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.

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.

A Christmas concert by the famous sibling duo and their band.

A spectacular Christmas concert that blends the magic of the holiday season, the splendor of classical music, and the energy of a modern show into one unforgettable evening.

The stage will feature Petr Tomeček and his pan flute, a live orchestra and band, a children’s choir, a solo vocalist, dancers, and a ballet ensemble. All of this is presented within an impressive stage production, enhanced by a grand light show and visual effects displayed on a massive LED screen.

A Christmas concert by the famous sibling duo and their band.

PETR ŘEZNÍČEK: A Selection of Czech and Moravian Carols
MARTIN JAKUBÍČEK: A Thousand Angels
LUKÁŠ SOMMER: The Heavens Have Given Us Dew (cantata based on poems by Vít Slíva)

Kantilénka and Kantiléna
Octopus Vocalis (guest ensemble)
Choirmasters: 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, performing alongside the orchestra at its events. Jakub Klecker led the choir until the 2019/2020 season; since September 2020, Michal Jančík has served as Kantiléna’s artistic director and chief choirmaster. Children prepare for the main choir’s demanding concert schedule in the senior preparatory choir, Kantilénka, while the youngest members sing in Magdalenka—named after former member and current patron of Kantiléna, Magdalena Kožená. Magdalenka is led by Veronika Novosádová, while Kantilénka is led jointly by both choirmasters.

King David had three sons: Jiří, Jakub, and the youngest, Jan. When the king fell ill, Queen Anežka recalled a strange dream from long ago about the existence of miraculous "living water." The hopes and thoughts of the entire kingdom now rest upon this remedy; it falls to the young princes to venture out into the world, attempt to obtain the living water, and save the dying king's life. And as is the way with good fairy tales, the path to a happy ending is winding and fraught with adventure and peril—and, of course, there are three enchanted princesses.

King David had three sons: Jiří, Jakub, and the youngest, Jan. When the king fell ill, Queen Anežka recalled a strange dream from long ago about the existence of miraculous "living water." The hopes and thoughts of the entire kingdom now rest upon this remedy; it falls to the young princes to venture out into the world, attempt to obtain the living water, and save the dying king's life. And as is the way with good fairy tales, the path to a happy ending is winding and fraught with adventure and peril—and, of course, there are three enchanted princesses.

Georg Friedrich Händel: Messiah (excerpts – arias and choruses)
Jakub Jan Ryba: Czech Christmas Mass "Hey, Master!"

Tereza Zimková, soprano
Jarmila Vantuchová, alto
Matúš Šimko, tenor
Tomáš Šelc, bass
Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno
Choirmaster: Petr Fiala
Czech Virtuosi
Conductor: Jakub Klecker

King David had three sons: Jiří, Jakub, and the youngest, Jan. When the king fell ill, Queen Anežka recalled a strange dream from long ago about the existence of miraculous "living water." The hopes and thoughts of the entire kingdom now rest upon this remedy; it falls to the young princes to venture out into the world, attempt to obtain the living water, and save the dying king's life. And as is the way with good fairy tales, the path to a happy ending is winding and fraught with adventure and peril—and, of course, there are three enchanted princesses.

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.

King David had three sons: Jiří, Jakub, and the youngest, Jan. When the king fell ill, Queen Anežka recalled a strange dream from long ago about the existence of miraculous "living water." The hopes and thoughts of the entire kingdom now rest upon this remedy; it falls to the young princes to venture out into the world, attempt to obtain the living water, and save the dying king's life. And as is the way with good fairy tales, the path to a happy ending is winding and fraught with adventure and peril—and, of course, there are three enchanted princesses.

Verdi’s Aida is one of his masterpieces, featuring all the essential ingredients of Romantic Italian opera: love, jealousy, political intrigue, grand choral scenes, and an inevitable tragic death. Naturally, this requires a superb cast of singers—in this instance, Csilla Boross, Sung Kyu Park, Luis Cansino, Aleš Jenis, and others. This production also marks the first time our company will collaborate with our junior ballet ensemble, NdB2. While Verdi typically selected his own subjects for musical adaptation, the offer for this work came from an external source; the opera was commissioned by the Egyptian Khedive Ismail Pasha, originally for the celebrations marking the opening of the Suez Canal and for the newly built Cairo Opera House. Verdi initially hesitated, but the subject matter—set in ancient Egypt and based on a story by the archaeologist Auguste Mariette—eventually captured his interest. It was not the spectacle that drew him in, but rather the intimate drama concealed beneath layers of political intrigue. The result is a compelling and timeless story filled with powerful music, ranging from famous arias like "Celeste Aida" and the Triumphal March to the opera’s heart-wrenching final quartet. Productions usually focus on the secret lovers Radames and Aida, but what if we were to view the entire story through the eyes of Amneris? Her love for Radames drives her to win him at any cost—unaware that the ultimate price will be human lives, including that of the man she desires.

Long ago, from the land of ice and fire—the land of Norse gods and sagas, of fjords and mythical dragons—rose the Viking realm. A proud and conquering people, a nation of warriors for whom honor meant more than life itself. And here began the story of our hero Johan, a brave Viking… well, not exactly.

Join us on an express journey to Paris, Vienna, and beyond. We will pay tribute to the father of operetta, Jacques Offenbach, and his famous *Orpheus in the Underworld*—complete with the can-can—before heading to Vienna to visit the "King of Waltzes and Operetta," Johann Strauss Jr.; after all, *Die Fledermaus* is as essential to the end of the year as sparkling champagne. Franz Lehár will add a touch of romance with *The Merry Widow*, and, of course, the program will feature Strauss’s most beloved waltzes, polkas, and marches.

Performers include sopranos Veronika Rovná and Andrea Široká, tenor Aleš Briscein, and the Chorus and Orchestra of the Janáček Opera (NdB) under the baton of Chief Conductor Robert Kružík.

There will also be a special surprise in store, and we will waltz our way right through the intermission.
Dance master, choreographer, and *StarDance* judge Jaroslav Kuneš will bring the foyer to life alongside his dance partner.

Long ago, from the land of ice and fire—the land of Norse gods and sagas, of fjords and mythical dragons—rose the Viking realm. A proud and conquering people, a nation of warriors for whom honor meant more than life itself. And here began the story of our hero Johan, a brave Viking… well, not exactly.

Gabriel Eisenstein is due to serve a one-week prison sentence for contempt of court. At home, he pretends to be leaving to serve his time, but instead goes incognito to enjoy a party hosted by the exotic Prince Orlofsky. His wife, Rosalinda, takes advantage of her husband's absence to invite her former lover, Alfred; however, their tryst is interrupted by guards arriving to take her husband to prison.

As we celebrate the bicentennial of Johann Strauss Jr.’s birth, we decided to give both him and you a gift: a new production of his famous operetta *Die Fledermaus* (The Bat). Since its premiere, this witty tale of mistaken identity—and the lesson that even innocent flirting can backfire—has enjoyed great success on leading stages, and not just those dedicated to operetta. *Die Fledermaus* has long been a staple in the repertoires of houses such as the Metropolitan Opera and the Vienna State Opera. Few realize today that it all began with the ill-fated acquisition of the French play *Le Réveillon* by Meilhac and Halévy. After reading it, Max Stein, the director of the Theater an der Wien, decided against staging it as a straight play; instead, he had it adapted into an operetta libretto to offer to Johann Strauss. Strauss was delighted with Richard Genée’s version and completed the score within four months. A comedy brimming with Strauss’s sparkling melodies was created in record time, giving birth to *Die Fledermaus*—a work rightly regarded today as a jewel of classic Viennese operetta.

Long ago, from the land of ice and fire—the land of Norse gods and sagas, of fjords and mythical dragons—rose the Viking realm. A proud and conquering people, a nation of warriors for whom honor meant more than life itself. And here began the story of our hero Johan, a brave Viking… well, not exactly.

LUNETIC
A phenomenon that dominated the airwaves and clubs at the turn of the millennium. Hits like "Má máma," "Ať je co je," and "Chtěl bych tě líbat" will transport you back to a time when we danced the night away to these very tracks.

HOLKI
The girl-group pop sensation—no proper party back then was complete without them. Get ready to hear "Už mi nevolej" and "Mám ráda" once again—songs whose lyrics remain etched in our memories to this day.

VERONA
A dance-music whirlwind from the turn of the millennium. Club anthems like "Náhodou" and "Nejsi sám" are guaranteed to get you out of your seat and back onto the dance floor.

PETR HOLÍK (Rádio Krokodýl)
A voice that is an inseparable part of Brno. This seasoned host from Rádio Krokodýl will guide you through the entire evening, ensuring a fantastic atmosphere from the very first minute—right through the New Year’s toast and the subsequent New Year’s afterparty.

New Year's Eve at Club Fléda.

NINO ROTA: La strada, suite from the ballet
JOE HISAISHI: "Merry-Go-Round of Life" from the film Howl’s Moving Castle
JOHN WILLIAMS: Star Wars (Main Theme)
ERICH WOLFGANG KORNGOLD: Cello Concerto in C major, Op. 37
LEONARD BERNSTEIN: On the Waterfront, suite

Lukáš Polák, cello
Brno Philharmonic
Conductor: Dennis Russell Davies

The Brno Philharmonic was established as the State Philharmonic Brno on January 1, 1956, and held its first concert that very same day (though not yet under its official name). Since then, it has regularly held New Year’s concerts—with the exception of 2021, when the concert was cancelled due to the pandemic. These concerts serve a dual symbolic purpose: they welcome the New Year while also marking the orchestra’s anniversary—which, in 2027, will be its 71st. This time, the celebrations will be dedicated to famous film music.