History

ReBelcanto (RBC), the chamber vocal-instrumental ensemble was founded in 1988 by a well-known Czech composer Miroslav Raichl (1930-1998). The ensemble is composed mainly of conservatory students - future professional singers and instrumentalists. Its repertoire is based on the Raichl's impressive arrangements.

The artistic idea of RBC is based on high-quality interpretation and belcanto singing - spiced with humour and the energy of youth. The name of the choir implies a return to belcanto as well as rebellious singing (canto), which doesn't reject any genre of music if the music is good. Audiences always appreciate the rich programme conception and high vocal standard of the singers. Many past members of the ensemble are today with foremost opera houses and distinguished orchestras (M. Barta, I. Jiriková, V. Polachova, E. Adlerova, K. Bytnarova, L. Hynek-Krämer etc.).

The reputation of RBC grew fast, particularly due to its increasing success abroad: a golden diploma from the International choir competition in Riva del Garda (Italy) in 1990 followed by numerous invitations to the concerts and festivals most frequently to neighbouring Germany.

They have several times visited Great Britain, where RBC represented Czech Republic e.g. at Janacek Festival, Bromsgrove in 1994 or at the Warwick and Leamington Festival in 1996 and 1998. 

Since 2000, the artistic leader of RBC is Petr Hostinsky, a graduate of Academy of Music in Prague (2005). He has cooperated with the ensemble as a piano and organ player before.

What is unique about RBC is really wide range of genre you can hear at their concerts: from African jungle chants via baroque, Renaissance and music of 19th century to contemporary composers, folk-songs from all over the world, negro spirituals, swing evergreens, as well as musicals and operatic arias. This varied repertoire enables them to compile programmes both secular and sacred, programmes for Christmas time and various performances for special occasions.