The Jiří Bělohlávek Prize

When we were thinking about the best way to remember Jiří Bělohlávek, the open-air concert was the clear winner — for its relaxed atmosphere and for its bond with the young soloists whom Jiří Bělohlávek supported throughout his life. And so, starting this year, we are dedicating every open-air concert to the memory of Jiří Bělohlávek, and it will now also be linked to a prize bearing his name.

— David Mareček / Czech Philharmonic Magazine, 2019 [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]

Along his journey, my husband met kind souls who supported him at the start of his career, and he wanted to pass that kindness on. Working with young people always delighted and fulfilled him. Anyone who teaches will tell you that their students inspire them — that they too learn from them and share in their energy.

— Anna Fejérová / Czech Philharmonic Magazine, 2019 [ 4 ] [ 5 ] 

It's wonderful that what Jiří Bělohlávek began lives on, that young musicians are still being helped. There's that helping hand that everyone needs at a certain moment. That, to me, is the immense legacy of Jiří Bělohlávek.

— Robert Kružík / Czech Philharmonic Magazine, 2021 [ 6 ] [ 7 ] 

Mr. Bělohlávek holds a firm place in my heart as a fatherly figure — in the very best sense of the word. From the very first moment I stepped onto the stage with the Czech Philharmonic as a young talent, I felt the warmth of a family hearth. I remember our last performance together, in St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle, very well. It was still cold, and I had come to the rehearsal only lightly dressed. Mr. Bělohlávek — by then gravely ill and without his hair — took off his only scarf, wrapped it around my neck, and said: 'You must take care of that gift of yours.'

— Petr Nekoranec / Opera PLUS [ 8 ]