Events

Der Šenster Gob is an acoustic band playing Jewish, Romani, and Balkan music, traveling across Europe in a romantic green caravan.
What began as an all-male trio playing exclusively (speed) klezmer has evolved into a four-piece band that performs a broader range of styles—incorporating more vocals—and creates music that is beautiful and, at times, even melancholic.

Matěj Heinzl – clarinet, saxophone, vocals
Vojtěch Vasko – double bass, vocals
Jan Vítů – guitar, vocals
Martin Sochor – violin

Concert by the folk bands Mošny and Poslední šance Míry Ošance at Café Práh.

Program:

Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924): La rondine (The Swallow)

Doretta's aria "Chi il bel sogno di Doretta"

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844–1908): The Tale of Tsar Saltan

aria to the Swan "You, Tsarevich, my savior"

Aliaksej Jaŭlampavič Turankoŭ (1886–1958): Melody for violin and piano

Nathan Milstein (1904–1992): Paganiniana for solo violin

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943): Prelude Op. 32 No. 12 in G minor

Alberto Ginastera (1916–1983): Danzas Argentinas op. 2

I. Danza del viejo boyero

George Gershwin (1898–1937): Rhapsody in Blue

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791): The Magic Flute, KV 620

Queen of the Night aria "O zittre nicht"

Tadeusz Baird (1928–1981): Cztery sonnety miłosne (Four love sonnets to the words of William Shakespeare, translated by Maciej Słomczyński)

I. Andante. Sonnet 23 "Spójrz, co tu chiche serce wypisalo"; II. Allegretto con anima. Sonnet 91 "Drwię, mając ciebie, z zachły ludzkiej pychy"; III. Andantino, con amore. Sonnet 56 "Słodka miłości"; IV. Lento, con gran' espressione. Sonnet 97 "How like winter is the break"

Horkýže Slíže are heading to Brno! The legendary Slovak punk-rock band will unleash their high-energy show—packed with cult hits and uncompromising humor—at the modern Sono Centrum venue. Get ready for an evening of great music and a unique atmosphere.

David Herzig and Planeta Pluto

David Herzig is a musician, producer, and sound experimenter whose work straddles the boundaries of electronic, acoustic, and singer-songwriter music.

His debut album, *Planeta Pluto* (Planet Pluto), tells the stories of a cosmic wanderer roaming among the stars, seeking meaning in both the vastness of space and the ordinary lives of people.

Electronic textures, rock energy, and a singer-songwriter’s sensibility blend into a distinctive sound that oscillates between dreaminess and urgency.
David Herzig is a member of the band Bert & Friends; he has long collaborated with artists such as Arleta, Never Sol, and MC Gey, and has composed stage music for productions at the National Theatre, Dejvice Theatre, and Švanda Theatre.

Marjari

The work of singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Marjari is defined by layers of guitar sequences recorded on a looper and complemented by samples. Floating above them is her fragile, clear voice, lending the songs a unique blend of intimacy and tension.

Marjari will perform a solo concert at Alterna. However, as she herself notes,
she remains first and foremost a singer-songwriter; her songs work just as well in an intimate setting—featuring only her guitar and no backing band.

Many bands might consider themselves unique, but Baronova holota truly is. How else would you describe a group that brings together Savec—the bassist from Visací zámek—with jazz saxophonists Silva Šírová and Kuba Doležal, along with guitarist Mikeš (from Narvan and Lidopop), all orchestrated by Baron and drummer Honza Eliáš? Come and hear their punk rock with a splash of apricot brandy!

Honza Vancl and his birthday guests.

Janáček’s fifth opera, *The Excursions of Mr. Brouček*, opened the festival’s ninth season, which ran under the motto "Without Borders!" This same phrase aptly describes the work of director Robert Carsen, whose productions are acclaimed worldwide for their dramatic insight, poetic quality, humor, and visual sophistication. The famous director’s path first crossed with the Czech composer’s work many years ago; today, Carsen has staged six of Janáček’s operas. In 2020, he created a production of *Osud* (Destiny) for the Brno ensemble, returning four years later to embark on a journey—not only to the Moon—with Mr. Brouček. Carsen’s production offered a fresh perspective on this rarely performed opera, linking its plot to pivotal 20th-century historical events that shaped the Czech nation. The production’s broad appeal—extending well beyond the local audience—is evidenced by its nomination for the prestigious 2025 Opera Award.

None of Janáček’s operas can be classified as comic operas; while humor is never absent, it serves more as a rare seasoning. Yet, in this opera about a small-time homeowner from Prague’s Lesser Town—an archetypal "little Czech man"—Janáček positively brims with humor, albeit of a decidedly sharp variety. He drew inspiration from the popular *Brouček* novellas by poet Svatopluk Čech, complementing the satire with dance-like rhythms and the use of unusual instruments, such as the glass harmonica and bagpipes. While the first part of the opera—a trip to the Moon—aimed its biting humor at Prague’s critics, intellectuals, and artists, the second half, set in the Hussite era, struck at the unsavory traits of the Czech nation as a whole.

JOSEPH HAYDN Symphony No. 84 in E-flat Major, Hob. I:84
THOMAS ADÈS Air (Homage to Sibelius) for violin and orchestra
BENJAMIN BRITTEN Symphony for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 68

Marie Petříková, violin
Julia Hagen, cello
Brno Philharmonic
Conductor Dennis Russell Davies

The solo violin in Adès’s *Air* is suffused with light, reaching towards celestial heights. The cello in Britten’s Symphony strikes a darker chord. And Symphony No. 84 by “Papa” Haydn keeps the world in balance.

Dymytry and Arakain are embarking on a joint tour of the Czech Republic. It will run from February 20 to October 24, 2026.

Why does time fly when you’re with some people, yet drag on for ages with others? After all, everything is relative.

The Czech premiere of the musical *Theory of Relativity* offers a comic-book-style glimpse into the lives of students. Just as in applied physics, the hallway by the lockers proves that distinct elements can combine to form a new, solid whole. This hallway setting sparks unexpected reactions in relationships. Stylized visuals highlight the characters' caricatured traits—their struggles, loves, and insecurities—creating a dynamic mosaic of life for the younger generation.

This school production is presented through Music Theatre International. All authorized production materials are also provided by MTI (www.mtishows.co.uk).

Get ready for a rip-roaring Western Swing rodeo—the ROOTY SHOOTERS are coming to town!

This crew of seasoned musicians—who usually tear it up with swing, jazz, pop, blues, and rock & roll—is now setting its sights squarely on Western Swing! Bang, bang!

Petr "Poss Pets" Pospíšil lays down the groove on the upright bass, with a slapping technique that makes even the most sluggish bass thunder; Matěj "Foam" Fouma flies across the accordion keys, infusing every track with soul; Vojta "The Doc" Nosek saws away at the fiddle, playing with such intensity it sounds like he’s got sixteen strings and a bow to match; and Vítek "Snow White" Šnévajs strums the guitar, ringing out chords that soothe the soul.

And that’s not all—these four gunslingers join forces to belt out rich prairie harmonies on plenty of their songs!

Join us on a unique musical journey back to a time when life was tough, but the music softened the edges. So polish up your spurs and saddle up this mustang with us!

¡Caramba!

Swing jam session at Café Práh.

The contemporary Chicago jazz scene is regarded as one of the most vibrant and progressive jazz hubs of our time. It is from this fertile environment that an extraordinary talent has emerged: the multi-talented saxophonist, composer, educator, and activist Isaiah Collier.

Slovenian industrial legends Laibach have announced a new album, *MUSICK*, and are bringing it to Brno’s Fléda club on October 15th! Forget the typical concert experience; this will be a masterclass in the deconstruction of pop culture. Expect marching rhythms, orchestral grandeur, and the uncompromising aesthetic that defined the genre.
Hailing from the Slovenian town of Trbovlje, Laibach has been turning heads since 1980 with a provocative aesthetic that blends totalitarian imagery, industrial soundscapes, and conceptual art. Their work often straddles the line between critiquing and appropriating authoritarian elements, sparking intense debate regarding the meaning and interpretation of their art.
Musically, Laibach operates primarily within the realms of industrial and experimental rock, yet over the years they have explored a vast array of styles—ranging from electronica and orchestral arrangements to avant-garde pop. They have also gained renown for their unconventional reinterpretations of famous tracks—such as their reworking of The Beatles' *Let It Be*—and for monumental versions of folk and pop songs that place the originals within entirely new contexts of meaning.

Janny Richter

"Janny Richter is a prime example of the fact that when you pursue your dream, there is a great chance it will work out." — Full Moon

An energetic frontman, the composer of the award-winning soundtrack for the series *Metoda Markovič: Hojer*, and a musical visionary straddling the genres of country blues, Americana, indie rock, and electropop.

Blues Street Band hails from Valašské Meziříčí, as do most of its members. We have been active on the music scene since 2006, and despite minor lineup changes, the band has consistently maintained its distinctive style and character.

Our repertoire consists primarily of original compositions that blend our own music with lyrics inspired by real-life stories. Musically, we operate at the intersection of blues, rock, boogie, and other genres, refusing to be confined to a single musical label.

Our longtime friend and lyricist, Jan Vytlačil, plays a significant role in crafting our lyrics; his observations on life and personal stories lend unique substance to our songs. At the same time, every band member has the freedom to infuse the tracks with their own musical sensibilities and ideas. It is precisely this creative freedom that has shaped the signature sound of the Blues Street Band.

Postband’s repertoire consists of acoustic arrangements of songs—ranging from the well-known to the lesser-known—drawn from the golden era of rock singer-songwriters (e.g., T. Petty, N. Young, V. Morrison, B. Dylan) as well as from later generations of artists (e.g., B. Carlile, D. Grohl, N. Gallagher, G. Hansard, U2). The setlist also includes several original songs.

Introduce students to Leoš Janáček in a fun way. Let them experience Janáček firsthand!

What is Janáček’s story? How did he live and create? Which places in Brno are linked to him, and how did his personal life shape the music he composed? This two-hour educational workshop, held on the rehearsal stage of the Janáček Theatre, guides students through the milestones of Janáček’s life and work using engaging activities.

Practical information:

Workshop designed for primary school students (grades 4–6).
Program duration: 2 hours.
Workshop fee: 2,000 CZK for up to 20 participants; an admission fee of 100 CZK applies for each additional person.
Arrival via the Janáček Theatre staff entrance.
Please ensure students wear comfortable clothing, as the program involves sitting on the floor, creative activities, etc.

Leoš Janáček: *Říkadla* (Nursery Rhymes) (1925–26) / world premiere of a new version for 1–2 voices, clarinet, and piano, arranged by Kryštof Mařatka (2025–26)

Kryštof Mařatka: *Altotem* / nocturnal archaic music for viola with piano accompaniment (Czech premiere)

Kryštof Mařatka: *Báchorky* (Folk Tales) / for viola, clarinet, piano, and an ensemble of Czech and Moravian folk instruments

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Kryštof Mařatka: *Záhada pana Rybky* (The Mystery of Mr. Rybka) / melodrama for actor and pianist based on a short story by Karel Čapek

Leoš Janáček: *Zápisník zmizelého* (The Diary of One Who Disappeared), JW V/12 / song cycle for tenor, alto, three female voices, and piano

While Janáček’s music is rooted in Moravian folk music, Kryštof Mařatka (b. 1971) draws inspiration from the ethnic music of several continents.

Kryštof Mařatka’s 2016 composition *Báchorky* (Folk Tales) is inspired by the world of folk music and its instrumentation, which the composer juxtaposes with other instruments. Featured instruments include the elder-wood pipe, chamois horn, rag-and-bone man’s whistle, nose flute, shepherd’s horn, and bone flute.

Mařatka found the inspiration for his 2015 melodrama *Záhada pana Rybky* (The Mystery of Mr. Rybka) in the short story "Šlépěje" (Footprints) by Karel Čapek, published in the collection *Povídky z jedné kapsy* (Tales from One Pocket). The text and the narrative play a pivotal role, shaping the musical setting—which, however, does not dominate but rather complements the storytelling.

This piece is part of a series of the composer's melodramas written for the same instrumentation, forming a cohesive whole with them. It was originally conceived for a single performer—an actor-pianist handling both the acting and the piano playing—though it can also be performed by two artists: an actor and a pianist. The text may be performed in various languages.

JOSEPH HAYDN Symphony No. 84 in E-flat Major, Hob. I:84
THOMAS ADÈS Air (Homage to Sibelius) for violin and orchestra
BENJAMIN BRITTEN Symphony for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 68

Marie Petříková, violin
Julia Hagen, cello
Brno Philharmonic
Conductor Dennis Russell Davies

The solo violin in Adès’s *Air* is suffused with light, reaching towards celestial heights. The cello in Britten’s Symphony strikes a darker chord. And Symphony No. 84 by “Papa” Haydn keeps the world in balance.

Why does time fly when you’re with some people, yet drag on for ages with others? After all, everything is relative.

The Czech premiere of the musical *Theory of Relativity* offers a comic-book-style glimpse into the lives of students. Just as in applied physics, the hallway by the lockers proves that distinct elements can combine to form a new, solid whole. This hallway setting sparks unexpected reactions in relationships. Stylized visuals highlight the characters' caricatured traits—their struggles, loves, and insecurities—creating a dynamic mosaic of life for the younger generation.

This school production is presented through Music Theatre International. All authorized production materials are also provided by MTI (www.mtishows.co.uk).

A rock-pop band blending melodic garage music, rock, and pop with elements of jazz, funk, and blues. The six-piece group delivers energetic performances that draw the audience into a unique world they describe as a "musical picnic."

Vocals: Radek Maar

Saxophone: Petr Žížek

Guitar: Aleš Jedounek

Guitar: Richard Juřena

Bass: Radim Kopecký

Drums: Miroslav Holub

Electra Heart is a dynamic band that fuses music into an unforgettable experience, featuring powerful vocals, melodic saxophone solos, and intricate piano melodies.

Vocals: Ilona Lanard

Saxophone: Jiří Havlíček

Piano: Tomáš Vrtek

Bass: Ondřej Kovář

Drums: Viktor Mudrák

The first joint concert tour by Barbora Poláková and Štěpán Urban—concerts where audiences can immerse themselves in delicate melodies and deeply personal lyrics. Their debut collaborative album, *Sršeň*, delivers everything one would expect from modern folk-pop.

HVOB have been conquering the universe of electronic music for years. They have not only established themselves in the international music scene through their releases, but also as a live act.

The two musicians behind HVOB are Anna Müller and Paul Wallner. Together they compose and produce the music and are therefore jointly responsible for the unique sound of HVOB.

They play sold-out tours in North, Central and South America, Asia, Europe and South Africa and have played many of the world's renowned festivals - from a headlining show at Sonar Barcelona and Clockenflap in Hong Kong to Burning Man, Primavera Sound and Fuji Rock in Japan. They have also recorded a BBC Essential Mix, several Boiler Rooms and a Cercle set in Mexico.

LAKESIDE X is collaborating with Daniel Myer and Depeche Mode drummer Christian Eigner on a new album and will debut a new live show featuring new tracks in Brno on October 16. The band The Brute will also perform as a special guest.

The Brute is a captivating musical project from Switzerland and Germany, founded in 2018 by singer-songwriter Daniel Gierke. The project blends progressive electronic sounds with rock energy, compelling vocals, and cinematic visuals—both in live performances and in music videos. The band fuses elements of electropop, rock, and cinematic soundscapes into a signature sound that feels both modern and deeply emotional, with a touch of the spirit of the 80s and 90s.

Acid Row is a Czech band active since 2012, known for an explosive blend of stoner rock and punk, spiced with elements of doom, psychedelia, and 90s grunge. Originally formed in Plzeň, the band relocated to Prague in 2019. They are renowned for their energetic live shows and a penchant for a dark, slightly "diabolical" aesthetic. Today, they perform as a trio comprising Alex Fonar (vocals, bass), Dominik Klesa (guitar), and Radek Bacík (drums).

Blue Chesterfield is an experimental band from Plzeň led by David Jirka, blending art rock, post-punk, shoegaze, and dark country. Their signature lo-fi sound is complemented by poetic lyrics and unconventional instrumentation, including violin or saxophone. Active on the alternative scene since 2020, the band has released several recordings and performed at clubs and festivals across the Czech Republic and abroad.

Prago Union have been active for over twenty years—always doing things their own way.
No radio hits. No chasing trends. No need to conform to anything around them. Yet, they boast nine studio albums, two Anděl Awards, and a fanbase that sticks with them precisely because they never played the easy game.
Kato is one of the Czech scene’s most distinctive lyricists—precise, ironic, down-to-earth, yet unexpectedly profound. Theirs is a style of rap built not on gimmicks, but on words, groove, and the ability to land the perfect punchline.
Live, Prago Union operate differently from most of the domestic rap scene. A live band elevates their songs, steering them toward funk, jazz, and a raw energy that gives familiar tracks a whole new drive.
Their latest album, *Zvukolodʼ*, confirms that Prago Union aren't standing still; they are constantly exploring new paths without ever losing their signature style.
The Metro Music Bar will host a concert free of posturing and filters.
Just the band, the groove, and lyrics that carry real weight.

Blue Jam at the Smoking Rabbit Jazz Bar.

Line-up:

Alfred Schnittke: String Quartet No. 3

Antonín Dvořák: Four Songs on Lyrics by Gustav Pfleger-Moravský, Op. 2, B. 124 / arranged for voice and string quartet by Tomáš Ille

Leoš Janáček: String Quartet No. 2 "Intimate Letters", JW VII/13

Antonín Dvořák: In Folk Tone, Op. 73, B. 146 / arranged for voice and string quartet by Tomáš Ille

The fundamental building blocks of Alfred Schnittke’s (1934–1998) String Quartet No. 3 (1983) are quotations from works by three different composers spanning the Renaissance to the twentieth century: Orlando di Lasso, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Dmitri Shostakovich. Drawing on fragments from Lasso’s *Stabat Mater*, quotations from Beethoven’s *Grosse Fuge* for string quartet, and the motif of Shostakovich’s musical cryptogram "DSCH," the composer created a work in which disparate musical styles and textures blend and interpenetrate, much like in our dreams.

Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904) created this four-part song cycle—based on lyrics by the poet Gustav Pfleger-Moravský—in the early 1880s by reworking songs from his earlier cycle *Cypresses* (*Cypřiše*), which he had composed in 1865, shortly before his twenty-fourth birthday. Pfleger’s sentimental poems, filled with sorrow over unrequited love, inspired the young Dvořák to create a work of poignant, Schubert-esque Romantic expression.

Leoš Janáček’s (1854–1928) String Quartet No. 2, *Intimate Letters* (for two violins, viola, and cello), was composed during the final year of the composer’s life. *Intimate Letters* serves as a musical counterpart to the extensive correspondence between Janáček and his muse, Kamila Stösslová. Janáček heard the work performed during rehearsals by the Moravian Quartet in May 1928 but did not live to see its premiere; he died unexpectedly on August 12, 1928. The first performance, intended for experts and critics, was given by the Moravian Quartet on September 7, 1928, in the Hlahol Hall of the Besední dům in Brno. The work was subsequently presented to the general public on September 11, 1928, at the theater within the Brno Exhibition Grounds, as part of the Exhibition of Contemporary Culture in Czechoslovakia.

A Cure for Ailments / The World of Folk Song According to Janáček

"Whoever wishes to understand the human soul should listen to and observe folk song." – Leoš Janáček

Together with selected folk performers, we will explore the songs that resonated with Leoš Janáček and to which he devoted attention in his work on folklore. This chamber music program was devised by Magdalena Múčková.

Performers:

Gorolská muzika Lipka, Jablunkov

Grupa Śpiewacza Jaworzyncianki, Jaworzynki (PL)

Tereza Baron (vocals, heligonka accordion)

CM Valašský vojvoda, Kozlovice

Horňácká cimbálová muzika Kubíci

Why does time fly when you’re with some people, yet drag on for ages with others? After all, everything is relative.

The Czech premiere of the musical *Theory of Relativity* offers a comic-book-style glimpse into the lives of students. Just as in applied physics, the hallway by the lockers proves that distinct elements can combine to form a new, solid whole. This hallway setting sparks unexpected reactions in relationships. Stylized visuals highlight the characters' caricatured traits—their struggles, loves, and insecurities—creating a dynamic mosaic of life for the younger generation.

This school production is presented through Music Theatre International. All authorized production materials are also provided by MTI (www.mtishows.co.uk).

Béla Bartók: The Wooden Prince, Op. 13, Sz. 60, BB 74 / Suite from the ballet

Leoš Janáček: Sinfonietta, JW VI/18

Igor Stravinsky: Petrushka / Burlesque scenes in four tableaux 

Leoš Janáček (1854–1928), along with the slightly younger Béla Bartók (1881–1945) and Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971), form a significant trio of 20th-century composers who responded profoundly to folk music. While each approached it in his own way, all three were influenced by folk music in their musical thinking. Janáček and Bartók engaged deeply with folk song—even theoretically—and conducted field research; for the former, folk music was a "truth of life" that shaped his melodic style, while for the latter, it became the foundation for his work with modality and rhythm. Stravinsky was captivated by folk rituals, yet he drew from folk music only what he needed at specific stages of his creative journey—primarily texts and melodies. In any case, all three composers utilized this source in highly distinctive and inventive ways.

Béla Bartók composed the work based on the story of a proud, vain princess and a wooden prince between 1914 and 1916; following his opera *Bluebeard’s Castle*, this piece continued his exploration of the differences between men and women. This time, he chose the medium of ballet; the score possesses a distinctly symphonic character and stands as a true masterpiece of orchestration. *The Wooden Prince* is characterized by an impressionistic sound palette and incorporates elements of folk melody, spirited rhythms, and inspiration from Romanian and Hungarian music. Its 1917 premiere met with great international acclaim. Bartók’s suite from the ballet was performed in 1931.

Saul and Hasan are bringing a joint concert show as part of the "OD NEKONEČNA DO DÁVNA" tour.

They will perform at the SONO Music Club in Brno on October 17.

She is one of the most outstanding bassists of her generation—and that is no mere cliché.

Kinga Głyk has built an international reputation through a combination of technical mastery, musicality, and the ability to anchor the music with an instrument that usually stays in the background; in her hands, however, it takes center stage.

Her latest album, *Real Life*—created in collaboration with Michael League (Snarky Puppy)—showcases her shift toward a contemporary fusion sound, blending jazz, funk, and modern production.

On stage, she demonstrates why she is hailed as one of the most compelling bassists of her generation, effortlessly switching between the role of rhythmic anchor and the band's lead melodic voice. Her performances are defined by precision, dynamic range, and an ability to draw the audience into music that speaks for itself without the need for words.

Mad Fellaz is an italian eclectic jazz/fusion band, formed by guitarist and primary composer Paolo Busatto in 2011. Initially inspired by the great artists of classic progressive-rock, the band has been able to renew itself with extreme versatility and creativity, both in instrumental and vocal music, ranging from prog to jazz, fusion, funk and afro-beat music.

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.

An intimate premiere of a new play by writer and playwright Milan Uhde, featuring music by his longtime creative collaborator Miloš Štědroň. Read by Milan Uhde; songs performed and sung by Miloš Štědroň.

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.