Currently, the most prominent representative of the so-called Czech wind school, in the European context, is the ensemble "PhilHarmonia Octet", founded in 2007. Since the beginning of its existence, the aim of the ensemble has been to significantly enrich the Czech music scene, expand the repertoire and, in particular, advance the existing interpretation standard. A characteristic feature of the ensemble is the fact that the performers are laureates of prestigious international competitions, or rather graduates of foreign studies, who further distinguish themselves as solo players. This is characteristic of the best world ensembles of this kind.
The repertoire of the ensemble follows a distinct interpretation of the transformation of musical language against the background of changing musical eras and styles, from the second half of the 18th century to the beginning of the new millennium. An essential repertoire pillar is the performance of compositions in an expanded cast - Serenade in E flat major "Gran Partita" by W. A. Mozart, Serenade in D minor for wind instruments op. 44
A. Dvořák and the search for further possible inspiration in the form of appropriately selected adaptations M. P. Mussorgsky/ Pictures from an Exhibition,
G. Mahler/The Boy's Magic Horn, L. Janáček/ Suite From the House of the Dead, B. Smetana/My Homeland.
The PhilHarmonia Octet is a sought-after ensemble not only on Czech concert stages, but is also successfully establishing itself abroad. In 2019, the ensemble successfully presented itself at the Prague Spring international music festival, as part of the 2020/21 concert season at the Janáček Brno Festival, the Mahler Jihlava Festival, as part of the chamber series of the Prague Symphony Orchestra, etc.
In 2023, the PhilHarmonia Octet launched a new CD on the music market, in collaboration with German baritone Peter Schöne, containing Gustav Mahler's song cycle "The Boy's Magic Horn".
In 2024, as part of the Year of Czech Music and commissioned by the Smetana Litomyšl Festival, the project My Homeland by Bedřich Smetana, arranged by Martin Hybler for wind octet, cello, double bass and harp, was realized. The world premiere of My Homeland, or rather a live recording from a concert at the Smetana Litomyšl Festival, was released on CD.