Pavel Trojan appointed as new Director of the Prague Philharmonia
Effective from October 1st 2025, Prague Philharmonia will welcome MgA. Pavel Trojan as its new Managing Director. An experienced cultural manager, composer, and conductor, Trojan has spent the past fifteen years with the Prague Spring International Music Festival, where he most recently served as an Executive Director. He succeeds Kateřina Kalistová, who has led the orchestra for the past five years.
Pavel Trojan brings extensive experience in cultural management, public relations, fundraising, and programming. He joined Prague Spring in 2010 and served as its Director from 2022. In this role, he significantly increased the festival's budget, expanded its artistic offerings, and strengthened sponsorship engagement. His vision for the Prague Philharmonia is an orchestra with a distinctive sound, exceptional programming, and strong foundations both on the Czech and international scenes.
„I am honored by the trust placed in me by the Board of Trustees, our Chief Conductor, and the musicians,“ says Pavel Trojan. „I regard the Prague Philharmonia as an outstanding ensemble of global caliber, with a clear musical identity rooted in chamber precision projected into a full orchestral sound. Under Emmanuel Villaume‘s artistic direction, the orchestra finds a unique sound for every piece. A rare quality today. Even in its third decade, the orchestra retains a youthful spirit, which deeply resonates with me. My goal is to build on everything that makes this orchestra unique, and to work with the team to find new ways to develop its excellence and grow our community of listeners, supporters, and international partners.“
Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Emmanuel Villaume commented: „We are all eager to work with Pavel Trojan, who brings exceptional talent, passion, and energy to lead this unique institution into its next chapter. I also wish to express my heartfelt thanks to Kateřina Kalistová for her invaluable contributions over the years.“
Chairman of the Board JUDr. Martin Klimpl added: „We sincerely thank Kateřina Kalistová for everything she has done for the orchestra over the years. The Board gave the selection of her successor the utmost attention. Following a series of inspiring interviews and presentations, the choice of Pavel Trojan was clear. We believe his vision, experience, and artistic drive will bring new energy to the continued growth of our outstanding orchestra. We greatly look forward to our cooperation.“
Kateřina Kalistová took over the leadership of the Prague Philharmonia in 2020. Under her direction, the orchestra swiftly returned to the concert stage after the pandemic, reconnected with its audience at home and abroad, launched patronage initiatives, and underwent a significant visual identity transformation. „It was an extraordinary experience to lead the orchestra during a period full of challenges and new opportunities,“ she reflects. „I‘m especially pleased by the growing number of subscribers and the high-caliber international tours ahead – including Prague Philharmonia‘s upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall. I thank the orchestra and Chief Conductor for their trust and collaboration, and for many inspiring moments. I look forward to staying in touch, albeit from a new professional role I‘ve decided to take on.“