duo APPASSIONATO
Duo Appassionato brings together the talents of musicians Kateřina Konopová and Helena Půlpánová. Their collaboration is built on the unique and unconventional pairing of piano and guitar. This partnership creates a harmonious whole where both instruments naturally merge into a single musical narrative.
Their repertoire spans compositions from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods to modern compositions and timeless classics. In their selection of pieces, the duo prioritizes works written specifically for this instrumental combination, though they also embrace various transcriptions and arrangements. Duo Appassionato combines melodies with dynamic rhythms and a rich sonic palette, striving to bring listeners a unique musical experience full of emotion and contrast.
Helena Půlpánová
A graduate of the Prague Conservatory and the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, Helena studied under the renowned guitar virtuoso and composer Štěpán Rak. Her international career began during her studies, as she participated in competitions and performed across Europe—from the Venice Carnival in Italy to the anniversary celebrations of the Bank of France and performances at Luxembourg’s Vianden Castle .
Throughout her career, Helena has collaborated with prominent Czech figures, including actors Alfréd Strejček, Miroslav Horníček, Josef Somr, Taťjana Medvecká, and Boris Rössner. She also had the honor of accompanying the legendary Radovan Lukavský, performing her own original compositions .
As a soloist, she has performed with the Václav Talich Chamber Orchestra and the Prague Symphony Orchestra (FOK), collaborating with such distinguished artists as Karel Gott and Petr Dvorský. Her musical journey has also seen her perform alongside her former mentor Štěpán Rak and various soloists from the State Opera .
Beyond the concert stage, Helena has recorded for Czech Radio and was featured in a Czech Television documentary about the Academy of Performing Arts. Her talent also reached international audiences in the 2004 American film Chasing Liberty.
Over the years, she has founded two distinct musical ensembles: Duo Témbr (flute and guitar), which performs primarily at historic venues such as Lobkowicz Palace and Jemniště, and the Renaissance trio Puellae de Bohemia, specializing in period music at locations like Nelahozeves Chateau. Alongside her vibrant performing career, she finds great fulfillment in sharing her musical expertise through teaching .
Thematic Concert Programs:
-Across Music Genres: (Antonio Diabelli, Franz Schubert, Camille Saint-Saëns, film and jazz music)
-From Europe to Latin America: (Georges Bizet, Carlo Munier, Darius Milhaud, José de Azpiazu, Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla, Agustín Barrios, Zequinha de Abreu, etc.)
APPASSIONATO
Piano concertos are among the greatest works in the musical repertoire and are staples of concert hall programs.
