fireplace, don your coziest sweater, and let the festive sounds of DASHING VOL. 4 from Navona Records whisk you away on a joyful journey through holiday music both new and familiar. Featuring a fresh line-up of contemporary composers, this edition of the series fuses the magic and warmth of holiday tones with the modern flair of today’s classical music, making for a neatly-packaged gift that's sure to spark the spirit of the season. From new choral and orchestral expressions to cherished melodies and bluesy interpretations of classic tunes, DASHING VOL. 4 spares no expense in merriment and good cheer.

Sublimitas

Release Date: August 11, 2023
Catalog Number: NV6544
21st Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
Navona Records is proud to present SUBLIMITAS, a symphonic album bringing to life the posthumous works of composer Michael G. Cunningham. Performed by the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra, Cunningham’s 5th and 6th Symphonies soar with spirited flair and clarity. These works are thoughtfully paired with his Mountain Poem, a jubilant and moving piece composed with musical peaks and valleys that simulate a thrilling adventure. As a composer whose works span 11 previous Navona Records releases, the works presented on SUBLIMITAS make for a delightful final parting gift from an artist who showed an unwavering dedication to sharing his music with the world.
Dimensions Vol. 5

Dimensions Vol. 5

Release Date: July 28, 2023
Catalog Number: NV6542
21st Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
Hot on the heels of its preceding installments, DIMENSIONS VOL. 5 from Navona Records highlights the works of seven celebrated composers. These orchestral pieces showcase a broad range of innovative compositional styles featuring traditional and modern influences, drawing inspiration from an opera about a mystical wolf, moments of uncertainty and reflection in life, the music of Handel, and traditional Latvian folk music, just to name a few. Leveraging musical passion and orchestral ferocity, DIMENSIONS VOL. 5 offers listeners a broad example of some of the most exciting work in contemporary orchestral music.

A Fine Agitation

Release Date: June 9, 2023
Catalog Number: NV6524
21st Century
Opera
Stage Works
Orchestra
Voice
Strong convictions make for strong emotion, and in Michael J. Evans' case, emotion transforms into operatic scenes. A FINE AGITATION is an eight-part stage work based on Susan B. Anthony's letters during her infamous voting trial, which sheds light on the beloved social reformer from a personal, intimate, and profoundly charming angle. Both biographies and political subjects are notoriously difficult to set to music without becoming either dry tragedies or kitschy pastiches, but Evans circumvents this pitfall with a compositional style that is subtly, tastefully shaded, and at times almost light-footed. It shows Anthony, an American social justice icon, from a perspective that might have been disregarded for the better part of a century – the perspective of being human.

Legends and Light Vol. 3

Release Date: March 24, 2023
Catalog Number: NV6515
21st Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
Navona Records is proud to present LEGENDS AND LIGHT VOL. 3, an ambitious collection of new works for large ensemble performed by the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava. Several modern composers assemble on this album to deliver new expressions in classical music, highlighting stark contrasts of darkness and light and the other-worldy experiences that charge our artistic spirit. Inspired by art, mystical experiences, and the wonders of our universe, this edition of the LEGENDS AND LIGHT series casts a serene spotlight on the compositional innovation and orchestral ferocity of today’s composers and performers, an exhilarating showcase of the current and exciting state of classical music.

Kaleidoscope

Release Date: February 3, 2023
Catalog Number: NV6494
21st Century
Chamber
Orchestral
Orchestra
Piano
String Quartet
Life can sometimes seem like an infinity mirror of colors reflecting off of themselves, each tint deeply distinct in its own right, yet profoundly beautiful when viewed as a whole. This sentiment is thoughtfully expressed in KALEIDOSCOPE from composer Craig Morris and Navona Records. Morris’s compositional strengths are far-reaching and dynamic, and aptly showcased here with orchestral and chamber works written in a variety of orchestrations. Sentiments of gentle reflections, care and acceptance, and love are echoed throughout this release, a cohesive collection of works written from powerful emotions that tie into the kaleidoscope that is the human experience.

Inviting Worlds Vol 3

Release Date: December 9, 2022
Catalog Number: NV6482
21st Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
INVITING WORLDS VOL 3 offers a fresh look into the Navona Records series with a new roster of modern composers. Building on the canon of orchestral works presented thus far, this edition of the series features works inspired by historic poetry, iconic stories, and memories, tied together and brought to life by the raw power of today’s ensembles. From whimsical and uplifting passages to deep stirring nostalgia, the works featured on INVITING WORLDS VOL 3 are unrelenting in their emotive qualities.

American Scenes

Release Date: August 12, 2022
Catalog Number: NV6446
21st Century
Orchestral
Wind Ensemble
AMERICAN SCENES, from composer Samuel A. Livingston is, as its title suggests, a painterly tribute to America. The album’s title piece, Three American Scenes, is a three-movement suite that expresses the grandeur of the American west, the serenity of a mountain lake at dawn, and the bustle of a busy day in a large city. The album opens with Celebrating the Fourth, which depicts an American Fourth of July celebration. The final two selections feature works for concert band with a solo instrument – the flute, in Silvertube Variations, and the clarinet, in Balkan Dance. In that last selection, Livingston turns his attention beyond our shores, to the harmonies and rhythms of the folk music of the Balkan countries, especially Bulgaria and North Macedonia. Altogether, AMERICAN SCENES is thoughtfully-crafted and unabashedly jubilant, expressing appreciation for America and the world beyond with refreshing sincerity.

Inviting Worlds Vol 2

Release Date: August 12, 2022
Catalog Number: NV6445
21st Century
Orchestral
Large Ensemble
Orchestra
Hot on the heels of its first edition, INVITING WORLDS VOL 2 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor with the rhythmic dexterity and textural nuance of today’s orchestras paired with a new roster of composers. New sounds and expressions burst with emotion and uplift us through dark days, navigating uncertainty and delivering us to tranquil resolution. From the frenetic energy and hair raising harmony of Chasse Noir to the soothing solemnity of When Quiet Comes, INVITING WORLDS VOL 2 delivers a colorful palette of orchestral virtuosity sure to please any listener who lends an ear.

Inviting Worlds

Release Date: July 22, 2022
Catalog Number: NV6435
21st Century
Orchestral
Large Ensemble
From the mysterious magic of our darkest corners to the exuberant atmosphere of Carnaval, infinite possibilities lay within INVITING WORLDS from Navona Records. The musical dimensions of several composers are explored by the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava, Zagreb Festival Orchestra, and the National Moravian-Silesian Theater Choir in this dynamic journey, offering insight into new realms through imaginative approaches to composition. Even in far away lands, close-to-home concepts are explored in thought-provoking soundscapes, showcasing the rhythmic dexterity and textural nuance of today’s orchestras across a wide breadth of compositional styles.

Collected Works of Beth Mehocic

Release Date: January 14, 2022
Catalog Number: NV6410
21st Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
The music of composer Beth Mehocic comes together as a fulfilling and enticing whole in the COLLECTED WORKS OF BETH MEHOCIC. This all encompassing album merges the many corners and triumphs of Mehocic’s library, with commissioned pieces, tone poems, and various styles colliding in celebration of her extensive breadth of repertoire. Find early works like Piece by Piece alongside the more recent Left of Winter, Picasso’s Flight, and others with performances from Trio Casals, Croatian Chamber Orchestra, Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava, Altius Quartet, Zagreb Festival Orchestra, and more.

Three Stories By Hans Christian Andersen

Release Date: April 1, 2022
Catalog Number: NV6394
21st Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
With narration by award-winning actor Rob Dean, Jan Järvlepp brings classic tales to life on THREE STORIES BY HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN. The Steadfast Tin Soldier, The Little Match Girl, and The Emperor's New Clothes, along with other works by Järvlepp, open a new world of imagination for the youth of today and conjoin the countless capabilities of oral and musical storytelling. Join the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava and Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra on this thrilling ride through these childhood classics.

Prisma Vol. 5

Release Date: April 9, 2021
Catalog Number: NV6344
21st Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
Navona Records’ acclaimed PRISMA series continues with a fifth installment, again showcasing the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra’s riveting take on contemporary composition. With a focus on innovation and imaginative performance, the orchestra brings a breath of fresh air to a repertoire that’s all-too-often dominated by mainstream works.

Sparks Vol II

Release Date: March 12, 2021
Catalog Number: NV6337
21st Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
The album SPARKS VOL. 2 couldn't be more aptly named, as bows bend and sparks fly in this vibrant collection of pieces for string orchestra. Bound to please modernists and traditionalists alike, this eclectic collection contains pieces by Dave Dexter, William C. White, Simon Andrews, Rain Worthington, Allen Brings, John Carollo, John Franek, and Jeff Mangels.

Proscenium Moments

Release Date: November 20, 2020
Catalog Number: NV6314
20th Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
Michael G. Cunningham and Navona Records present PROSCENIUM MOMENTS, a highly challenging collection of Cunningham's orchestral compositions. Nestled in style between early Prokofiev and late Shostakovich, this particular selection of recordings provides a bird's eye view of Cunningham's catalogue.

The Adventures of Florian

Release Date: October 9, 2020
Catalog Number: NV6301
21st Century
Orchestral
Stage Works
Orchestra
On his seventh release on Navona Records, THE ADVENTURES OF FLORIAN, Michael J. Evans presents an epic, modern adaptation of Henry Beston’s fairytale of the same name. Over the course of four orchestral acts, Evans reframes the story as a tale of trans heroship, with Prince Florizel marrying Florian himself presenting as a boy, rather than revealing Florian as Isabella.

Concerto 2000 and Other Works

Release Date: June 26, 2020
Catalog Number: NV6291
21st Century
Concertos
Flute
Orchestra
Jan Järvlepp's first Navona release, CONCERTO 2000, presents a tonal concerto, scored for orchestra – one might think Wagner or Mahler when listening. Except that Wagner and Mahler might not quite have agreed with the directness of his tonal language: for Järvlepp's work unabashedly aspires to appeal on a popular level.

Music from the Ethereal Side of Paradise

Release Date: March 9, 2018
Catalog Number: NV6148
21st Century
Orchestral
Solo Instrumental
Flute
String Orchestra
Violin
John A. Carollo’s fourth PARMA release, and follow up to 2017’s THE TRANSFIGURATION of GIOVANNI BAUDINO, is a wondrous musical journey through the world of desire. With MUSIC FROM THE ETHEREAL SIDE OF PARADISE, Carollo makes an impassioned plea for the power of romance.

East of the Sun & West of the Moon

Release Date: January 12, 2018
Catalog Number: NV6137
21st Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
Navona Records is proud to announce the release of Daniel Crozier’s enchanting East of The Sun and West of The Moon, orchestral album. Using music, rather than words, to tell his story, Crozier’s music is full of startling detail and narrative. The two pieces comprising this album serve as windows into Crozier’s theory of musical story telling. Listeners are challenged to find a better narrative voice than the delicate oboe positioned against the profound strings.

Letters To a Young Poet

Release Date: November 11, 2014
Catalog Number: NV5980
21st Century
Chamber
Guitar
String Orchestra
String Quartet
On his debut Navona Records release, LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET, composer Mark Zanter presents recently commissioned chamber works for strings. The inspiration for the title track comes from Rainer Maria Rilke's letters to Franz Xaver Kappus, a correspondence in which his encouragement to a young poet becomes a vehicle for expressing his thoughts on the creative process and the transcendent qualities of art.

Luminescence

Release Date: September 1, 2014
Catalog Number: NV5969
21st Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
String Orchestra
LUMINESCENCE brings to light six works for small and large orchestra, showcasing the inspired directions and composers of contemporary orchestral music. Marvin Schluger's Manhattan Suite for full orchestra is being released 14 years after its recording. New York, 2013 by Raymond Bokhour is another piece alluding to the Big Apple, as experienced by the composer that year.