Events
Agrippina preview trailer
Take a look behind the scenes of the upcoming production before its official premiere. The preview offers a unique opportunity to meet the creative team and soloists of the opera Agrippina and learn more about how the production is created - from the first rehearsals to the final appearance on stage. She always knew what she wanted and to get it, she did not shy away from murder. Now Agrippina is the empress and once again faces the choice of whom she must sacrifice in order to achieve the imperial title for her son Nero. But in the equally ambitious Poppaea, Agrippina encounters an equal opponent...
The Magic Flute
Are you a passionate sci-fi fan? This opera will be perfect for you! That Mozart's most popular opera is full of magic and Masonic symbols? It certainly was for the inhabitants of Vienna in the 18th century, but when a theater artist like Miroslav Krobot takes over the direction, we can expect a perhaps unconventional, but all the more interesting story. And also a journey into space.
Merry widow
The mission is clear – to marry the widow! But in such a way that her millions remain in the principality. There would be plenty of suitors, but Count Danilo, entrusted with the task, already has his own love story with the widow Hana Glawari. The affection is mutual, but so is the reluctance to admit that the old love has not rusted. When you add other ingredients in the form of a party at the embassy in Paris, dancers from the famous U Maxima cabaret and witty dialogues, you have everything you need for a great operetta.
Devil's Wall
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.
Operetta Gala
A unique evening that will captivate you with the exquisite elegance, wit and nobility that only operetta and exceptional soloists who have shone on the stages of the most prestigious opera houses and concert halls can achieve. Kateřina Kněžíková and Adam Plachetka as the best guides to the world of operetta hits! Franz Lehár, Emmerich Kalmán, Johann Strauss and other immortal operetta melodies. That is our Operetta Gala this year. Of course, the Janáček Opera Orchestra of the National Theatre of Prague will also be present, conducted by chief conductor Robert Kružík.
Handel's Agrippina will be performed on the Brno stage for the first time, but the excellent Baroque orchestra Collegium 1704 is returning to the Janáček Theatre for the third time after the very successful Alcina and the Marriage of Figaro. So the audience does not have a difficult choice - the combination of Handel's opera, Collegium 1704 under the baton of Václav Luks and the Brno Opera ensemble - it is a must-see! Political intrigue is a topical topic in every era, and if people in love get caught in the middle of it, it is also an ideal subject for an opera. Cardinal Grimaldi added political satire full of irony to the libretto, and G. F. Handel gave it drama, humor, despair and love in the music.
Hurvínek sells the bride
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.
Hurvínek sells the bride
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.
Hurvínek sells the bride
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.
INSTRUMENT OF ANGELS AND DEATH
PROGRAM Johann Sebastian Bach: transcriptions of concertos for solo flute. SOLI Michaela Koudelková – flutes, Dagmar Valentová – violin Michaela Koudelková’s virtuoso solo recital will present Johann Sebastian Bach in an unconventional light. Transcriptions of his famous instrumental concertos for solo flute will be performed, revealing the melodic invention and polyphonic mastery of this Baroque genius.
ANGEL'S MEMORIAL
ALBAN BERG Violin Concerto "In Memory of an Angel" RICHARD STRAUSS The Life of a Hero, Symphonic Poem Op. 40 Christian Altenburger violin Brno Philharmonic conductor Dennis Russell Davies
La traviata
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.
Angel's memory
ALBAN BERG Violin Concerto "In Memory of an Angel" RICHARD STRAUSS The Life of a Hero, Symphonic Poem Op. 40 Christian Altenburger violin Brno Philharmonic conductor Dennis Russell Davies
FOUR ARE ALREADY A BAND
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. Barbara Tolarová violin, Jan Bělohlávek, violin David Křivský, viola Iva Wiesnerová cello.
Moderated by Kristýna Drášilová and Magdalena Dostálová.
SPH 7 EVENING OF FRENCH ROMANTICISM - I. ARDASHEV
EVENING OF FRENCH ROMANTICISM: FRANTIŠEK NOVOTNÝ, IGOR ARDAŠEV AND MUCHA QUARTET César Franck: Sonata in A major for violin and piano Ernest Chausson: Concerto for violin, piano and string quartet op. 21 František Novotný – violin, Igor Ardašev – piano MUCHA QUARTET (SR) (Juraj Tomka – 1st violin, Jozef Ostrolucký – 2nd violin, Veronika Kubešová – viola, Pavol Mucha – cello)
70 or CANTILENA ALSO CELEBRATES
Karolína Waldhoferová accordion (ZUŠ Kuřim) Kantiléna, children's and youth choir at the Brno Philharmonic members of the Brno Philharmonic choirmaster Michal Jančík moderated by Kristýna Drášilová and Vítězslav Mikeš script by Kristýna Drášilová Not only the Brno Philharmonic is celebrating its 70th anniversary, but also the children's choir Kantiléna, which was founded in 1956 (under the name Šlapaníčky children's choir) and has been operating at the Philharmonic since 1984. So let's pop some children's champagne - quick corks - also to celebrate the jubilee Kantiléna and sing along with it! A music workshop is available for children in the foyer of the Besední dům from 9:15 a.m. (free admission and no registration required). Adults can attend a professional lecture at the same time.
The production of Janáček's Fate, which officially opened the Janáček Brno Festival 2020, marks the return of one of the best opera directors, Robert Carsen. This creator of productions valued for their dramatic grasp, poetics and artistic refinement, returns to Janáček's operatic work to expand his Janáček productions with a sixth opera created especially for Janáček's opera NdB. The very first notes of the orchestral waltz from the overture to Fate introduce us to the noble spa society; simple natural prose is replaced here by language in the style of decadent poets, as Janáček was inspired to write this opera by a beautiful woman, twenty-eight-year-old Kamila Urválková, whom the composer met in August 1903 at his favorite spa in Luhačovice.
Director David Radok and his Rusalka as a fateful drama about unfulfilled desires and human failure, about the contradictory conflict between love and erotic desire, a drama about the sinful human soul. Since its creation, Dvořák's Rusalka has been one of the most beloved and performed Czech operas, not only thanks to its beautiful and unique music, but also to the poetic and timeless libretto by Jaroslav Kvapil, which hides endless symbolism. The theme is perfect for David Radok and a multi-layered production full of strong emotions. David Radok's scenography is based on the concept of Rusalka by scenographer Lars-Ake Thessman, presented at GöteborgsOperan in 2012.
Don Quijote
One of the pillars of the classical ballet legacy is the ballet Don Quixote to music by Ludwig Minkus, inspired by Cervantes' famous novel The Ingenious Don Quixote of La Mancha. It describes the adventures of the hero, the knight Don Quixote, who is torn by imaginations moving between illusion and reality.
Concentus Moraviae: Magdalena Kožená & Azul Lima
Program: Henry Purcell: Music for a while John Dowland: In darkness let me dwell Tarquinio Merula: Canzonetta spirituale sopra alla nanna Brett Dean: Gertrude Fragments Henry Purcell: When I am laid in Earth Luciano Berio: Sequenza III for female voice Girolamo Kapsberger: Toccata Arpeggiata Antonio Cesti: Disseratevi abissi Giulio Caccini: Odi Euterpe Alessandro Piccini: Toccata VIII Barbara Strozzi: Lagrime mie Tarquinio Merula: Quando io voisi l'atra sera
Don Quijote
One of the pillars of the classical ballet legacy is the ballet Don Quixote to music by Ludwig Minkus, inspired by Cervantes' famous novel The Ingenious Don Quixote of La Mancha. It describes the adventures of the hero, the knight Don Quixote, who is torn by imaginations moving between illusion and reality.
The Magic Flute
Are you a passionate sci-fi fan? This opera will be perfect for you! That Mozart's most popular opera is full of magic and Masonic symbols? It certainly was for the inhabitants of Vienna in the 18th century, but when a theater artist like Miroslav Krobot takes over the direction, we can expect a perhaps unconventional, but all the more interesting story. And also a journey into space.
Barbara Maria Willi presents: HARPSILO-MIX
The convention will feature the interpretive mastery of two legendary harpsichordists from two respected music academies — at the invitation of JAMU rector Barbara Maria Willi, the first lady of historical keyboard instruments from the Milan Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory, Chiara Tiboni, is coming to Brno. The concert will be spiced up with youthful creative energy and virtuosity by PhD student HF JAMU Filip Hrubý. In cooperation with HF JAMU. Program: GIROLAMO FRESCOBALDI, ALESSANDRO SCARLATTI (AR. ENRICO BAIANO), BERNARDO PASQUINI, PETER GRAHAM
The production of Janáček's Fate, which officially opened the Janáček Brno Festival 2020, marks the return of one of the best opera directors, Robert Carsen. This creator of productions valued for their dramatic grasp, poetics and artistic refinement, returns to Janáček's operatic work to expand his Janáček productions with a sixth opera created especially for Janáček's opera NdB. The very first notes of the orchestral waltz from the overture to Fate introduce us to the noble spa society; the simple natural prose is replaced here by language in the style of decadent poets, as Janáček was inspired to write this opera by a beautiful woman, twenty-eight-year-old Kamila Urválková, whom the composer met in August 1903 at his favorite spa in Luhačovice. Kamila described to Janáček her love affair with the composer Čelanský, who portrayed his disillusionment with love in the opera Kamila. Janáček fell so much under Kamila's spell that he decided to create a "completely new, modern opera" in which she would be purified. He called Fate not an opera, but three novel-like episodes in which the viewer finds himself in a completely different environment than in his previous operas - after Jenůfí, Janáček's fourth opera Fate represents a musical and dramaturgical breakthrough into another area.
PUSS IN BOOTS
ROBERT GROSLOT Puss in Boots, a fairy tale melodrama for narrator and orchestra Kristýna Drášilová narrator Brno Philharmonic conductor Ondrej Olos The fairy tale about Puss in Boots (also known as The Marquis of Karabas), which was adapted into a melodrama for narrator and chamber ensemble by the Belgian composer Robert Groslot and adapted for orchestra at the request of the Brno Philharmonic. The orchestral version will be performed in a world premiere with the unique and unmistakable Kristýna Drášilová in the role of narrator. The concert is held under the auspices of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium.
Handel's Agrippina will be performed on the Brno stage for the first time, but the excellent Baroque orchestra Collegium 1704 is returning to the Janáček Theatre for the third time after the very successful Alcina and the Marriage of Figaro. So the audience does not have a difficult choice - the combination of Handel's opera, Collegium 1704 under the baton of Václav Luks and the Brno Opera ensemble - it is a must-see! Political intrigue is a topical topic in every era, and if people in love get caught in the middle of it, it is also an ideal subject for an opera. Cardinal Grimaldi added a political satire full of irony to the libretto, and G. F. Handel gave it drama, humor, despair and love in the music. Agrippina premiered in 1709 in Venice and immediately became the success of the season and Handel's first masterpiece. And it is no wonder that the musical number is a typical Handelian musical hit, depicting individual characters from the all-powerful Agrippina, her childish son Nero, the aging emperor Claudius, the little intriguer Poppaea to the honest Otto in such vivid colors that you feel you can meet them on the street in front of the theater. The title role will be performed by Pavla Vykopalová, who already celebrated great success with Alcina, and the German countertenor Constantin Zimmermann and the Czech countertenor Vojtěch Pelka will also appear here for the first time.
SPH 8 MAREK EBEN IN THE LABYRINTH OF THE WORLD
MAREK EBEN IN THE LABYRINTH OF THE WORLD
Petr Eben / Jan Amos Komenský: The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart – a cycle for organ and reciter Marek Eben – recitation Michaela Káčerková – organ
Krok za oponu – Manon Lescaut
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 soloists, choir and orchestra of Janáček's opera NdB. The educational program is suitable for secondary schools. A Step Behind the Curtain is an ideal program connecting music education with Czech or aesthetics.
Manon Lescaut
In our country, Manon is known primarily thanks to the beautifully poetic treatment by Vítězslav Nezval, but Puccini's opera is based on the original French novel by the abbé Antoine-François Prévost d'Exiles, which was published in Paris in 1731. But the capricious Manon is a woman of all centuries and, thanks to her literary and dramatic adaptation, she is certainly the right one for the regular director of the NdB drama, Štěpán Pácel, on his first journey into the world of opera.
GEISTLICHE CHORMUSIK
PROGRAM Heinrich Schütz: selection from the cycle “Geistliche Chormusik”. Choirmaster: Tereza Válková. A choir concert focusing on the masterpiece of the early Baroque master Heinrich Schütz, “Geistliche Chormusik”, which stands out for its expressiveness and masterful treatment of biblical texts.
SPRING SYMPHONY
MAURICE RAVEL Ma Mère l’Oye (My Mother Goose), suite from the ballet TOSHIO HOSOKAWA Lotus under the Moonlight (Lotus under the Moonlight), homage à Mozart for piano and orchestra, Czech premiere ROBERT SCHUMANN Symphony No. 1 in B flat major, Op. 38 “Spring” Momo Kodama piano Brno Philharmonic conductor Ryusuke Numajiri
SPRING SYMPHONY
MAURICE RAVEL Ma Mère l’Oye (My Mother Goose), suite from the ballet TOSHIO HOSOKAWA Lotus under the Moonlight (Lotus under the Moonlight), homage à Mozart for piano and orchestra, Czech premiere ROBERT SCHUMANN Symphony No. 1 in B flat major, Op. 38 “Spring” Momo Kodama piano Brno Philharmonic conductor Ryusuke Numajiri
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 Hojač trumpet Miloš Kovařík French horn Jakub Pavluš trombone Metoděj Dvořák tuba moderated by Kristýna Drášilová and Magdalena Dostálová
The Great Knight's Challenge
Workshop for children – 60 min in the foyer of the Janáček Theatre. Only with a ticket to the performance My Homeland.
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 Hojač trumpet Miloš Kovařík French horn Jakub Pavluš trombone Metoděj Dvořák tuba moderated by Kristýna Drášilová and Magdalena Dostálová
He has a homeland
Czech Philharmonic, DEKKADANCERS, Forman Brothers Theatre. Suitable for children from 6 years old. Before the performance, it is possible to visit a workshop for children in the theatre foyer.
The Great Knight's Challenge
Workshop for children – My Homeland in the foyer of the Janáček Theatre. Only with a ticket to the performance My Homeland. Suitable for children from 6 years old.
My Homeland
Czech Philharmonic, DEKKADANCERS, Forman Brothers Theatre. Dance, music and puppets. Suitable for children from 6 years. Before the performance, it is possible to visit a workshop for children in the foyer of the theatre.
How to make an opera? Workshop for the second grade of elementary and high schools
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.
Director David Radok and his Rusalka as a fateful drama about unfulfilled desires and human failure, about the contradictory conflict between love and erotic desire, a drama about the sinful human soul. Since its creation, Dvořák's Rusalka has been one of the most beloved and performed Czech operas, not only thanks to its beautiful and unique music, but also to Jaroslav Kvapil's poetic and timeless libretto, which conceals endless symbolism. The theme seems to be made for David Radok and a multi-layered production full of strong emotions.
YOUNG BLOOD or MUSIC CLOSE UP IV
The Brno Philharmonic Orchestra Academy 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 experience 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.
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.
70 or CONCERT FOR THE QUEEN
Regína Mládková piano (ZUŠ Jaroslava Kvapila) Brno Philharmonic conductor Patrik Červák moderated by Kristýna Drášilová and Vítězslav Mikeš script by Kristýna Drášilová Brno Philharmonic is celebrating! It will be seventy, which is just a number in the case of the orchestra. It is still young, fresh, inspiring. And it loves its young and old listeners, for whom it has prepared magnificent celebrations: it will commemorate important moments from its rich history. Be with us!
70 or CONCERT FOR THE QUEEN
Regína Mládková piano (ZUŠ Jaroslava Kvapila) Brno Philharmonic conductor Patrik Červák moderated by Kristýna Drášilová and Vítězslav Mikeš script by Kristýna Drášilová Brno Philharmonic is celebrating! It will be seventy, which is just a number in the case of the orchestra. It is still young, fresh, inspiring. And it loves its young and old listeners, for whom it has prepared magnificent celebrations: it will commemorate important moments from its rich history. Be with us!
Devil's Wall
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.
Music in the main role, that's how Dvořák's opera Jacobin 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 teacher's young man Jiřík, or the cocky burgrave Filip. Perhaps it was a kind 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.
CZECH PHILHARMONIC CHOIR BRNO - FINAL CONCERT - ČFSB 7
7. SUBSCRIBER CONCERT – SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2026, Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul FINAL CONCERT Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Symphony-oratorio Lobgesang Aleš Briscein tenor, Barbora Perná – soprano, Jana Hrochová mezzo-soprano Czech Philharmonic Choir Brno, choirmaster Petr Fiala Pilsen Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Chuhei Iwasaki The start of the concert has been postponed to 8:15 p.m. due to the live broadcast of the concert by Czech Television. Thank you for your understanding.
Hurvínek sells the bride
Would you also like to know what it's like with the bride seller? 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 ensemble have invited the best possible guides to join them. In the new family program, you will be taken directly to The Bartered Bride and the world of opera by the famous puppet characters Spejbl, Hurvínek and Mánička. Žeryk will not be missing either, and the best musical pieces will also be included, because the popular puppets will be assisted by the soloists of the Janáček Opera NdB together with our special Smetana mini-orchestra.
