photo: Miroslav Sekera, Josef Špaček, Radek Baborák | credit: Petra Hajska

The production team kicked off 2026 in a big way, navigating 180 minutes of music in sessions across Europe with classical music’s leading composers and musicians, punctuated by a trip to the states for a major performance at Carnegie Hall. 

Around the World with Joseph Summer

This year’s sessions began at Prague’s Studio Martínek with Joseph Summer, a composer acclaimed for his Shakespeare-inspired scores and large-scale stage works.

Hornist Radek Baborák, violinist Josef Špaček, and pianist Miroslav Sekera gathered at the studio to record two sonatas and a horn trio by the composer. His Tempest Sonata for Violin and Piano would shortly be performed live across the Atlantic.

credit: Petra Hajska

“I am very happy that I was able to participate,” said Baborák.

“Everything went great, thanks to everyone for their support in the studio and backstage. I am really looking forward to further collaboration within the PARMA family!”

Summer and his cast of celebrated Czech musicians shifted gears and set off for the United States to share their sound with a live audience.

Audience members at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall on January 10 received an impassioned performance of O Brave New World, a program of chamber works exploring Shakespearean themes, echoes of Greek myth, and more.

photo: Miroslav Sekera, Omar Najmi, Radek Baborák | credit: Brett Iannucci

The concert included the New York premieres of several original works, showcasing Summer’s command over the intersection of classical music and time-honored texts.

“Spectacular… PARMA’s people have been nonpareil and the concert and recording sessions are the best I’ve ever had the good fortune to experience.” said Summer.

“I couldn’t be happier with the results. It’s just been outstanding all around. It’s been an unbelievable journey, and one which I hope to continue.”

After the concert, Summer, Baborák, and tenor Omar Najmi returned to the Czech Republic to continue recording sessions for Summer’s original music, this time with the Brno Contemporary Orchestra. Soprano Bree Nichols, mezzo soprano Anna Moriová, and baritone Martin Vodrážka joined the cast and lended their voices to two of Summer’s Shakespearean works.

Get a sneak preview of Summer’s Horn Concerto Jericho in this video from Baborák.

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Recording sessions continued in Glasgow, Scotland with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, who recorded several works at Royal Glasgow Concert Hall for composer Stephen Gryč’s upcoming orchestral solo album.

The orchestra tackled several works and paired with a number of featured soloists, including trumpeter Huw Morgan, violinist Leonid Sigal, and trombonist Joseph Alessi, who recently premiered a concerto by the late Chick Corea on Navona Records.

RSNO sessions concluded at RSNO Centre with their recording of Howard Scott Hartley’s new symphonic poem for orchestra, Echoes of Primordia.