Events

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.

PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Op. 13, "Winter Daydreams"
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Davide penitente, Cantata, K. 469

Simona Šaturová, soprano
Martina Janková, soprano
Petr Nekoranec, tenor
Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno
Choirmaster: Petr Fiala
Brno Philharmonic
Conductor: Robert Kružík

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky began his First Symphony in G minor in 1866, shortly after graduating from the St. Petersburg Conservatory. He infused the work with images and the shifting moods of the winter landscape, drawing upon the logic of symphonic development and folk melodies. Following a lukewarm reception at its 1868 Moscow premiere, he revisited the symphony and revised it several times. It was not until a performance in Moscow in 1883 that the work gained wider recognition. Although it is performed far less frequently than Tchaikovsky’s crowning symphonic achievements—the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth (*Pathétique*)—the First Symphony never fails to astonish listeners with the maturity displayed by its youthful composer.

The Christmas Ballet Gala invites you on an enchanting journey into the world of classical dance, bringing together the finest moments from the greatest masterpieces of the ballet repertoire on a single stage. Let yourself be swept away by a harmonious blend of lyricism and passion, fairytale atmosphere, and dazzling virtuosity—all combining to create a unique experience filled with the magic of Christmas.

In the course of a single evening, you will enjoy a selection of the very best of classical ballet—from the magical The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty to Le Corsaire, Venetian Carnival, and the magnificent Swan Lake. Performed by top-tier soloists from across Europe, these iconic choreographies come to life with an elegance, precision, and emotional depth that will draw you right into the heart of the performance.

Behind the curtain of history lies a story that was meant to remain forgotten forever. The musical *The Story of the Secret Queen*, inspired by true events, restores a voice to Caroline von Linsingen—a woman who was the wife of an English king, yet found peace only in the South Moravian town of Blansko.

"Dad, how do you sell a bride?" "What gave you the idea that someone would sell a bride, Hurvínek?" "Well, I’m reading here: The National Theatre Brno presents Bedřich Smetana’s opera *The Bartered Bride*. So, how does it work, Dad?" "Well, you see, it’s just make-believe... how can I put this... it’s a sort of trick to buy a bride for oneself." "Now I’m totally confused—is she being sold or bought?" "You know what, Hurvajz? Grab Žeryk and Mánička and let’s go to the opera; that’ll be easier than trying to explain it to you!"

Would you also like to know the real story behind the "bartered bride"? Smetana’s *The Bartered Bride* is an iconic opera, but this time we’ve decided to introduce it primarily to children. And since a comic opera should be truly entertaining, the Janáček Opera NdB ensemble has invited the best possible guides to join them. In this new family show, the famous puppet characters Spejbl, Hurvínek, and Mánička will introduce you to *The Bartered Bride* and the world of opera. Žeryk will be there too, along with the best musical highlights, as the beloved puppets will be joined by Janáček Opera NdB soloists and our special Smetana-themed mini-orchestra.

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.

Behind the curtain of history lies a story that was meant to remain forgotten forever. The musical *The Story of the Secret Queen*, inspired by true events, restores a voice to Caroline von Linsingen—a woman who was the wife of an English king, yet found peace only in the South Moravian town of Blansko.

"Dad, how do you sell a bride?" "What gave you the idea that someone would sell a bride, Hurvínek?" "Well, I’m reading here: The National Theatre Brno presents Bedřich Smetana’s opera *The Bartered Bride*. So, how does it work, Dad?" "Well, you see, it’s just make-believe... how can I put this... it’s a sort of trick to buy a bride for oneself." "Now I’m totally confused—is she being sold or bought?" "You know what, Hurvajz? Grab Žeryk and Mánička and let’s go to the opera; that’ll be easier than trying to explain it to you!"

Would you also like to know the real story behind the "bartered bride"? Smetana’s *The Bartered Bride* is an iconic opera, but this time we’ve decided to introduce it primarily to children. And since a comic opera should be truly entertaining, the Janáček Opera NdB ensemble has invited the best possible guides to join them. In this new family show, the famous puppet characters Spejbl, Hurvínek, and Mánička will introduce you to *The Bartered Bride* and the world of opera. Žeryk will be there too, along with the best musical highlights, as the beloved puppets will be joined by Janáček Opera NdB soloists and our special Smetana-themed mini-orchestra.

The story of young Klárka, set on Christmas Eve, takes us first into the real world of lavish holiday celebrations and then into the realm of Klárka’s dreams. This version by Canadian choreographer Fernand Nault premiered in 1964 and has come to life every winter since, performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal. Its highlights include a lively pace and a seamless flow of scenes, but above all, the spectacular set and costume design, which captivates children with its richness and vibrant colors. Join us in a magical world and let yourself be whisked away on a sleigh ride through a snowy landscape. Dance amidst the snowflakes until you reach the Kingdom of Sweets, where the King himself awaits to welcome you. On this fairy-tale journey, alongside the Nutcracker, you will encounter nearly a hundred different characters brought to life by soloists and members of the NdB Ballet, as well as students from the Brno Dance Conservatory and the I. V. Psota Ballet School. A ballet fairy tale for the whole family about the magic of Christmas Eve.

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.

"Dad, how do you sell a bride?" "What gave you the idea that someone would sell a bride, Hurvínek?" "Well, I’m reading here: The National Theatre Brno presents Bedřich Smetana’s opera *The Bartered Bride*. So, how does it work, Dad?" "Well, you see, it’s just make-believe... how can I put this... it’s a sort of trick to buy a bride for oneself." "Now I’m totally confused—is she being sold or bought?" "You know what, Hurvajz? Grab Žeryk and Mánička and let’s go to the opera; that’ll be easier than trying to explain it to you!"

Would you also like to know the real story behind the "bartered bride"? Smetana’s *The Bartered Bride* is an iconic opera, but this time we’ve decided to introduce it primarily to children. And since a comic opera should be truly entertaining, the Janáček Opera NdB ensemble has invited the best possible guides to join them. In this new family show, the famous puppet characters Spejbl, Hurvínek, and Mánička will introduce you to *The Bartered Bride* and the world of opera. Žeryk will be there too, along with the best musical highlights, as the beloved puppets will be joined by Janáček Opera NdB soloists and our special Smetana-themed mini-orchestra.

Behind the curtain of history lies a story that was meant to remain forgotten forever. The musical *The Story of the Secret Queen*, inspired by true events, restores a voice to Caroline von Linsingen—a woman who was the wife of an English king, yet found peace only in the South Moravian town of Blansko.

The story of young Klárka, set on Christmas Eve, takes us first into the real world of lavish holiday celebrations and then into the realm of Klárka’s dreams. This version by Canadian choreographer Fernand Nault premiered in 1964 and has come to life every winter since, performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal. Its highlights include a lively pace and a seamless flow of scenes, but above all, the spectacular set and costume design, which captivates children with its richness and vibrant colors. Join us in a magical world and let yourself be whisked away on a sleigh ride through a snowy landscape. Dance amidst the snowflakes until you reach the Kingdom of Sweets, where the King himself awaits to welcome you. On this fairy-tale journey, alongside the Nutcracker, you will encounter nearly a hundred different characters brought to life by soloists and members of the NdB Ballet, as well as students from the Brno Dance Conservatory and the I. V. Psota Ballet School. A ballet fairy tale for the whole family about the magic of Christmas Eve.

KOITU SS - crust punk

HELLCHOKE - goregrind (SK)

SEE YOU IN HELL - hardcore punk

SKIPLIFE - fastcore pv

SHAMPOON KILLER - death metal

LUCIFER EFEKT - punk as fuck

SNĚŤ - death metal

Unique arrangements of renowned songs, not only by the bands Nerez and KOA.

The story of young Klárka, set on Christmas Eve, takes us first into the real world of lavish holiday celebrations and then into the realm of Klárka’s dreams. This version by Canadian choreographer Fernand Nault premiered in 1964 and has come to life every winter since, performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal. Its highlights include a lively pace and a seamless flow of scenes, but above all, the spectacular set and costume design, which captivates children with its richness and vibrant colors. Join us in a magical world and let yourself be whisked away on a sleigh ride through a snowy landscape. Dance amidst the snowflakes until you reach the Kingdom of Sweets, where the King himself awaits to welcome you. On this fairy-tale journey, alongside the Nutcracker, you will encounter nearly a hundred different characters brought to life by soloists and members of the NdB Ballet, as well as students from the Brno Dance Conservatory and the I. V. Psota Ballet School. A ballet fairy tale for the whole family about the magic of Christmas Eve.

A mysterious, gloomy house stands in seclusion somewhere outside town, near the cemetery. This is the home of the rather eccentric Addams family, whose members delight in a brand of humor that ranges from spooky to downright morbid. Their favorite color is black, and they consider death to be the most beautiful thing in life. However, the Addams family's macabre daily routine is drastically disrupted when young Wednesday brings home her new boyfriend, Lucas.

A Czech rapper of Ukrainian origin and a prominent figure on the Brno hip-hop scene.

A mysterious, gloomy house stands in seclusion somewhere outside town, near the cemetery. This is the home of the rather eccentric Addams family, whose members delight in a brand of humor that ranges from spooky to downright morbid. Their favorite color is black, and they consider death to be the most beautiful thing in life. However, the Addams family's macabre daily routine is drastically disrupted when young Wednesday brings home her new boyfriend, Lucas.

Folk Team’s Christmas party at Brno’s Metro Music Bar is a traditional end-of-year event, and this year will be no exception.

Folk Team will perform with the following lineup: Roman Venclovský (vocals, dance), Ivan Huvar (guitars, vocals),

Pavel Kopřiva (violin, spoken word), Roman Jež (keyboards), Martin Kostaš (guitars), Petr Sládek (bass guitar), and Petr Šupler (drums).

The setlist will feature both established hits and songs from their new album, *Na konci světa*!

A mysterious, gloomy house stands in seclusion somewhere outside town, near the cemetery. This is the home of the rather eccentric Addams family, whose members delight in a brand of humor that ranges from spooky to downright morbid. Their favorite color is black, and they consider death to be the most beautiful thing in life. However, the Addams family's macabre daily routine is drastically disrupted when young Wednesday brings home her new boyfriend, Lucas.

Where does solitude end and closeness begin? And how many of the boundaries that limit us have we created ourselves?

Program 9 from the NdB2 junior ballet company presents two new choreographies that turn their focus to the individual—to their inner world and their relationships with others. In *Silence Full of People* (Ticho plné lidí), Klaudie Lakomá explores various forms of solitude—ranging from the feeling of loneliness amidst a crowd and isolation to the moment when solitude can become a space for self-discovery. In *At the End of Every Light There Is a Tunnel* (Na konci každého světla je tunel), Marek Svobodník ventures beyond the boundaries we create in life—boundaries we gradually begin to perceive even where none originally existed.

These two choreographic perspectives are united by the search for one’s own place—somewhere between solitude and closeness, limitation and freedom, the need for self-protection and the courage to reach out to others once more.

Bedřich Smetana and librettist Eliška Krásnohorská originally envisioned a comic opera. However, while composing his final completed opera, Smetana discovered elements in the romantic text—inspired by an ancient legend about a stone wall built by the Devil on the river near the Vyšší Brod Monastery—that gave the story a different tone. Smetana’s isolation in Jabkenice, combined with his poor health and depression, left their mark on the characters; the intended comedy gave way to the depth of their emotions. Yet humor did not vanish entirely; it intertwines with a longing for love, worldly wisdom, melancholy, and diabolical temptation, ultimately resulting in a work that celebrates love, fidelity, and self-sacrifice.

Musically, Bedřich Smetana was ahead of his time with The Devil’s Wall; although it premiered in 1882, its style clearly points toward the 20th century. The libretto, which straddles the line between reality and fantasy, presents a staging challenge—making performances rare—which makes its return to the stage of the Janáček Theatre after nearly fifty years, featuring new chief conductor Robert Kružík and a star-studded cast, all the more magnificent.

The acoustic trio featuring Michal Prokop (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Luboš Andršt (guitar), and Jan Hrubý (violin) has performed since 1987 as a loose collective of three prominent figures from the Czech music scene; their established repertoire has always placed great emphasis on improvisation alongside their seamless interplay. Following Luboš Andršt’s prolonged illness and subsequent death, guitarist Pavel Marcel—a close associate of both Andršt and Prokop—stepped in to take his place, just as he had in Prokop’s full-scale band, Framus Five. Although the trio’s repertoire naturally took on a slightly different character with the new member, the chemistry between the three musicians remains of the same quality, and their concerts—primarily held in club venues—offer an experience just as powerful as ever.

Kalle is a Czech alternative band founded by Veronika Zemanová and David Zeman. Their music draws from genres such as slowcore, trip hop, and alt-pop, blended with influences from electronic and darker rock music. They have released three studio albums—*Live from the Room* (2014), *Saffron Hills* (2017), and *Under The Black Moss* (2022)—earning the band awards such as the Anděl and the Apollo Prize.

This time, Kalle returns to Kabinet MÚZ accompanied by drummer Jirka Bendl (Manon Meurt).

Silent Night, Holy Night

The Advent season is about more than just Jan Jakub Ryba and his *Czech Christmas Mass*—though that, too, will be part of the program. Discover a world of Czech pastorales and sacred songs by Brixi, Ryba, Verdi, Schubert, and others, featuring soprano Pavla Vykopalová, violinist Lenka Koplová, and Ondrej Olos—this time appearing as a pianist.

A mysterious, gloomy house stands in seclusion somewhere outside town, near the cemetery. This is the home of the rather eccentric Addams family, whose members delight in a brand of humor that ranges from spooky to downright morbid. Their favorite color is black, and they consider death to be the most beautiful thing in life. However, the Addams family's macabre daily routine is drastically disrupted when young Wednesday brings home her new boyfriend, Lucas.

The acoustic trio featuring Michal Prokop (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Luboš Andršt (guitar), and Jan Hrubý (violin) has performed since 1987 as a loose collective of three prominent figures from the Czech music scene; their established repertoire has always placed great emphasis on improvisation alongside their seamless interplay. Following Luboš Andršt’s prolonged illness and subsequent death, guitarist Pavel Marcel—a close associate of both Andršt and Prokop—stepped in to take his place, just as he had in Prokop’s full-scale band, Framus Five. Although the trio’s repertoire naturally took on a slightly different character with the new member, the chemistry between the three musicians remains of the same quality, and their concerts—primarily held in club venues—offer an experience just as powerful as ever.

Christmas concert by a folk legend and their band.

The concert will be accompanied by readings by M. Bahulík.

Voluntary admission.

A mysterious, gloomy house stands in seclusion somewhere outside town, near the cemetery. This is the home of the rather eccentric Addams family, whose members delight in a brand of humor that ranges from spooky to downright morbid. Their favorite color is black, and they consider death to be the most beautiful thing in life. However, the Addams family's macabre daily routine is drastically disrupted when young Wednesday brings home her new boyfriend, Lucas.

Is Verdi’s famous Nabucco merely an opera about the yearning for freedom? Jiří Heřman’s production offers a compelling perspective on the story of the Babylonian king and the Jewish people, centering on family relationships and King Nebuchadnezzar himself. Filled with magnificent choral passages and stirring vocal roles, the opera has been one of the most popular titles in our repertoire for 35 years.

What is the price of striving to be a good ruler and building a great empire? Verdi’s opera is based on the Old Testament story of the Jewish people’s captivity under the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar and their longing to return to their homeland—a story that retains its power and relevance to this day, epitomized by the famous chorus "Va, pensiero, sull’ali dorate" (Fly, thought, on golden wings...). Yet, like Verdi’s other works, Nabucco also harbors a more intimate layer concerning love: the story of two sisters, Fenena and Abigaille, and their conflict over the love of the man they both adore and the affection of their father. Verdi portrayed it all with the sensibility of a true dramatist, and the music—brimming with immediacy, passion, and temperament—rightfully continues to captivate audiences today.

RICHARD WAGNER *Siegfried Idyll* for chamber orchestra, WWV 103
GUSTAV MAHLER *Des Knaben Wunderhorn* (The Youth’s Magic Horn), selections from the song cycle
ANTONÍN REJCHA Overture in D major
IGOR STRAVINSKY *Pulcinella*, suite from the ballet

Christoph Prégardien, tenor
Brno Philharmonic
Conductor: Dennis Russell Davies

Richard Wagner composed the *Siegfried Idyll* as an occasional orchestral piece. In it, he looked back to the time when his son Siegfried was born and when he was working on the final scene of the opera of the same name. The idyll is dedicated to his wife Cosima; it was performed for the first time on December 25, 1870—Cosima’s birthday—on the staircase of the Wagner family home in Tribschen, near Lucerne.

This Brno-based tribute act dedicated to The Doors—which originated from the legendary *Hvězdy na vrbě* (Stars on the Willow) musical at Brno’s Hadivadlo Theatre—delivers an authentic musical experience capturing the spirit of one of rock history’s most iconic bands. Through their energy, atmosphere, and faithful renditions of classic songs, they transport you back to the 1960s, when The Doors reigned supreme on stages around the world.

The story of young Klárka, set on Christmas Eve, takes us first into the real world of lavish holiday celebrations and then into the realm of Klárka’s dreams. This version by Canadian choreographer Fernand Nault premiered in 1964 and has come to life every winter since, performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal. Its highlights include a lively pace and a seamless flow of scenes, but above all, the spectacular set and costume design, which captivates children with its richness and vibrant colors. Join us in a magical world and let yourself be whisked away on a sleigh ride through a snowy landscape. Dance amidst the snowflakes until you reach the Kingdom of Sweets, where the King himself awaits to welcome you. On this fairy-tale journey, alongside the Nutcracker, you will encounter nearly a hundred different characters brought to life by soloists and members of the NdB Ballet, as well as students from the Brno Dance Conservatory and the I. V. Psota Ballet School. A ballet fairy tale for the whole family about the magic of Christmas Eve.

RICHARD WAGNER *Siegfried Idyll* for chamber orchestra, WWV 103
GUSTAV MAHLER *Des Knaben Wunderhorn* (The Youth’s Magic Horn), selections from the song cycle
ANTONÍN REJCHA Overture in D major
IGOR STRAVINSKY *Pulcinella*, suite from the ballet

Christoph Prégardien, tenor
Brno Philharmonic
Conductor: Dennis Russell Davies

Richard Wagner composed the *Siegfried Idyll* as an occasional orchestral piece. In it, he looked back to the time when his son Siegfried was born and when he was working on the final scene of the opera of the same name. The idyll is dedicated to his wife Cosima; it was performed for the first time on December 25, 1870—Cosima’s birthday—on the staircase of the Wagner family home in Tribschen, near Lucerne.

A traditional Christmas concert featuring the now-legendary band A-beat and a Led Zeppelin revival act. This wild, beer-and-wine-fueled evening will showcase rock classics—expect tracks by the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Iggy Pop, Led Zeppelin, and many more!

A trio of blues enthusiasts from Brno, the band plays raw, authentic, and visceral original blues. Since their debut *Shovel & Mattock* (2017), they have established a strong presence on both the domestic and international scenes. A major milestone was their collaboration with Mississippi bluesmen R.L. Boyce and Kenny Brown, with whom they recorded two albums in the USA (2019). Their music resonates across Europe, the USA, and Asia, and their live shows are high-energy experiences.

The story of young Klárka, set on Christmas Eve, takes us first into the real world of lavish holiday celebrations and then into the realm of Klárka’s dreams. This version by Canadian choreographer Fernand Nault premiered in 1964 and has come to life every winter since, performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal. Its highlights include a lively pace and a seamless flow of scenes, but above all, the spectacular set and costume design, which captivates children with its richness and vibrant colors. Join us in a magical world and let yourself be whisked away on a sleigh ride through a snowy landscape. Dance amidst the snowflakes until you reach the Kingdom of Sweets, where the King himself awaits to welcome you. On this fairy-tale journey, alongside the Nutcracker, you will encounter nearly a hundred different characters brought to life by soloists and members of the NdB Ballet, as well as students from the Brno Dance Conservatory and the I. V. Psota Ballet School. A ballet fairy tale for the whole family about the magic of Christmas Eve.

The story of young Klárka, set on Christmas Eve, takes us first into the real world of lavish holiday celebrations and then into the realm of Klárka’s dreams. This version by Canadian choreographer Fernand Nault premiered in 1964 and has come to life every winter since, performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal. Its highlights include a lively pace and a seamless flow of scenes, but above all, the spectacular set and costume design, which captivates children with its richness and vibrant colors. Join us in a magical world and let yourself be whisked away on a sleigh ride through a snowy landscape. Dance amidst the snowflakes until you reach the Kingdom of Sweets, where the King himself awaits to welcome you. On this fairy-tale journey, alongside the Nutcracker, you will encounter nearly a hundred different characters brought to life by soloists and members of the NdB Ballet, as well as students from the Brno Dance Conservatory and the I. V. Psota Ballet School. A ballet fairy tale for the whole family about the magic of Christmas Eve.

We have decided to prepare a unique Christmas gift for all the audience members of the Brno City Theatre: a Christmas concert to be performed over several shows on the MdB Music Stage.

AC/DC TRIBUTE Pardubice is a group of fans of the legendary Australian band AC/DC who fulfill their dream of playing this fantastic music—which evokes both nostalgia and joy—during their performances. They strive to make every concert as close to the original as possible, not only musically but also visually, through authentic costumes, choreography, and even precise replicas of the band's signature bell and cannons. The group aims to make every show unique, ensuring fans feel as though they are at a real AC/DC concert. This dedication has earned them great acclaim and praise from audiences across the Czech Republic and abroad.

If you are looking to enjoy the great music of AC/DC, then AC/DC TRIBUTE Pardubice is the perfect choice.

The band consists of musicians with extensive musical backgrounds who have previously released numerous albums of original material with various other groups. They have served as the opening act for global icons such as Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Rage Against the Machine, Faith No More, and Waltari. They have also collaborated with top Czech artists, including Karel Gott, Václav Hybš, David Koller, Ivan Král, Kamil Střihavka, and Petr Kolář.

Experience a Christmas classic like never before.
The unique *Three Wishes for Cinderella* (Tři oříšky pro Popelku) film-in-concert is coming to your city—a beloved fairy tale for all generations, shown in high definition on a massive LED screen and accompanied live by a full 70-piece orchestra.

Karel Svoboda’s magical score awaits, elevating legendary scenes into an unforgettable concert experience—from the tender melodies of the winter landscape to the triumphant fanfares of the royal ball. And when that unforgettable moment arrives—"Preceptor, why aren't they playing?!"—the orchestra will answer you right there in the hall.

A fairy tale that unites generations. Music that still moves the heart after decades.

Experience *Three Wishes for Cinderella* in a unique Christmas atmosphere—and hear it like never before!

A full-length film screening on a large LED screen, accompanied live by a 70-piece symphony orchestra and band.

After years away, BOY returns to the local stage. On Saturday, December 19, at Kabinet MÚZ in Brno, the band will perform a set featuring older tracks alongside material from their new album, *Enemies of the Light*, which is being released via Voltage Records.

For this special evening, the core trio—Martino, Kelso, and Olda—will be joined by Norwegian collaborators who also feature on the new record: Tommy Akerholdt (Turbonegro) on drums and Johan Larsson (OnklP) on bass. Larsson also served as the producer for the entire new album.

And the special lineup doesn't stop there.

American pianist and producer Ronnie King—who also contributed to the new BOY record—will fly to Brno exclusively for this concert. Throughout his career, he has collaborated extensively with major acts such as The Offspring, NOFX, Rancid, and Pennywise, as well as Snoop Dogg and Mariah Carey.

MARTIN JAKUBÍČEK: A Thousand Angels (Premiere)
LENA RIEGEROVÁ and STANISLAV CHUDOBA: A Christmas Fairy Tale

Magdalenka and Kantilénka
Choir directors: Veronika Novosádová and Michal Jančík

Kantiléna is a select children’s and youth choir affiliated with the Brno Philharmonic; its three sections comprise around 150 singers aged 5 to 19. It was founded in 1956 as the Šlapanice Children’s Choir at the initiative of Ivan Sedláček, who later served as its artistic director for many years. In 1967, it became a select ensemble under its current name, and since 1984, it has operated under the auspices of the Brno Philharmonic, frequently performing at the orchestra's events.

We have decided to prepare a unique Christmas gift for all the audience members of the Brno City Theatre: a Christmas concert to be performed over several shows on the MdB Music Stage.

Concert performance

Affectionately nicknamed *Rybovka*, the work was composed in 1796 by the Czech composer Jakub Jan Ryba, who also wrote the Czech lyrics for the mass. Although Ryba adhered to the structure of the Latin musical mass, he essentially created a pastoral play depicting the Annunciation of Christ’s birth and the shepherds’ arrival at the manger; thanks to its fresh, joyful melodies, the work became an instant success and—even today, more than two centuries later—remains an integral part of the Christmas season. However, Ryba’s mass was not the only one of its kind; one of its predecessors is the charming *Missa pastoralis in C boemica* (also known as the Moravian Christmas Mass "Čuj, Miko, čuj!"), composed around 1755 by the Moravian cantor Josef Schreier. Schreier’s mass is essentially a sequence of short pastorales that wittily blend Latin text with the Wallachian dialect; musically, it draws heavily on Moravian folk music of the late Baroque era, making it a fascinating counterpart to Ryba’s Classical-style mass.

We have decided to prepare a unique Christmas gift for all the audience members of the Brno City Theatre: a Christmas concert to be performed over several shows on the MdB Music Stage.

Christmas Concert

Dasha was born in Zlín in 1981. She played the piano and violin from a young age, but singing ultimately won out. She began her career in the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Children's Choir and with the swing band Big Band Zlín. In 1995, she won the "Talentárium" singing competition on the TV show *Mini Maxi*, hosted by Lucie Vondráčková; a year later, she won the "Zlíntalent" festival for young singers, which paved the way not only for her singing career but also for the release of her debut album, *… Do peřin*. Thanks to this competition, she moved to Prague, where Jiří Korn took her under his wing at the Krach artistic agency. She had not originally intended to become a singer; she had planned to study tourism and languages.

LVMEN

Some of us thought that after the album’s release, there would be one or two shows, and then—silence for a few years. But far from it! Exactly one year later, Lvmen returns to Kabinet MÚZ. A cornerstone of the Czech post-hardcore scene and one of our most significant bands of the last 30 years—a group held dear by thousands of fans across Europe.

THULSA

Thulsa will be showcasing new material at Kabinet MÚZ! This Brno-based band features familiar faces (from acts like Tummo, Roxor, and Evidence Smrti) with Milan "Banán" Trachta on vocals. Expect a blend of hardcore, metal, and stoner doom, paired with lyrics that explore the realm of existential utopia. The band released their debut album, *Přikryti stíny*, via their home label, Kabinet Records.

The story of young Klárka, set on Christmas Eve, takes us first into the real world of lavish holiday celebrations and then into the realm of Klárka’s dreams. This version by Canadian choreographer Fernand Nault premiered in 1964 and has come to life every winter since, performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal. Its highlights include a lively pace and a seamless flow of scenes, but above all, the spectacular set and costume design, which captivates children with its richness and vibrant colors. Join us in a magical world and let yourself be whisked away on a sleigh ride through a snowy landscape. Dance amidst the snowflakes until you reach the Kingdom of Sweets, where the King himself awaits to welcome you. On this fairy-tale journey, alongside the Nutcracker, you will encounter nearly a hundred different characters brought to life by soloists and members of the NdB Ballet, as well as students from the Brno Dance Conservatory and the I. V. Psota Ballet School. A ballet fairy tale for the whole family about the magic of Christmas Eve.