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Join Leoš Janáček on a journey through Moravian forests and villages, and listen to the life and stories found there—a playful adventure in pursuit of folk melodies and the language of animals.

“A Delightful Walk”

In the Footsteps of Janáček: A Walking Tour

This walking tour leads from the Mahen Theatre, through the center of Brno, to the Janáček Memorial. Along the way, we will visit places where the Maestro used to walk, teach, attend premieres of his works, meet friends, and more. The final stop will be a tour of the Leoš Janáček Memorial—the house on Smetanova Street where the composer spent the last quarter of his life and created his masterpieces, including two works celebrating their centennial this year: the orchestral *Sinfonietta* and the opera *The Makropulos Affair*.

Meeting point: In front of the Mahen Theatre

Route: Mahen Theatre – Zelný trh (Cabbage Market) – Česká – Besední dům – Žerotínovo náměstí – Smetanova (Leoš Janáček Memorial)

Duration: 2 hours

Guide: Šárka Zahrádková

Luboš Fišer: *Fašank* (Shrovetide) for children’s choir and piano, set to Moravian folk poetry texts

Miloslav Kabeláč: *To Nature* (*Přírodě*). A cycle of children’s choral pieces set to folk poetry texts with piano accompaniment, Op. 35

Leoš Janáček: *Folk Nocturnes* (*Lidová nokturna*). Evening songs of the Slovak people from Rovné, JW IV/32

Bohuslav Martinů: *Špalíček*, H. 214 (selection from the version for children’s choir and piano)

Children’s singing has always been an integral part of folk customs, games, and festivals. The distinctive timbre of children’s voices inspired a number of leading 20th-century Czech composers; in the natural, unspoiled vocal expression of children, they found a fitting musical counterpart for simple folk texts.

Luboš Fišer (1935–1999) became renowned not only as a prolific film composer but also as an internationally acclaimed creator of orchestral, chamber, and vocal works. His distinctive postmodern style is unafraid to captivate the listener with Romantic—at times even intensely heightened—emotion, contrasted against simple, almost banal folk-like tunes and melodies. Such is the case with *Fašank* (Shrovetide) for children’s choir and piano—set to Moravian folk poetry texts—which was composed for the Bambini di Praga ensemble in 1982.

A concert in honor of composer Camille Saint-Saëns, marking the 190th anniversary of his death.

Conductor: Emílie Adámková

Organ: Daniel Nerad

Antonín Dvořák: Love Songs, Op. 83, B 160

Vítězslava Kaprálová: Two Songs to Lyrics by R. Bojko, Op. 4

Vítězslava Kaprálová: Farewell and a Handkerchief, Op. 14

Vítězslava Kaprálová: Sung into the Distance, Op. 22

Leoš Janáček: Moravian Folk Poetry in Songs, JW V/2 (selection)

Leoš Janáček: Fairy Tale for Cello and Piano, JW VII/5

Erich Wolfgang Korngold: Three Songs, Op. 22

Erich Wolfgang Korngold: Three Songs, Op. 18 (Nos. 2 and 3)

Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904) created *Love Songs* (to lyrics by Gustav Pfleger Moravský) in late 1888 by adapting and reworking eight songs from his early cycle *Cypresses* (1865). Dvořák’s magnificent musical setting places this cycle among the gems of Czech song literature.

The work of composer Vítězslava Kaprálová (1915–1940) reveals an intimate feminine world filled with delicate, deeply felt lyricism. In her song cycles, Kaprálová transforms the influences of Janáček, Martinů, and the avant-garde of her time in a highly distinctive way. A survey of her song output will range from the early *Songs to Words by R. Bojko* (1932) and the song *Farewell and Handkerchief* (set to a text by Vítězslav Nezval, 1937) to the late cycle *Sung into the Distance*, composed in Paris in 1939.

Lenka Filipová will present her show *Symphonic: River of Life* (Řeka života), named after her song of the same title. The concert promises a unique atmosphere, showcasing Lenka Filipová as a guitarist, singer, and composer—an artist far more interested in music itself than in the boundaries between genres.

The program will feature her greatest hits—such as "Zamilovaná," ​​"Za všechno může čas," and "Prý se tomu říká láska"—alongside new songs and Celtic ballads. She will be joined by guests Jára Bárta (piano) and Sean Barry (Celtic harp, cajón, accordion), with the Brno Strings string octet providing accompaniment throughout the performance. Come and enjoy one hundred minutes of great music, joy, and a wonderful atmosphere.

Jiří Kotača & Alf Carlsson—a recent Anděl Award winner—is a collaborative quartet featuring Swedish guitarist Alf Carlsson and Czech trumpeter Jiří Kotača. These two acclaimed musicians were brought together by their studies in Rotterdam, Netherlands; a planned trip by Alf to the Czech Republic—following their return to their respective home countries—evolved into a short tour and, eventually, a full-fledged band. In 2024, the quartet released their highly acclaimed second album, *Our Stories*.

As leading music journalist Milan Bátor writes: "This record meets the highest global standards of a dynamic approach to jazz." Their music blends everything they love: influences of lyrical Scandinavian music and modern jazz mixed with a touch of R&B, hip-hop, pop, and rock. All of this, underscored by live electronics, creates the band's unique sound—one that emphasizes sonic diversity and strong melodies. Alf Carlsson has composed music for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, while Jiří Kotača is a recipient of the Anděl Award and the Czech Jazz Harvest (*Česká jazzová sklizeň*) award. The co-leaders are joined by two of the most sought-after Slovak jazz musicians of the younger generation: Peter Korman on double bass/bass guitar and Kristián Kuruc on drums. The band has performed dozens of concerts at jazz festivals and clubs across Egypt, Taiwan, Sweden, Bulgaria, Austria, Italy, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

The Italian musician delivers raw acoustic blues in the style of the old Mississippi Delta masters, playing a resonator guitar and employing slide technique.

Vocalist Dan Bárta and double bassist Robert Balzar rarely perform in the minimalist duo format, and their collaboration at this UNESCO-listed architectural gem promises a once-in-a-lifetime event.

The following exceptional guests have accepted the invitation to perform alongside Folk Team:

HANA ULRYCHOVÁ
MONIKA EICHMEIER
ROMAN HORKÝ
MARTIN KUDLIČKA

The Brno-based folk-rock band Folk Team is launching its eighth studio album, titled *Na konci světa* (At the End of the World). True to the band's style, Ivan Huvar’s lyrics are poetic in nature; they reflect the present day and incorporate elements of self-reflection, a broader perspective, and—at times—surreal imagery. The music, too, is largely the work of Ivan Huvar; while the sound is more rock-oriented than in Folk Team’s past material, the band retains its signature folk-rock style. A touch of *chanson* is also evident in some of the tracks composed by Roman Venclovský.

Helena Vondráčková. An icon of Czech music whose voice, elegance, and extraordinary energy have accompanied the lives of several generations for over six decades.
Her story is the story of Czech popular music—distinctive and incredibly rich.
The *HELENA Forever* tour celebrates an incredible 62-year career during which she has recorded over 1,700 songs in twelve languages, performed in more than 40 countries, and won dozens of prestigious international and domestic awards.
Her music has touched generations and her charisma is timeless—and now, she is making a spectacular comeback.
You can look forward to her greatest hits—songs that shaped the local music scene—as well as new arrangements, surprises, and a magnificent show that bridges the past and the present.
Each concert will be not only a tribute to her music but, above all, an encounter with an artist who remains an inspiration after decades on stage. Get ready for an evening filled with hits, emotion, energy, and timeless charm. This is not just a concert—it is an experience you will remember forever.

One of the most distinctive guitar voices in contemporary Scandinavian jazz is coming to Kouřící králík. Odd Steinar Albrigtsen, a native of Tromsø, Norway, is a guitarist and composer known for his lyrical, melodic style and a clean, clear tone. After studying in Norway, Sweden, and New York, he graduated from the Trondheim Conservatory of Music and has since established a reputation as one of the most distinctive players of his generation.

He arrives in Brno with his acclaimed quartet—featuring Gianni Gagliardi (saxophone), Lars Ekman (double bass), and Jesse Simpson (drums)—a lineup that fully showcases his finely crafted compositions and interactive approach to improvisation. Albrigtsen’s debut solo album, *Mode* (2016), garnered widespread acclaim, and the guitarist has since been actively performing across Europe.

Vocalist Dan Bárta and double bassist Robert Balzar rarely perform in the minimalist duo format, and their collaboration at this UNESCO-listed architectural gem promises a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Saturday dance party at Metro Music Bar with DJ Raving Tesla.

Václav Voharčík – trumpet, vocals; Peter Tomčík – guitar; Pavol Mojto – double bass; David Geprt – drums

A jazz quartet of young professional musicians dedicated to the work of the legendary jazz trumpeter and vocalist Chet Baker. Alongside Louis Armstrong, he ranks—after Miles Davis—as the second or third most famous jazz trumpeter of all time.

A loose collective of musicians who enjoy playing just about anything. While folk and country music make up the core of the repertoire, we also like to venture into folk songs, swing, or jazz. The more adventurous among us even try their hand at classical music.

Guitar concert at Café Práh.

A dialogue between music and dance creation from the perspective of students from HAMU and HF JAMU.

This evening, part of the New Generation series, will present four short works by female choreography students from HAMU and composition students from both HF JAMU and HAMU. The performances are part of a joint project between the Department of Music Production at HF ​​JAMU and the Department of Dance at HAMU.

Sachal Vasandani is considered one of the most distinctive jazz vocalists of his generation. In his performances, the jazz tradition comes alive with a fresh, soulful sound, appealing not only to purist fans of the genre but also to lovers of modern songwriting.

Although two prominent figures of the contemporary Czech scene—vocalist Marta Kloučková and guitarist David Dorůžka—have frequently collaborated on stage and in the studio (such as within the singer’s established quintet), their current project marks a significant turning point.

The Prague-based group Rí Ra was formed in early 2008. The band’s name comes from the Irish word *rírá*, meaning "good fun." Their repertoire includes songs and ballads in English, French, and Irish, alongside instrumental jigs and reels performed on the tin whistle, classical and Irish flutes, violin, guitar, bass, and bodhrán or cajón. The musicians offer their own take on Irish music; while they do not strictly adhere to the harmonies and melodies typical of "Celtic" music, they enrich the sound with jazz-style offbeat accents, slap bass techniques, and improvisations based on Irish themes. With the addition of a new guitarist, jazz solos also occasionally feature in their performances.

Kristýna Zíková – vocals
Daniela Vránová – flutes
Linda Jarošová – violin
Michal Rudolf Cádra – guitar, vocals
Lukáš Let – percussion
David Ryšánek – bass

We cordially invite you to a double concert at Brno’s Králík venue on Wednesday, October 21st. Performing will be the Svaťa Kotas Band and the duo of Loes van Schaijk & Honza Bartošek.

Svaťa Kotas is a fixture of the Brno bluegrass scene; together with his band, he will be playing bluegrass, folk, and new acoustic music. Loes and Honza will perform their songs as a duo—featuring guitar, violin, and two voices. Their music straddles the line between bluegrass, folk, and everything else that doesn't quite fit into those specific boxes.

Program:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791): Idomeneo, K. 366

Ilia’s aria and recitative “Padre, germani, addio!”

Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809–1847): Songs Without Words, Op. 67

No. 1 in E-flat major (Andante); No. 2 in F-sharp minor (Allegro leggiero); No. 3 in B-flat major (Andante tranquillo)

Klement Slavický (1910–1999): Three Pieces for Piano

3. Toccata

Robert Schumann (1810–1856): Faschingsschwank aus Wien (Carnival Scenes from Vienna), Op. 26

I. Allegro. Sehr lebhaft; II. Romanze. Ziemlich langsam; IV. Intermezzo. Mit grösster Energie

Maurice Ravel (1875–1937): Tzigane. Concert Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 76

Giorgi Makoshvili (b. 1977): Regreps for Solo Double Bass

Bakama – a guitar-driven song by Kamelot.

The Opera Studio and Orchestra of the Brno Conservatory, in collaboration with the Janáček Brno 2026 festival, present a production of Bohuslav Martinů’s *The Theatre Beyond the Gate* (*Divadlo za bránou*). This "lyric opera"—featuring elements of pantomime and dance—was created as a distinctive tribute to folk roots while simultaneously engaging in an open dialogue with the modern trends of the 20th century, including jazz.

Come and see what the young generation reveals in a work that blends playfulness, rhythm, and profound lyricism. We will show you that Martinů’s music remains vibrant and full of light. With this production, we invite both the professional community and the general public to experience music that transcends genre and time, opening the gates of imagination to all who enter.

And what exactly is "the theatre beyond the gate"? In the words of Bohuslav Martinů, it is "nothing other than a stage at a market or a fair outside the town—essentially, a traveling theatre." It is theatre of the here and now, drawing energy from the street—a street that may pulse faster today than in the composer's time, yet remains a space of freedom: playful, unbridled, and open to improvisation and interaction.

Following a successful 2025 tour, the multi-award-winning singer Lisa Harter and her outstanding musicians are returning to the Czech Republic with "CELINE the SHOW." Powerful vocals, live music, a flawless performance, the singer's authentic costumes, and an uncanny resemblance to the megastar will make you believe you are at a sold-out concert by the Diva herself.

Since Celine Dion unfortunately no longer tours, this show allows you to enjoy hits such as "My Heart Will Go On," "I'm Alive," "Because You Loved Me," and many others. Lisa draws on her acting experience to embody Celine’s persona, creating an unforgettable show.

Program:

Georges Bizet (1838–1875): Arlésienne Suite No. 1 (ĽArlésienneSuite 1)

Overture; Minuet; Adagietto; Carillon

Launy Grøndahl (1886–1960): Concerto for trombone and orchestra

Moderato assai ma molto maestoso; Quasi una legenda. Andante grave; Final. Maestoso - Rondo

Georges Bizet (1838–1875): Arlésienne Suite No. 2 (ĽArlésienneSuite 2)

Pastorale; Intermezzo; Minuet

George Gershwin (1898–1937): Rhapsody in Blue

Mirek Kemel (guitar, accordion, ukulele)

Vlastimil Konopiský (acoustic and electric guitar)

Tomáš Görtler (accordion, keyboards)

Petr Mikeš (double bass)

Martin Novák or Miloš Dvořáček (drums)

Mirek Kemel performs his own original songs, accompanying himself on accordion, guitar, and ukulele. He usually performs with a band that, in addition to himself, includes Vlastimil Konopiský (acoustic and electric guitar), Tomáš Görtler (accordion; also a member of the ensemble Bran), Petr Tichý (double bass), and Martin Novák or Miloš Dvořáček (drums).

Their music straddles various genres, ranging from ballads, chanson, and blues to catchy pub songs. At its core, the music represents a personal confession by the songwriter, who infuses his lyrics with his perception of life and the world—capturing both obvious and subtly sensed aspects. The songs are built upon poetic lyrics and simple melodies. One could say that Mirek Kemel shares similar roots with artists such as Vašek Koubek, Jaromír Nohavica, Radůza, Krausberry, Vladimír Mišík, or Traband.

Kateřina Marie Tichá, a native of Vlašim, was nominated for a Czech Nightingale (Český slavík) award in the "Discovery of the Year" category in 2013; that same year, she also began an ongoing collaboration with the then-emerging band Jelen. She released the five-track EP *Otazníky* in 2015, followed in 2020 by her debut album *Sami*, which proved to be one of the most pleasant surprises on the Czech music scene. The singer followed up her Anděl Award-winning debut with the highly anticipated second album, *Plamen*—her first recorded in collaboration with the band Bandjeez, which she took over following the passing of David Stypka. This new release was once again produced by the multi-talented Ondřej Turták, and all signs point to it being one of the musical highlights of the year.

The year was 1996. Producers Čechtický, Lipert, and Kleník called British singer Charlotte "Charlie One" Fairman in London, asking her to record vocals for several tracks they were working on. Fairman didn't hesitate. The album *Ohmophonica* was born—and with it, OHM SQUARE, the first band of its kind in the Czech Republic. What began as a cross-border collaboration between studios evolved into one of Prague's most distinctive electronic acts, known for blending live instruments with electronic energy and soulful vocals. "Well, a lot has changed over that time... including our music," Fairman jokes.

Plum Dumplings

An alternative-rock band from Brno with a history spanning nearly two decades, known for a sound that is both raw and poetic. In 2025, they released their third album, *Bezpečí* (Safety), via Indies Scope; driven by Adéla Polka’s haunting vocals and literary inspiration, the record explores themes of isolation, introspection, and escapism. Their music is characterized by irony and a gradual shift from walls of noise toward a brighter—though still dark—rock sound.

NOIX

Music ripples through the space as dreams merge with reality—this defines the concerts of NOIX, a Prague-based band balancing on the boundary between indie rock and shoegaze, whose dynamic rhythms invite the audience to dance.

You only get one first tour. Šimon Bilina is setting out to meet fans across the country for the first time, bringing not only songs from his debut album but also tracks that have shaped his musical journey so far. Backed by a new band, he will deliver concerts brimming with energy, emotion, and the authentic joy of music. Expect powerful melodies, a distinctive performance style, and the kind of atmosphere that emerges only when music truly connects with the audience.

A musical ensemble made up of young musicians with a passion for live performance and improvisation. Led by bandleader Mojmír Bártek, they play to the rhythms of jazz, swing, Latin, and jazz-rock.

The Opera Studio and Orchestra of the Brno Conservatory, in collaboration with the Janáček Brno 2026 festival, present a production of Bohuslav Martinů’s *The Theatre Beyond the Gate* (*Divadlo za bránou*). This "lyric opera"—featuring elements of pantomime and dance—was created as a distinctive tribute to folk roots while simultaneously engaging in an open dialogue with the modern trends of the 20th century, including jazz.

Come and see what the young generation reveals in a work that blends playfulness, rhythm, and profound lyricism. We will show you that Martinů’s music remains vibrant and full of light. With this production, we invite both the professional community and the general public to experience music that transcends genre and time, opening the gates of imagination to all who enter.

And what exactly is "the theatre beyond the gate"? In the words of Bohuslav Martinů, it is "nothing other than a stage at a market or a fair outside the town—essentially, a traveling theatre." It is theatre of the here and now, drawing energy from the street—a street that may pulse faster today than in the composer's time, yet remains a space of freedom: playful, unbridled, and open to improvisation and interaction.

A contemporary musical born of passion and blood – world premiere

The story of a woman for whom freedom is the ultimate value has lost none of its urgency, even after nearly two hundred years. Carmen returns to the stage once more, this time as a musical set in present-day New York.

"A Shared Cause" – a unique fusion of music, light, and inner experience.
The evening’s central figure will be Mr. Tomáš Pfeiffer, renowned for his mastery of a unique musical instrument: the *Vodnářský zvon* (Aquarian Bell).
Played simply by touching it with a wet hand, this instrument produces deeply resonant tones that affect not only the sense of hearing but one’s entire being. The music creates a space of harmony where sound, light, and imagery merge into a truly exceptional experience.
The concert offers more than just music; it features large-scale projections and a spiritual dimension, uniting art with reflections on humanity, inner balance, and a shared journey toward understanding.

Kapela Ant Attack už od roku 2012 hraje Brňanům hity 80. a 90. let. Po krátké pauze je zpět a chystá se roztančit i rozezpívat celé město – a začíná právě ve Staré pekárně!

A concert evening. Featuring: Kluk z Husovky, Michal Vaněk, and Zhasni.

An authentic gospel-bluegrass show performed around a single microphone, just like in the old days. Four charismatic musicians from Eastern Bohemia perform the best of Czech bluegrass and gospel. You will hear songs that have become true classics—such as "Jižní kříž" (Jan Nedvěd), "První půjdu dál" (Petr Kůs), and "Na Španělských schodech" (Robert Křesťan)—all delivered in that classic single-microphone style and accompanied by witty commentary. The members of K Band have previously collaborated with Robert Křesťan, Petr Kůs, Pavel Bobek, and other giants of the country and bluegrass genres.

Béla Bartók: Dance Suite, Sz. 77, BB 86a

Gustav Mahler: Songs of a Wayfarer

Johannes Brahms: Hungarian Dances (selection)

The six-movement *Dance Suite* is among the most popular orchestral works by the Hungarian composer Béla Bartók (1881–1945), a contemporary of Leoš Janáček. He composed it in 1923 to mark the 50th anniversary of the unification of the cities of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, which created the Hungarian capital, Budapest. With its striking, vigorous music, colorful orchestration, and incorporation of Hungarian, Romanian, and even Arab folk motifs, the work captivated audiences at its premiere and soon found its way into the repertoires of orchestras worldwide.

Gustav Mahler (1860–1911) was inspired to compose *Songs of a Wayfarer* (*Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen*) by his unhappy love for the soprano Johanna Richter. Written around the turn of 1884–1885, the lyrics were penned by the composer himself in the spirit of the German folk songs he knew from the collection *Des Knaben Wunderhorn* (The Youth's Magic Horn). This cycle of four songs for baritone and orchestra became Mahler’s first masterpiece; in it, poignant tragedy is expressed through a quintessentially Mahlerian late-Romantic musical language, interwoven with moments of undisguised irony and echoes of nature, naive children's lullabies, and the raw sounds of rustic village bands. The two sets of *Hungarian Dances* by Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)—comprising a total of 21 dance pieces—served as a cornerstone in the composer's rise to worldwide fame. In creating them, Brahms drew inspiration not only from Hungarian folk music but also from the music of Gypsy bands. The first ten dances were published in a piano version in 1869, with the remainder following eleven years later. The work's widespread success prompted Brahms to orchestrate three selected dances in 1873; over time, the remaining dances were also given orchestral arrangements by his successors, including Antonín Dvořák.

Berlin Manson is a Slovak synth-punk band. Their uncompromising lyrics and explosive live performances have made them one of the most discussed bands in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

They first gained attention with their breakthrough single, "I Don't Dance, I Nod My Head," a raw anthem of disillusionment. In 2022, they were named Discovery of the Year at the Radio_Head Awards (SK) and only a year later their album Hotel Kyiv cemented their status. In 2025, Berlin Manson took home three Radio_Head Awards, confirming their place in the new music wave.

They've released three albums in the last two years - relentless creativity that combines punk urgency, black humor and cool synth textures. Their music speaks of post-industrial reality, equal parts protest and party. In 2025, they also played concerts at some important festivals such as Sziget in Hungary, OFF festival in Poland, Pohoda festival in Slovakia, Colors of Ostrava in the Czech Republic or Eurosonic Noorderslag in Holland and many others. This year they started the year with a tour in Poland and two concerts in New York. They are preparing another long-playing album in the fall of 2026.

OMNION

Omnion is the solo project of composer, multi-instrumentalist, and tabla player Tomáš Reindl. He defines his distinctive "OmniBeat" style as a unique blend of live instruments and interactive electronics. His highly recognizable signature sound fuses inspiration from the ancient musical roots of both East and West with sophisticated approaches to live processing and looping.

Noví Kumpáni

West African drums, bass guitar, saxophone, and clarinet. Captivating African rhythms, psychedelic rock, and jazz. At a Noví Kumpáni concert, you can either dance or simply immerse yourself in the polyrhythms and captivating melodies.

Experience an extraordinary musical evening with the band Distant Bells, who bring the music of the legendary Pink Floyd to life with masterful precision and deep feeling. The concert offers a comprehensive journey through the band's discography—from their raw, psychedelic beginnings in the 1960s to their crowning progressive rock albums.

You will hear not only famous hits but also iconic compositions like "Echoes" and "Atom Heart Mother," which stand as pillars of the Pink Floyd legacy. Fans will also delight in complete performances of the albums *The Dark Side of the Moon* and *Wish You Were Here*, delivered with both reverence for the originals and the band's own passionate musical energy.

A real treat awaits in the form of tracks from the solo projects of David Gilmour and Rick Wright, adding a new dimension to the entire experience. Prepare for an evening filled with emotion, nostalgia, and uncompromising musical excellence.

Mascara is a folk-rock band from Brno with roots dating back to the late 1980s. Since its formation in 1987, the band has undergone significant evolution; following a successful initial period—during which they won an award at the Porta festival and performed numerous concerts and tours—they returned to the scene after a hiatus and are once again actively performing. Their music is built on strong original songs and a blend of folk and rock energy. The band has released several studio albums. Mascara performs at both club venues and open-air events, boasting extensive live experience and a loyal fan base. They offer an authentic live performance, seasoned musicianship, tight interplay, and a repertoire that appeals to audiences across generations.

The band currently consists of:

Miloš Horňák – guitar, vocals
Radek Štěpánek – guitar, vocals
Pavel Žemla – bass guitar
Petr Haša – drums

Tomás Luis de Victoria: Asperges me, Domine and 4
Choral introitus Terribilis est locus
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Missa Assumpta est Maria a 6 – Kyrie, Gloria
Orlando di Lasso: Meditabor in mandatis tuis a 4
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Missa Assumpta est Maria a 6 – Credo
Tomás Luis de Victoria: Vexilla regis prodeunt and 6 alternatim
Jacobus Handl Gallus: Ecce quomodo moritur iustus and 4
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Missa Assumpta est Maria a 6 – Sanctus
Jacobus Handl Gallus: Pater noster and 8
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Missa Assumpta est Maria a 6 – Agnus Dei
Giovanni Croce: Domus mea a 4 (communio)
Tomás Luis de Victoria: O quam gloriosum and 4

An experiential workshop on the music and legacy of Leoš Janáček for children and parents.

What was the story and musical world of Leoš Janáček like?

In this workshop, we will trace the path of Janáček’s life, explore how his personal experiences influenced his music, and discover his work and sources of inspiration through creative, interactive activities.

The workshop is suitable for children in primary school (ages approx. 6–11).

The workshop takes place on the rehearsal stage of the Janáček Theatre; please enter via the staff entrance, where the instructor will meet participants at the reception desk.

Duration: approx. 2 hours
Price: 200 CZK per child + 1 accompanying adult free of charge
Capacity: 20 participants

Winner of the 31st Leoš Janáček International Competition in Brno (String Quartet category).

Leoš Janáček: String Quartet No. 1 ("The Kreutzer Sonata"), JW VII/8

Dmitri Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110

Béla Bartók: String Quartet No. 4 in C major, Sz. 91, BB 95

Leoš Janáček’s (1854–1928) String Quartet No. 1, inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s *The Kreutzer Sonata*, dates from 1923. However, its roots go back to 1908, when Janáček composed a Piano Trio—now lost—inspired by the same Tolstoy novella. The story’s protagonist is a woman terrorized by her despotic and pathologically jealous husband, at whose hands she is ultimately tormented to death. "I had in mind a poor woman, tormented, beaten, beaten to death," said Janáček, describing the motif that runs like a common thread through many of his other works. With its passionate expression, the quartet penetrates to the very core of human emotion and into the most intimate realms of the human soul. The work achieved success soon after its 1924 premiere and, even after more than a century, remains one of the most compelling works in the string quartet genre.

Join us in Brno this October 2026 for a wave of extreme music! Fastcore, grindcore, powerviolence, and other genres will crush you to the max!

Nickel Crack - powerviolence/grindcore /DE/
Jack - grindcore /HU/
Idiocracy - extreme hardcore
Kaosquad - old-school grindcore
Kandar - sick/horror grindcore
No God Rhetoric - fastcore/grindcore

The most famous fox on the opera stage is surely the one from Brno—Janáček’s Vixen! She is captivating and kind, surrounded by children and their toys as they playfully transform the Forester’s house into a forest and themselves into woodland creatures.

Every opera by Janáček is unique, and *The Cunning Little Vixen*—where the human and animal worlds intertwine on stage—is unparalleled in the genre. Janáček sought a theme that reflected his worldview and the eternal cycle of life; thus, his Vixen dies at the hands of the poacher Harašta. Yet, there is another little vixen... life goes on. That is how it should be—a sentiment echoed by Janáček’s music, which is lyrical and melodic, with an orchestra teeming with the colors of the Bílovice woods and the creatures inhabiting them. Everything sparkles with humor—humor that is prickly in true Janáček fashion, yet ultimately kind-hearted.

Rudolf Těsnohlídek, the author of the original literary work, founded the beautiful tradition of the "Republic’s Christmas Tree"; the discovery of a little girl named Liduška in the forest just before Christmas served as one of the inspirations for the vixen’s story and for Leoš Janáček himself. This influence is reflected in the production by director Jiří Heřman: "The inspiration came from Těsnohlídek’s noble idea to build the Dagmar Children’s Home, which is where we have set our production. We unfold the story of the Vixen through the eyes of children."

Premiere: November 17, 2018, at the Janáček Theatre

Performed in the original Czech with Czech, English, and German surtitles.

The production is suitable for children aged 6 and up.

A contemporary musical born of passion and blood – world premiere

The story of a woman for whom freedom is the ultimate value has lost none of its urgency, even after nearly two hundred years. Carmen returns to the stage once more, this time as a musical set in present-day New York.

Lee Banda is a four-piece band performing original material with Czech lyrics that blends folk, beat, and rock music. The band is led by singer and songwriter Miloslava "Mija" Peterková, alongside Olda Valouch (bass, vocals), Pavel Kříž (drums), and Vít Buriánek (lead guitar, vocals). All members possess extensive experience from various musical projects and are active on the Czech music scene. They perform regularly at club and open-air events, feature in the lineup of their own festival, Hastrošfest, and play at cultural, municipal, and regional events.

The band Radimec & Old Horses was founded in 2013. Since then, they have released three studio albums: *Radimec & Old Horses* (2014), *Rock’n’Roll Cowboy* (2019), and *Tribute to Tom Petty* (2022). Their genre falls closest to what is known internationally as "Heartland rock" (represented by artists such as Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen)—essentially a fusion of rock, rock 'n' roll, country rock, folk rock, and other styles. Radimec & Old Horses create songs with hit potential, all featuring Czech lyrics. Notable musicians such as Michael Vašíček, Pavel Bříza, and Michal Pytluk have also played with the group. Since 2018, the band has performed with the following lineup: Radim Zelina (founding member)—vocals, guitar, lyrics, music; Karel Brožek—drums; Eva Trnková—mandolin, vocals; Eduard Žovinec—guitar; and Ivan Lamser—bass.