New Friends

The Czech composer Pavel Stanék was born in Prague in 1927. There he also studied at the conservatory until 1950 and was choir director of the folklore ensemble from 1950 to 1954. As part of his military service he took over the direction of the Central Wind Orchestra of the Ministry of the Interior and remained there as artistic director and conductor for almost six years. From 1961 to 1963 Pavel Stanék was conductor of the "Na Fidlovacce" operetta theatre in Prague and from 1963 he was head of the Radio Orchestra in Ostrava and held this position until 1990, during which time and beyond he was also guest conductor with many orchestras. As a composer, he influenced brass music in a special way with his unique compositions. Often he was inspired by the folklore of his homeland.

"New Friends" is a piece that is also rooted in the tradition of Pavel Stanék's homeland in its balance and comprehensibility as well as in its orchestral colours, even though its musical expression is more in keeping with contemporary musical sensibilities.