FOUNDED more than one hundred years ago and first conducted by Dvorák, the Czech Philharmonic still retains its distinctive sound to this day.

With a heavy emphasis put on the orchestra’s string section, it is this that make the Czech Philharmonic one of the most successful touring orchestras in the world.

When the group comes to Basingstoke tomorrow, they will be led by conductor Tomáš Netopil who made his debut with the orchestra in 2007.

Being able to travel the world and showcase the work of his home country is something Netopil says is a huge privilege to be part of.

He said: “It is a huge honour for my to play to any audience, but to do it alongside people who hold the traditions of this orchestra so close to them makes it even more special.”

The Czech Philharmonic’s extraordinary and proud history reflects both its location at the very heart of Europe and the Czech Republic’s turbulent political history,

But even though the music they play is steeped in history, Netopil believes that turning his hand to a more modern variety of song is helping them stand out from a crowd.

“Audiences coming to our shows, they want to hear the more modern pieces as well as the classics like Brahms etc,” he told The Gazette.

“I always try and think that we need to find a balance between the people who are used to classical music and those who are coming to a show for the first time.

“The key is having a real passion for music, and there is a lot of young people who are now coming to the concerts which is great for us.

“That is what doing these tours is all about, as we need to inspire the next generation of musicians.”

Netopil, who studied violin and conducting in his native Czech Republic comes from a long line of conductors who have taken the stand for the orchestra which consists exclusively of Czech musicians, but the conductor insists it is their experience of travelling the world and learning different musical styles which has led them to become so well established.

The Czech Philharmonic orchestra will be performing at the Anvil tomorrow. For more information and tickets visit anvilarts.org.uk.