Introducing a new music series. Meet Julia Hagen

We will be gradually sharing profiles of the stars who will be appearing at this year’s Festival. Meet Austrian cellist Julia Hagen, one of today’s most compelling musicians. Julia has a string of achievements to her name, including receiving the UBS Young Artist Award, thanks to which she performed with the acclaimed Vienna Philharmonic. You will have a unique opportunity to experience one of Julia’s masterful performances live this September.

Music in her genes

Julia, a native of Salzburg, has musical talent literally in her blood. She grew up in a musical family; her mother plays the viola and her father is a renowned cellist. Julia began playing the cello at the age of five. Her other siblings have chosen entirely different careers: her sister is a teacher, her older brother is a lawyer and her younger brother is a sports journalist.

Liberating errors

Although today she is meeting with success around the world, Julia does not want to be seen as “merely” a soloist or a chamber musician; above all, she wishes to be viewed as a versatile musician. In an interview for the website KlasikaPlus.cz she said that she has found that taking a little risk and allowing herself to make mistakes brings her closer to the audience.

Experience Julia Hagen at the Festival’s opening concert

Experience this Austrian performer’s exceptional talent with your own eyes and ears. Julia Hagen will perform at the Opening concert of the 19^th annual Dvořák Prague Festival, on Saturday, 5 September, 2026 at 8.00 pm in the Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum in Prague.

Julia will perform with the Filarmonica della Scala orchestra led by conductor Riccardo Chailly, together creating a truly stellar team on the stage.