Events

New Year's concert of the Beseda Brno choir.

ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK Slavonic Dances, Selection from Series I, Op. 46 JAN NOVÁK Philharmonic Dances BENJAMIN JUSUPOV Go Tango! ARTURO MÁRQUEZ Danzón (Dance) No. 2 JOHN ADAMS The Chairman Dances (The Chairman Dances), foxtrot for orchestra ALBERTO GINASTERA Danzas (Dances) from the ballet Estancia Brno Philharmonic conductor Dennis Russell Davies

Brno Philharmonic 70 The Brno State Philharmonic was established on January 1, 1956, by the merger of two ensembles: the Brno Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Brno Region Symphony Orchestra. On the same day, a concert was held at the Stadium on Kounicova Street, conducted by Zbyněk Mrkos, featuring works by P. I. Tchaikovsky, but still under the auspices of the regional orchestra. Nevertheless, this event can be considered the de facto concert debut of the Philharmonic, which has been organizing its New Year's concerts regularly since then (with the exception of 2021, when the concert was canceled due to the pandemic), symbolically not only welcoming the arrival of the new year, but also celebrating its birthday, which will be its seventieth in 2026.

The plot takes us to a village where Jeník and Mařenka live, two young people who love each other. However, Mařenka is to marry the son of a rich farmer, Mícha, to whom her father is in debt. However, the young girl is not going to just give up her love and refuses to marry the chosen groom. Jeník is clever and uses the matchmaker Kecal. However, he and Mařenka do not tell each other about their plans and the whole thing gets a bit confusing... Ondřej Havelka has created a masterfully played musical theatre that is based on beautiful folk traditions, but at the same time has found a unique perspective on the entire opera. It takes place not, as is usually the case, in the summer during the harvest festival, but during the time of Masopust, or as we call it in Moravia, Fašanka! So you can look forward not only to comedians in the 3rd act, but also to a series of genuine Moravian Fašanka masquerades.

Without borders or beyond? How long will the true love of Rosina and Almaviva, which was supposed to be forever, last, and when will the innocent flirtation with Cherubino turn into something much more serious? Where are the boundaries in human relationships… After the successful production of Handel's Alcina, director Jiří Heřman and I will set out to discover the beauties of Mozart's music and his opera, which enjoys unwavering popularity all over the world. And it is no wonder, because The Marriage of Figaro, in addition to brilliant and sparkling music that will sweep you away with its incessant flow similar to a mountain stream, also boasts an almost dramatic libretto. And how could it not, when the basis for Da Ponte was the play of the same name by the excellent French playwright Pierre de Beaumarchais.

A timeless tragic story of a courtesan hoping for the happiness of true love. For a brief moment it seems so close, but it is only a dream. A chamber drama in the classic direction of Zbyněk Srba.

How high is the price for trying to be a good ruler and build a great empire? The basis of Verdi's opera is the Old Testament story of the captivity of the Jewish people by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar and their desire to return to their homeland. A story that still does not lose its power and relevance, and whose personification is the famous chorus "Va, pensiero, sull'alidorate" (Fly, thought, on wings of gold...). Like other Verdi works, however, Nabucco also hides another, more intimate layer about love, the two sisters Fenena and Abigail and their conflict for the love of their beloved man and father. Verdi portrayed everything with the feeling of a true playwright, and the music full of immediacy, passion and temperament rightly captivates the audience to this day.

Brno Philharmonic Choir Beseda Brněnská and their organ concert at the end of Christmas.

At the beginning was a short novella by the French writer Prosper Merimée about Don José, who deserted the army due to a foolish passion for a wild gypsy woman, became a smuggler and a murderer. Carmen, directed by Tomáš Pilar, returns to the original story and reveals additional layers of individual characters - the characters here are mainly people who came from completely different backgrounds. It is not just about Carmen's fleeting and unbridled love, which the jealous José cannot cope with. It is a clash of two worlds - the orderly, neat world of José and Micaëla, bound by predetermined rules, and the world of gypsies and smugglers living from day to day, without laws and controlled by momentary impulses. Their worlds suddenly intersect, but this difference causes tension and a clash that leads to the complete destruction of both of them. Neither of them is able to prevent it, because neither is willing or able to back down.

FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY Calm Sea and Happy Sailing, Overture Op. 27 Hebrides, Overture Op. 26 VÍTĚZSLAV NOVÁK Storm, Sea Fantasy for Large Orchestra, Solo Voices and Mixed Choir on the Poem of the Same Name by Svatopluk Čech Op. 42 Adriana Banásová soprano Tamara Morozová soprano Jaroslav Březina tenor Tadeáš Hoza bass-baritone David Szendiuch bass Jan Šťáva bass Slovak Philharmonic Choir Choirmaster Jan Rozehnal Brno Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor Robert Kružík

FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY Calm Sea and Happy Sailing, Overture Op. 27 Hebrides, Overture Op. 26 VÍTĚZSLAV NOVÁK Storm, Sea Fantasy for Large Orchestra, Solo Voices and Mixed Choir on the Poem of the Same Name by Svatopluk Čech Op. 42 Adriana Banásová soprano Tamara Morozová soprano Jaroslav Březina tenor Tadeáš Hoza bass-baritone David Szendiuch bass Jan Šťáva bass Slovak Philharmonic Choir Choirmaster Jan Rozehnal Brno Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor Robert Kružík

Who doesn't know Figaro, the barber who not only gives you a beautiful haircut, but also willingly helps you with love troubles. Enjoy Rossini's brilliant melodies in a classic production in the style of commedia dell'arte directly from the Italian team. The young Count Almaviva has fallen in love with the beautiful girl Rosina and wants to marry her. But the older doctor Bartolo, who is Rosina's guardian, is also interested in her and especially her dowry. Fortunately, Almaviva's old acquaintance - the barber Figaro - appears on the scene. He is always ready with some little intrigue or disguise and, after a series of crazy situations, he finally wins the hand of his beloved for Almaviva. Who would have expected that one of the most famous and popular operas in the world would enter the stage amid a major scandal. The audience's boos, a black cat on stage, an out-of-tune guitar. Whatever could go wrong, did go wrong, but nothing could take away the beauty of Rossini's sparkling melodies and the wit of the brilliant libretto. And so, even today, theatergoers can expect virtuoso singing performances and melodies that will have you humming on the way home.

Two worldviews, one border between them – one embodies reason and light, the other is elemental, dark and irrational. One night, a charismatic shepherd arrives at the Christian court of King Roger, disrupting the established order of Christian values ​​and worldview. Does his teaching bring joy and goodness or only destruction and chaos? The opera King Roger by Polish composer Karol Szymanowski does not offer a clear answer; he himself described it as a mystery whose theme is man’s self-knowledge, his sexuality and spirituality.

Daddy, how is a bride sold? How did you come to know that someone would sell a bride, Hurvínek? Well, I read here: The National Theatre in Brno is performing Bedřich Smetana's opera The Bartered Bride. So how is it, Daddy? Well, you know, it's just like... how should I put it to you... it's a trick to buy a bride for yourself. So now I'm a fool - is it being sold or bought? You know what, Hurvajz, take Žeryk and Mánička and we'll go to the opera, it'll be easier than explaining it to you!

Daddy, how is a bride sold? How did you come to know that someone would sell a bride, Hurvínek? Well, I read here: The National Theatre in Brno is performing Bedřich Smetana's opera The Bartered Bride. So how is it, Daddy? Well, you know, it's just like... how should I put it to you... it's a trick to buy a bride for yourself. So now I'm a fool - is it being sold or bought? You know what, Hurvajz, take Žeryk and Mánička and we'll go to the opera, it'll be easier than explaining it to you!

Workshop for 1st – 5th grade elementary school What, but especially who, is needed to create an opera performance? And what would it be like if children became set designers, costume designers, or even an orchestra for a while? We will find out together at the workshop How to Make an Opera! So what will we experience together: Getting to know the opera genre and some opera works. We will find out who works in the opera. We will try out some professions. We will learn selected theatrical terms. We will sing.

Daddy, how is a bride sold? How did you come to know that someone would sell a bride, Hurvínek? Well, I read here: The National Theatre in Brno is performing Bedřich Smetana's opera The Bartered Bride. So how is it, Daddy? Well, you know, it's just like... how should I put it to you... it's a trick to buy a bride for yourself. So now I'm a fool - is it being sold or bought? You know what, Hurvajz, take Žeryk and Mánička and we'll go to the opera, it'll be easier than explaining it to you!

Workshop for 1st – 5th grade elementary school What, but especially who, is needed to create an opera performance? And what would it be like if children became set designers, costume designers, or even an orchestra for a while? We will find out together at the workshop How to Make an Opera! So what will we experience together: Getting to know the opera genre and some opera works. We will find out who works in the opera. We will try out some professions. We will learn selected theatrical terms. We will sing.

Music is very beneficial to health when used properly. This opinion was held by the Greek mathematician, astronomer and philosopher Pythagoras. Since ancient times, the effects of music on humans have been researched and tested in practice countless times, resulting in the emergence and great development of the field of music therapy in our time.

Take a Step Behind the Curtain with us. A program designed for all curious people, young and old, who want to learn something new from the world of opera theater. 70 minutes of interactive, adventurous and, above all, fun journey into the heart of opera productions with the soloists, choir and orchestra of Janáček's opera NdB.

Verdi's Aida is one of his masterpieces, which contains none of the guaranteed ingredients of a romantic Italian opera - love, jealousy, political intrigue, large choral scenes and inevitable tragic death. Of course, this also includes a great singing cast, in this case Csilla Boross, Sung Kyu Park, Luis Cansino, Aleš Jenis and others. This will also be the first time that our company will collaborate with our junior ballet company NdB2 on this production. It was Verdi who usually chose the themes to be set to music, but in this case the offer came from outside.

Introduce students to Leoš Janáček in a fun way. Let them experience Janáček! What is Janáček's story? How did he live and create? What places in Brno are associated with him and how much was his personal life reflected in the musical works he created? A two-hour educational workshop format on the rehearsal stage of the Janáček Theatre, which will guide students through the milestones of Janáček's life and work using fun activities. Practical information: Workshop intended for 4th - 6th grades of elementary schools. Program length 2 hours. The price of the workshop for up to 20 participants is 2000 CZK, each additional person above this number pays an entrance fee of 100 CZK. Arrival through the service entrance to the Janáček Theatre. We ask that students come in comfortable clothing, during the program we also sit on the floor, create, etc.

Introduce students to Leoš Janáček in a fun way. Let them experience Janáček! What is Janáček's story? How did he live and create? What places in Brno are associated with him and how much was his personal life reflected in the musical works he created? A two-hour educational workshop format on the rehearsal stage of the Janáček Theatre, which will guide students through the milestones of Janáček's life and work using fun activities. Practical information: Workshop intended for 4th - 6th grades of elementary schools. Program length 2 hours. The price of the workshop for up to 20 participants is 2000 CZK, each additional person above this number pays an entrance fee of 100 CZK. Arrival through the service entrance to the Janáček Theatre. We ask that students come in comfortable clothing, during the program we also sit on the floor, create, etc.

Chamber cycle of members of the Orchestral Academy of the Brno Philharmonic and guests The Orchestral Academy of the Brno Philharmonic is a project that allows young talented musicians – students or recent graduates of music schools accepted on the basis of a selection procedure – to gain orchestral practice in a professional ensemble. In this way, the Philharmonic educates new generations of players who may one day join its ranks. The OAFB has been operating for six seasons and its fruits are already evident: some of its graduates are already members of our orchestra, others regularly return to help out. The importance and value of this experience for the artistic growth of young musicians and for the future of the orchestra is therefore unquestionable.

CARL MARIA von WEBER Abu Hassan, Overture JOHANNES BRAHMS / arr. LUCIANO BERIO Opus 120 No. 1, Sonata No. 1 for Clarinet and Orchestra CARL MARIA von WEBER Concertino in E flat major for Clarinet and Orchestra Op. 26 FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY Symphony No. 3 in A minor Op. 56 “Scottish” Sharon Kam clarinet Brno Philharmonic conductor Ivor Bolton Carl Maria von Weber (1786–1826), Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809–1847) and Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) are among the pillars of German Romanticism, which began to blossom in Weber’s work, developed in Mendelssohn’s and found the peak of its classical-romantic branch in Brahms’s works, emphasizing music as an absolute art.

Bedřich Smetana originally thought of a comic opera with librettist Eliška Krásnohorská. In the end, while composing his last completed opera, the composer found moments in the romantic text, inspired by an old legend about a wall of stones built by the devil on the river by the Vyšehrod monastery, that gave the whole story a different tone. Smetana's isolation in Jabkenice and his dismal health and depression were reflected in the individual characters, and the comicalness was replaced by the depth of their feelings. The humor did not disappear either, but it is combined with the desire for love, life wisdom, melancholy and devilish temptation, so that the main tone was a celebration of love, loyalty and dedication.

CARL MARIA von WEBER Abu Hassan, Overture JOHANNES BRAHMS / arr. LUCIANO BERIO Opus 120 No. 1, Sonata No. 1 for Clarinet and Orchestra CARL MARIA von WEBER Concertino in E flat major for Clarinet and Orchestra Op. 26 FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY Symphony No. 3 in A minor Op. 56 “Scottish” Sharon Kam clarinet Brno Philharmonic conductor Ivor Bolton Carl Maria von Weber (1786–1826), Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809–1847) and Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) are among the pillars of German Romanticism, which began to blossom in Weber’s work, developed in Mendelssohn’s and found the peak of its classical-romantic branch in Brahms’s works, emphasizing music as an absolute art.

That they sit nicely on chairs at concerts? That they are not allowed to laugh and sing at them? That classical music is not for small children? But no way! This does not apply to our chamber family afternoons, intended for children aged 3–8 and their parents who have not yet forgotten how to play! Play together with the philharmonic orchestra, ask questions during the concert, sing, dance. Everything is allowed. Without barriers and inhibitions, with music among us. Petr Pomkla flute Jaroslav Zouhar trombone Barbara Tolarová violin Kristýna Jungová violin Klára Kunc Hegnerová viola Katarína Madariová cello moderated by Kristýna Drášilová and Magdalena Dostálová

That they sit nicely on chairs at concerts? That they are not allowed to laugh and sing at them? That classical music is not for small children? But no way! This does not apply to our chamber family afternoons, intended for children aged 3–8 and their parents who have not yet forgotten how to play! Play together with the philharmonic orchestra, ask questions during the concert, sing, dance. Everything is allowed. Without barriers and inhibitions, with music among us. Petr Pomkla flute Jaroslav Zouhar trombone Barbara Tolarová violin Kristýna Jungová violin Klára Kunc Hegnerová viola Katarína Madariová cello moderated by Kristýna Drášilová and Magdalena Dostálová

Bedřich Smetana originally thought of a comic opera with librettist Eliška Krásnohorská. In the end, while composing his last completed opera, the composer found moments in the romantic text, inspired by an old legend about a wall of stones built by the devil on the river by the Vyšehrod monastery, that gave the whole story a different tone. Smetana's isolation in Jabkenice and his dismal health and depression were reflected in the individual characters, and the comicalness was replaced by the depth of their feelings. The humor did not disappear either, but it is combined with the desire for love, life wisdom, melancholy and devilish temptation, so that the main tone was a celebration of love, loyalty and dedication.

Would you also like to know what it's like to sell a bride? Smetana's The Bartered Bride is one of the iconic opera pieces, but this time we decided to bring it closer to children in particular. And because comic opera should really be fun, the members of the Janáček Opera NdB have invited the best possible guides to join them. In the new family program, the famous puppet characters Spejbl, Hurvínek and Mánička will take you directly to The Bartered Bride and the world of opera. Žeryk will also be present, as will the best musical pieces, because the popular puppets will be assisted by the soloists of the Janáček Opera NdB together with our special Smetana mini-orchestra.

Would you also like to know what it's like to sell a bride? Smetana's The Bartered Bride is one of the iconic opera pieces, but this time we decided to bring it closer to children in particular. And because comic opera should really be fun, the members of the Janáček Opera NdB have invited the best possible guides to join them. In the new family program, the famous puppet characters Spejbl, Hurvínek and Mánička will take you directly to The Bartered Bride and the world of opera. Žeryk will also be present, as will the best musical pieces, because the popular puppets will be assisted by the soloists of the Janáček Opera NdB together with our special Smetana mini-orchestra.

Would you also like to know what it's like to sell a bride? Smetana's The Bartered Bride is one of the iconic opera pieces, but this time we decided to bring it closer to children in particular. And because comic opera should really be fun, the members of the Janáček Opera NdB have invited the best possible guides to join them. In the new family program, the famous puppet characters Spejbl, Hurvínek and Mánička will take you directly to The Bartered Bride and the world of opera. Žeryk will also be present, as will the best musical pieces, because the popular puppets will be assisted by the soloists of the Janáček Opera NdB together with our special Smetana mini-orchestra.

Flutist Sofia Mavrogenidou and Barbara Maria Willi are linked by a long musical journey and a passion for both ancient and contemporary music; their interplay is rooted in a deep understanding and joy of creating together. For the new project, which will open the 23rd year of the cycle, the artists have invited a pair of talented dancers whose contemporary expressive dance reflects this musical unity in movement and proves that “old music” can be so damn young! Program: SOFIA MAVROGENIDOU, JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH, GEORG FRIEDRICH HÄNDEL

Where did opera originate? What is a libretto? Who is a stage manager? And what does a set designer need to know? You will learn this and much more at our workshop. Participants will learn about the opera genre, the process of creating a production, the operation of the theatre and the professions that work in the theatre. It also includes a taste of opera singing. Participants will experience several activities that will give them a glimpse into the workings of an opera theatre, the opera genre and its demands. The workshop also includes a short tour of the Janáček Theatre.

Music in the main role, that's how Dvořák's opera Jakobín could be summed up, because it is precisely it that can change the fate of all the characters in the opera. At the same time, Dvořák created a charming picture of a Czech town from the Enlightenment era populated by quirky figures of the music-loving teacher Benda, his stubborn daughter Terinka in love with the young teacher Jiřík, or the cocky burgrave Filip. Perhaps it was a fond memory of the circumstances of his own youth that brought so many charming, rich melodies, both playful and melancholic, to Dvořák's music, be it the famous scene of the school cantata, the duet "We wandered abroad" or Juliet's lullaby. What better opera to start the season falling under the Year of Czech Music with than Jakobín, which is Dvořák's tribute to Czech music and the people who love it above all else.

GEORG FRIEDRICH HANDEL Alexander's Feast, Overture LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 3 in E flat major "Eroica" Op. 55 (selection from the 1st movement - Allegro con brio) AARON COPLAND Lincoln Portrait (selection) DMITRY SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 9 in E flat major Op. 70 (1st movement - Allegro), Symphony No. 10 in E minor Op. 93 (2nd movement - Allegro) BEDŘICH SMETANA Fanfares from the opera Libuše Brno Philharmonic conductor Stanislav Vavřínek moderators Kristýna Drášilová and Vítězslav Mikeš script by Kristýna Drášilová

GEORG FRIEDRICH HANDEL Alexander's Feast, Overture LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 3 in E flat major "Eroica" Op. 55 (selection from the 1st movement - Allegro con brio) AARON COPLAND Lincoln Portrait (selection) DMITRY SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 9 in E flat major Op. 70 (1st movement - Allegro), Symphony No. 10 in E minor Op. 93 (2nd movement - Allegro) BEDŘICH SMETANA Fanfares from the opera Libuše Brno Philharmonic conductor Stanislav Vavřínek moderators Kristýna Drášilová and Vítězslav Mikeš script by Kristýna Drášilová

Bedřich Smetana originally thought of a comic opera with librettist Eliška Krásnohorská. In the end, while composing his last completed opera, the composer found moments in the romantic text, inspired by an old legend about a wall of stones built by the devil on the river by the Vyšehrod monastery, that gave the whole story a different tone. Smetana's isolation in Jabkenice and his dismal health and depression were reflected in the individual characters, and the comicalness was replaced by the depth of their feelings. The humor did not disappear either, but it is combined with the desire for love, life wisdom, melancholy and devilish temptation, so that the main tone was a celebration of love, loyalty and dedication.

The production by one of the world's best opera directors, Robert Carsen, had a successful premiere at the Janáček Brno Festival 2016. His productions, with their outstanding individual poetics, dramaturgical restraint and emotional, lively and extremely impressive theatre, have been in the repertoire of the most important opera houses for many years, be it La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Glyndebourne Festival in England or the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. Káťa Kabanová is one of Carsen's five productions of Janáček's operas and was originally created for the Flemish Opera. Since its premiere, it has been performed in more than 20 opera houses around the world and it is no wonder that the production with its impressive scenography, where the water surface covers the entire stage and reflects Káťa's emotions and tragic fate, is one of Carsen's best works.

After the successful production of Handel's Alcina, director Jiří Heřman and I will set out to discover the beauties of Mozart's music and his opera, which enjoys unwavering popularity all over the world. And it is no wonder, because The Marriage of Figaro, in addition to brilliant and sparkling music that will sweep you away with its unceasing flow similar to a mountain stream, also boasts an almost dramatic libretto. And how could it not, when the basis for Da Ponte was the play of the same name by the outstanding French playwright Pierre de Beaumarchais.

How to sell a bride? Best through a production by director Ondřej Havelka. One of the most popular Czech operas, The Bartered Bride by Bedřich Smetana, has been in the repertoire of the Brno theatre for more than eighteen years and has still not lost any of its wit or audience popularity.

CÉSAR FRANCK Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra VINCENT d’INDY Symphony on a French Highland Tune Op. 25 for Piano and Orchestra BÉLA BARTÓK Concerto for Orchestra Igor Ardašev Piano Brno Philharmonic conductor Lucie Leguay

The opera orchestra hides in the so-called hole or orchestra pit during the performance. Now we have a unique opportunity to enjoy it on our own and find out how important a role it plays in an opera performance. What you should try to conduct it or play with it. Take a closer look at the opera! Take a Step Behind the Curtain with us. A program designed for all curious people, young and old, who want to learn something new from the world of opera theater. 70 minutes of interactive, adventurous and, most importantly, fun journey into the heart of opera music.

Perhaps none of the participants in the Venetian premiere, which was a devastating fiasco, believed that they had just witnessed the birth of one of the most popular and most performed Italian operas. Verdi found a theme close to him in the novel about the love of the courtesan Violetta and Alfredo, which is not desired by his father or society. He knew the setting well – Paris, a city full of hustle and bustle, was never his favorite, and the tragic story reminded him of his own life experience. For years he had lived in a free union with the soprano Giuseppina Strepponi and felt firsthand the society's opposition to the "illegal" relationship. His personal experience undoubtedly enhanced the understanding and compassion for the main heroine, which permeate the entire opera... The clear lyrical music, where Italian bel canto is closely combined with dramatic expression, added poignancy to the tragic love story of the famous Parisian courtesan, thus giving rise to an opera evergreen.

CÉSAR FRANCK Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra VINCENT d’INDY Symphony on a French Highland Tune Op. 25 for Piano and Orchestra BÉLA BARTÓK Concerto for Orchestra Igor Ardašev Piano Brno Philharmonic conductor Lucie Leguay