The respected French magazine Diapason has awarded the recording Vítězslava Kaprálová – The Complete Orchestral Works, performed by the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava under the baton of conductor Alena Hron, the Diapason d’Or de l’Année in the category Projet artistique. This recognition ranks among the most significant honours in the Francophone classical-music world and is also one of the most prestigious awards in the orchestra’s modern history. The announcement appears in the December issue of Diapason, published on 28 November 2025.

Released in collaboration with the German label cpo in April 2024, the album presents the complete orchestral oeuvre of the young 20th-century Czech composer Vítězslava Kaprálová, including the world-premiere recording of Fanfares for Brass and Timpani. Solo parts are performed by soprano Veronika Rovná and pianist Tomáš Vrána. Sound engineering and music production were provided by Pavel Kunčar and Jana Jelínková.

“The Diapason d’Or de l’Année is a clear signal that bold programming and top-class interpretation resonate internationally. I greatly appreciate the work of the orchestra, Alena Hron, and the entire production team. My thanks also go to cpo and our partners for their excellent cooperation. Vítězslava Kaprálová’s music deserves worldwide attention, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its recognition,”
said Jan Žemla, Director of the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava.

The recording had already received a Diapason d’Or as Album of the Month in November 2024, accompanied by an enthusiastic review, and in 2025 it reached the finals of the Gramophone Classical Music Awards in the Orchestral category. The album also attracted attention from BBC Music Magazine, Klassik-Heute, Gramophone, MusicWeb International, and other leading media outlets.

“ Cpo is honored that our CD of works by Vítězslava Kaprálová with the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava has been distinguished with the Diapason d’Or de l’Année. Championing music by women composers has long been a cornerstone of our catalogue, and we are thrilled that this recognition affirms that commitment and the artistic excellence of all involved. We warmly thank Alena Hron, the orchestra and the entire production team for bringing Kaprálová’s voice so vividly to life, and we share this award with our listeners and partners who support our ongoing advocacy for underrepresented composers,”
said Frederik Wittenberg, Production Manager at cpo.

Vítězslava Kaprálová (1915–1940) was one of the most remarkable talents of her generation and a pioneer in a field dominated for decades by men. The recording of her complete orchestral works featured on this album was led by Alena Hron, the first female chief conductor in Czech history and a successor to the trailblazing legacy Kaprálová initiated.

“I am truly delighted about this award, especially for Vítězslava Kaprálová. Despite living only 25 years, she left behind a remarkably strong musical legacy that deserves international attention. I can well imagine how immense and sincere her joy would have been at receiving such recognition. My thanks also go to the production team of the Janáček Philharmonic for placing their trust in me for this recording, and to the orchestra itself for the pleasant and highly focused collaboration,” said conductor Alena Hron.

Recording available from the publisher

Digital release available on Spotify and Youtube

More information about the recording available on The Kapralova Society website.

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