Rising stars of Czech classical music are heading to New York to take part in workshops and present their talent in two concerts.
Friday, February 20, 7:00 PM | Future Tones Concert Steinway Hall | REGISTER
Sunday, February 22 | Masterclass* Mannes School of Music
Sunday, February 22, 7:30 PM | Lukáš Vondráček Recital Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall | CANCELLED
Monday, February 23 | Masterclass* Bohemian National Hall
Monday, February 23, 7:00 PM | Future Tones Concert Ballroom, Bohemian National Hall | REGISTER
*private event for young pianists
The Future Tones project brings together young Czech and American pianists for a series of concerts and workshops in New York, fostering artistic exchange, musical growth, and intergenerational dialogue between emerging talents and established musicians.
At the heart of the program is the prestigious Mannes School of Music, which will host masterclasses for the young talents. Under the guidance of renowned pianist and pedagogue Pavlina Dokovská, six exceptional Czech pianists — Valentýna Ibriqi, Magdaléna Kovářová, Adam Znamirovský, Nora Lubbadová, and Jan Schulmeister — will work alongside their American peers. Their collaboration will culminate in a performance on February 20, 2026, in the legendary Steinway Hall. Following workshops at Mannes School of Music, the project culminates on February 23, 2026 with a concert featuring the young performers at Bohemian National Hall.
Partners: Czech Center New York, Mannes School of Music, Carnegie Hall, Komárek Family Foundation (as part of the “Pianos for Schools” initiative)
Vivi Nguyen (11), although she has been playing the piano for only four years, has already achieved impressive successes. She performed at the international television festival Golden Prague and, as its youngest participant, began studying at the MenART scholarship academy under Ivo Kahánek. From an early age, she has shown a remarkably mature and professional approach to learning, exceptional performance consistency, and a distinctive stage gift. Her acceptance into the KKFF Foundation scholarship program opens doors to competitions and masterclasses crucial for her further artistic growth.
Valentýna Ibriqi (13) began playing piano at the age of eight under the guidance of Ellina Belčiková, and just a year later won the competition Young Pianists Play Steinway & Sons , eventually becoming its absolute winner. Since then, she has been collecting awards at competitions both in the Czech Republic and abroad.
Magdaléna Kovářová (13) is one of the most promising young Czech pianists, with numerous prizes from prestigious national and international competitions. She earned her first awards at the age of eight, and her path has since led from national stages to international recognition and performances at major festivals and venues, including Prague’s Rudolfinum and Carnegie Hall in New York.
Adam Znamirovský (15) began playing the piano spontaneously at the age of four and has been winning national and international competitions since age seven. He is considered the most remarkable talent among Czech pianists under 15. His achievements include performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra in Prague’s Rudolfinum under Elias Grandy. He studied at the Verbier Festival Academy, where he received the Edwin Caplin Foundation Award. Adam is a MenART scholarship recipient in the class of Ivo Kahánek, with whom he also studied at the Summer Music Academy in Kroměříž.
Nora Lubbadová (16), despite her young age, has established herself as one of the most exceptional piano talents in the country. She has consistently demonstrated outstanding musical ability, confirmed by a series of awards from leading competitions in her age category. Her studies are marked by a rare combination of emotional spontaneity, natural stage presence, and disciplined, respectful work. She has performed solo not only in the Czech Republic but also abroad, including in Helsinki, Belgrade, and Kragujevac.
Jan Schulmeister (19) is the youngest heir to a family musical tradition spanning sixteen generations. He is among the most outstanding talents of his age group and has been receiving prestigious awards since he was seven. His talent has repeatedly brought him to performances with Czech orchestras under the direction of prominent conductors.
Related events
