Škoda Auto extends Czech Philharmonic partnership until 2029
Škoda Auto will continue its partnership with the Czech Philharmonic from 2026 to 2029, extending a relationship that began in 1993 and includes financial backing and loaned cars.
- 2026–2029
- 1993
- 6
- 72
What Happened
Škoda Auto has extended its partnership with the Czech Philharmonic until 2029, with the renewed period running from 2026 to 2029. The collaboration dates back to 1993. Alongside financial support, Škoda provides mobility: six cars are on long-term loan for daily operations, with additional cars for special events and transporting guests. The partnership is described as reflecting close collaboration between Czech industry and culture.
Škoda Auto traces its roots to this period.
The Czech Philharmonic gives its first concert at Prague’s Rudolfinum, conducted by Antonín Dvořák.
Škoda Auto begins supporting the Czech Philharmonic.
A gala concert at Prague’s Rudolfinum celebrates Škoda Auto’s 130th anniversary.
The renewed partnership period runs from 2026 to 2029.
“Škoda Auto and the Czech Philharmonic both have rich histories dating back to the 1890s. We are honoured to support this internationally renowned icon of Czech culture and its commitment to quality, tradition and representing the Czech Republic at home and abroad. We are proud to have supported the orchestra for more than three decades and delighted that our partnership will continue in the years ahead.”
“Long-term partnerships are particularly important in the cultural sector. We greatly value the support Škoda Auto has given us since 1993. It enables us to develop the Czech Philharmonic’s work over the long term and bring outstanding musical experiences to audiences at home and abroad.”
- Chief Conductor and Music Director Semyon Bychkov leads the season.
- Guest conductors include Jakub Hrůša and Sir Simon Rattle.
- Janine Jansen is Artist-in-Residence and Thomas Adès is Composer-in-Residence.
- The programme marks the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s death and features world and Czech premieres.
- The season includes 72 concerts in the Czech Republic, 22 international performances, and more than 300 educational events.
72concerts
Part of the Czech Philharmonic’s 131st season, alongside 22 international performances and more than 300 educational events.
Škoda Auto also partners with the Smetana’s Litomyšl Festival, and its sonic logo is inspired by Bedřich Smetana’s Vltava from the cycle Má vlast. The company says supporting culture remains an integral part of its corporate social responsibility. It works with other leading cultural institutions and projects and supports regional cultural life through grant programmes.
Why this matters
The renewal shows how a carmaker supports a national cultural institution beyond vehicle sales: the orchestra gets funding and mobility, while Škoda ties its brand to a Czech icon. It affects concert audiences and the orchestra’s long-term planning, and reflects the company’s stated corporate social responsibility.
Terms in This Story
- sonic logo
- A short, recognizable sound or melody used as an audio signature for a brand.
- Artist-in-Residence
- A guest artist with a formal, temporary role at an orchestra or cultural institution, often performing and collaborating over a season.
- Composer-in-Residence
- A composer with a formal, temporary role at an orchestra or cultural institution, often creating or presenting work over a season.
- Chief Conductor
- The principal conductor who leads an orchestra’s artistic direction and performances.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.