Czechia’s Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra will bring a series of live concerts to the UK in early 2026. The ensemble launches its UK tour in Birmingham on 12 February 2026, followed by performances in Guildford, Bristol, Bradford, Cheltenham, London, and Sheffield. The tour also introduces Daniel Raiskin as the orchestra’s new Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Designate for the 2026–2027 season. Acclaimed British violinists Jennifer Pike and Chloë Hanslip will join the orchestra as featured soloists throughout the tour.
The Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra has built a vibrant musical legacy defined by its distinctive Bohemian character and innovative programming. Praised by audiences and critics both at home and abroad, the ensemble is celebrated for its expressive interpretations of Leoš Janáček’s works as well as an extensive repertoire spanning the Late Romantic period to contemporary music. Its performances of composers such as Suk, Mahler, Bartók, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich are particularly acclaimed.
Based in the industrial city of Ostrava, the orchestra is regarded as one of Czechia’s foremost symphonic ensembles. It is also approaching an exciting milestone as it prepares to move into its future venue, the Ostrava Concert Hall—a major cultural development now under construction. Designed by renowned architect Steven Holl, the hall is poised to become one of the city’s defining artistic landmarks.
Czechia’s rich musical heritage—home to legendary composers Leoš Janáček, Bedřich Smetana, and Antonín Dvořák—features prominently in the tour programme. Alongside works by these iconic Czech figures, the orchestra will also present music by a diverse selection of leading international composers.
Tour dates:
More info available on CZECH JANÁČEK PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA – FEBRUARY 2026 – IMG ARTISTS
CZECH JANÁČEK PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA – FEBRUARY 2026 – IMG ARTISTS
Photo credit: Jennifer Pike by Arno
Just off the shores of Miami Beach, something extraordinary is taking shape beneath the surface. It’s called The ReefLine, and it’s transforming a stretch of ocean into a one-of-a-kind underwater sculpture park — a place where art, marine life, and human imagination meet.
Music from Stranger Things, The Last of Us, House of Cards, and Shrek — performed live by their composers at Composers Summit Prague 2026 Six days, forty world-renowned Hollywood composers – winners of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and BAFTA awards – over 400 minutes of live film music concerts for the public, and more than 50 panels, masterclasses, and workshops for professionals and fans. Over 300 participants from across the world will gather in the heart of Europe for the 5th edition of the prestigious international event Composers Summit Prague, taking place April 23–28, 2026.
The core of the festival’s public program consists of four major film music concerts:
April 23 – Municipal House: Opening Gala Concert featuring fifteen composers, many conducting their own works, and selections from The Chronicles of Narnia, Shrek, The Boys, Medal of Honor, KPop Demon Hunters, Daredevil, House of Cards, Life of Pi, Prince of Persia, The Martian, and Ant-Man.
April 25 – Nová Spirála: Stranger Things in Concert – composers Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein (Netflix) will perform their iconic synth-driven score live, accompanied by a special audiovisual show created exclusively for the Prague audience following the release of the new season.
April 27 – Hudební divadlo Karlín: World premiere of a new score for Fritz Lang’s silent classic Metropolis (1927), composed and conducted by Jeff Beal (House of Cards), performed live by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.
April 28 – Hudební divadlo Karlín: Closing concert with Gustavo Santaolalla, the legendary Argentine composer and two-time Academy Award winner (Brokeback Mountain, Babel, The Motorcycle Diaries), presenting his most celebrated works, including music from The Last of Us.
All main concerts will feature live orchestras performing alongside the composers, enhanced by special film projections. The new festival hub will be the Prague Minorite Monastery. Tickets are already available at www.composers-summit.com.
More information available on Cultural Events in Prague 2026 | VisitCzechia
On 9 September 2025, bestselling author Dan Brown released his eagerly awaited new thriller, The Secret of Secrets, to a global audience. In this novel, Brown takes readers on a journey through Prague’s most stunning and historically significant landmarks, as well as its hidden corners (for instance the Crucifix Bastion). Against the backdrop of the Czech capital, the gripping story follows Professor Robert Langdon as he confronts mysterious forces, intelligence agencies, and an international conspiracy.
The presentation of the prestigious MICHELIN Key marks an important new milestone for Czechia. Much like the internationally renowned MICHELIN Stars awarded to restaurants, MICHELIN Keys honor hotels that provide exceptional quality and unforgettable guest experiences.
In the Czech Republic, most MICHELIN Keys were awarded to hotels in Prague: BoHo Prague Hotel, The Julius Prague, Four Seasons Hotel Prague, Andaz Prague, Augustine – Luxury Collection Hotel, Almanac X Alcron Prague and Mosaic House. A particularly notable achievement goes to five-star hotel Fairmont Golden Prague, which received two MICHELIN Keys.
Outside the Czech capital, the awards also recognised Chateau Mcely in the Central Bohemian Region, Hotel Perk in Šumperk, and Villa Julius & Emma in Karlovy Vary.
In October 2025, the MICHELIN Guide introduced its first global MICHELIN Key Selection. Much like MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, the MICHELIN Key recognizes hotels worldwide, with an emphasis on service quality, character, atmosphere, and authenticity. Anonymous inspectors evaluate not only comfort and amenities but also how well each property embodies the spirit of its locale.
More info about the hotels and the award available on Czech Hotels Triumph with MICHELIN Key Awards 2025 | VisitCzechia
Photo Credit: Chateau Mcely
Tourism in Greater Miami and Miami Beach continues to flourish — and all signs point to an even brighter future. This message resonated throughout the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (GMCVB) annual meeting, held on 6 November at the Coastal Convention Centre at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
More than 600 partners, stakeholders and civic leaders gathered to acknowledge a year defined by resilience, strategic innovation and impressive growth. Despite global economic challenges, Miami-Dade County’s tourism sector not only stayed the course but strengthened its position as a world-class destination.
Get your phones and cameras ready because Miami boasts picture-perfect views around every turn. Capture everything from street art and iconic architecture to beautiful beaches and other famous views.
Share your favourites on social and use the hashtags #Miami and #VisitMiami
Samoa Airways has sent off its second aircraft 5W-FAY to Canada for scheduled maintenance. This follows a successful retrofit of the airline’s first aircraft, 5W-FAW which was completed and returned in February this year. This marks another key step in the company’s fleet enhancement program, according to Fauoo Taua Fatu Tielu, CEO of Samoa Airways.
Samoa Tourism is pleased to share the inspiring growth story of Cycle Journeys Samoa, a New Zealand-based company that has recognised and embraced Samoa’s potential as an exceptional destination for adventure cycling enthusiasts.
Since its inception, Cycle Journeys through its purchase of Outdoor Samoa has positioned itself as a leader in providing unique, immersive cycling experiences tailored to the diverse aspirations and preferences of cyclists, across both Upolu and Savai’i.
The popular Namu’a Island has launched its new electric boat, significantly improving the travel experience for guests and tourists. This state-of-the-art vessel will facilitate more comfortable and convenient transportation between the main island and Namu’a, enhancing accessibility to this popular site.
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