Events

Music rooted in flamenco and Mediterranean energy has evolved over the years into a global phenomenon. Songs such as "Bamboleo," "Djobi Djoba," "Baila Me," and "Volare" resonate across generations and continents today.

The project is led by co-founder Diego Baliardo, who carries on the band's legacy alongside a new generation of musicians. With over 20 million albums sold, a Grammy Award for *Savor Flamenco*, and concerts worldwide, the Gipsy Kings have long since transcended the boundaries of world music.

Join us for *A Step Behind the Curtain*. This program is designed for curious minds of all ages—young and old alike—who wish to learn something new about the world of opera.

Embark on a 70-minute interactive, adventurous, and—above all—entertaining journey into the heart of opera productions, featuring soloists, the chorus, and the orchestra of the Janáček Opera of the National Theatre Brno (NdB).

This educational program is suitable for secondary schools. *A Step Behind the Curtain* is an ideal way to integrate music education with Czech language studies or aesthetics.

Monolord is a Swedish stoner-doom band known for massive riffs and a hypnotic, heavy atmosphere. Formed in Gothenburg in 2013, the band consists of Thomas Jäger (guitar, vocals), drummer Esben Willems, and bassist Mika Häkki. Monolord quickly rose to the forefront of the modern doom scene thanks to a string of critically acclaimed albums and relentless touring across Europe, North and South America, as well as appearances at major festivals such as Hellfest, Desertfest, Psycho Las Vegas, and Roadburn.

Their records—including *Empress Rising*, *Vænir*, *Rust*, and *No Comfort*—cemented their reputation for blending crushing stoner fuzz with metal melodies and immersive, repetitive structures. Today, Monolord ranks among the most popular acts in the heavy music scene and is embarking on a new chapter: their album *Neverending* was produced by the legendary Sylvia Massy and released via Relapse Records.

Introduce students to Leoš Janáček in a fun and engaging 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 takes place on the rehearsal stage of the Janáček Theatre and guides students through the milestones of Janáček’s life and work using entertaining 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.
To book the program, please contact the opera education specialist: Klára Mazlová (mazlova@ndbrno.cz, +420 607 089 755).

A famous musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo

On February 13, 2009, one of the most renowned musicals of the 20th century premiered on the Musical Stage of the Brno City Theatre. Based on Victor Hugo’s famous 1862 novel *Les Misérables*, the story of the escaped convict Jean Valjean captured the hearts of audiences—and not just in Brno—during a run of more than 130 performances, while Petr Gazdík won the prestigious Thalia Award for his portrayal of the lead role.

OH HUMANITY!

An existential one-act opera

Oh Humanity! The final cry of a witness to a cataclysmic disaster. There comes a point when it is simply too much. Pierre (perhaps Petr, perhaps you or me) has seen too much. Nothing remains but helplessness. He can bear to see no more, feel no more. And so, he shuts down... And then? Another disaster.

What is right, and what makes us heroes? The answer may well be waiting at Borodino.

HERE LIES AN ISLAND

A comic one-act opera based on the apocryphal tales of Karel Čapek

Three renowned figures—Don Juan, Hamlet, and Napoleon—find themselves shipwrecked on the shores of a mythical island of gold, abundance, and infinite possibilities. But what happens when they confront boundless freedom and are given the chance to rewrite their own stories? Will they finally find what they crave? Will they remain true to themselves?

COLOQUIO 6
Carolina Guiducci, Sergio Sánchez Martín / clarinet
Janire De Paz Rivas, Pablo Traine / French horn
William Gough, Javier Sánchez Castillo / bassoon

The Magic Flute
In Spanish, the word *coloquio* means "conversation." In the outstanding wind sextet Coloquio 6, six young virtuoso musicians engage in a musical conversation, viewing music as an ongoing dialogue and an exchange of ideas and emotions—both among themselves and with the audience. We will hear the distinctive and captivating sound of this wind ensemble for the first time in our series, and we will dive straight into Mozart: a selection of arias from his famous *The Magic Flute* will be performed in a historical arrangement by Johann Christian Stumpf for two clarinets, two French horns, and two bassoons.

In cooperation with HF JAMU and MHF Concentus Moraviae, and as part of the S-EEEmerging project.

Program:
W. A. ​​Mozart, J. Ch. Stumpf

Program:

Max Reger (1873–1916): Suite No. 1 in G minor for Solo Viola, Op. 131d

Henri Vieuxtemps (1820–1881): Sonata for Viola and Piano in B-flat major, Op. 36

I. (Maestoso) — II. Barcarolla (Andante con moto) — III. Finale scherzando (Allegretto)

Johannes Brahms (1833–1897): Trio for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano in A minor, Op. 114 (arranged for viola)

Allegro — Adagio — Andantino grazioso — Allegro

Led by the confidently self-assured frontman Kirris Riviere, the band will take you on an improvised journey through the blues material from their debut album, adapted for a club stage. This year, Kirris’s band received a nomination for "Emerging Blues Act of the Year," alongside True Strays, Whisky Flowers, Burning Rope (ex-Catfish), and Scotland’s Bison Hip…

Kirris Riviere – vocals, Evan Newman – keyboards, Marek Domanowski – guitar, David Johns – bass, Pete Warner – drums

A prominent Slovak singer, songwriter, and performer with international reach, he blends modern pop with electronic elements and a darker atmosphere.

ADONXS creates contemporary, world-class pop characterized by a strong visual identity and a charismatic stage presence.

Josef Suk: A Fairy Tale, Op. 16 / suite for large orchestra based on themes from the music for Julius Zeyer’s dramatic fairy tale *Radúz and Mahulena*

Leoš Janáček: *Šárka* (concert performance), JW I/1 / opera in three acts based on the music drama by Julius Zeyer 

Cast:
Šárka: Mária Porubčinová
Ctirad: Aleš Briscein
Přemysl: Svatopluk Sem
Lumír: Daniel Matoušek

A mere ten years separate Janáček’s first opera and Suk’s *A Fairy Tale*. They are linked not only by the figure of the writer, playwright, and poet Julius Zeyer but also by Slavic mythology.

A famous musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo

On February 13, 2009, one of the most renowned musicals of the 20th century premiered on the Musical Stage of the Brno City Theatre. Based on Victor Hugo’s famous 1862 novel *Les Misérables*, the story of the escaped convict Jean Valjean captured the hearts of audiences—and not just in Brno—during a run of more than 130 performances, while Petr Gazdík won the prestigious Thalia Award for his portrayal of the lead role.

A group with a highly distinctive take on klezmer that gets dancers’ blood pumping and delights listeners. Through their own arrangements, they breathe new life into traditional melodies, blending them primarily with Balkan and Romani music.

After a successful arena tour, we are returning to clubs and cultural centers—likely for the last time in a long while. As part of the FACE TOur FACE, we will visit legendary venues where the band’s history was written. Don't expect pyrotechnics or elaborate effects; it’s just us, face-to-face and as close as possible to the fans who have supported the band for nearly a quarter of a century. The FACE TOur FACE will also stop at the legendary Fléda club, which has a limited capacity, so we recommend buying tickets as soon as possible!
Koblížci will appear as the special guest.

Schedule
Doors: 18:30
Photo session: 19:00 – 20:00
Koblížci: 20:15 – 21:15
Rybičky 48: 21:45
End: 23:15

Since their formation in 2019, the band Něco něco has oscillated between indie, rock, synth-pop, and occasionally even post-punk. You’ll find yourself singing their melodies over and over, and their choruses will get you dancing—a fact they’re not afraid to showcase during their high-energy live shows. With lyrics in Czech, their songs are sure to resonate with you; they might offer a gentle caress, a warm embrace, or perhaps a sharp slap across the face—depending entirely on which phase of her menstrual cycle singer Alžběta was in when she wrote them.

pokoj25

Melancholic indie-rap infused with elements of club-ready synth-punk—snippets from a diary that tell stories of coming of age, the city at night, and nostalgic escapism. pokoj25 feels like the soundtrack to the walk home after a party, a memory of a first summer job, an MP3 player with a forgotten playlist, and everything we meant to get done but never quite managed to.

A famous musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo

On February 13, 2009, one of the most renowned musicals of the 20th century premiered on the Musical Stage of the Brno City Theatre. Based on Victor Hugo’s famous 1862 novel *Les Misérables*, the story of the escaped convict Jean Valjean captured the hearts of audiences—and not just in Brno—during a run of more than 130 performances, while Petr Gazdík won the prestigious Thalia Award for his portrayal of the lead role.

The complete presentation of Janáček’s operas during the festival’s 10th edition offers a unique opportunity not only to enjoy his masterpieces but also to discover works rarely seen on stage today. Alongside Janáček’s debut, *Šárka*, these include his second opera, *The Beginning of a Romance* (*Počátek románu*), a piece strongly influenced by the period when the composer was deeply interested in folklore. The libretto was based on a short story of the same name by Gabriela Preissová—herself inspired by a genre painting by Jaroslav Věšín—and was written by Janáček’s colleague from the grammar school, František Rypáček (publishing under the name Jaromír Tichý), after Eliška Krásnohorská had declined the task. The simple love story of Poluška, a village girl, and Adolf, a young man from the gentry—a romance that meets with disapproval from Adolf’s parents—is filled with music derived from Janáček’s own transcriptions of folk music. Janáček himself described the opera as a *vaudeville*, a genre characterized by a simple plot accompanied by popular (i.e., folk) tunes—in this case, including folk dances. The premiere, conducted by the composer himself, took place in Brno on February 10, 1894, and brought Janáček his first theatrical success. By that time, however, he was already working on *Jenůfa* (*Její pastorkyňa*); in that work, he discovered a distinctive musical language and ultimately embarked on a path vastly different from the one outlined in *The Beginning of a Romance*.

New Music Forum. New Music Encounters Plus.

Opening Concert

Tomáš Hanzlík, Vít Zouhar: La Dafne

Tomáš Hanzlík & Ensemble Damian
A free reconstruction of the first opera in history. A revival of a successful production based on a libretto by Ottavio Rinuccini.

Free admission.

Cymbelín Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary

We invite you to a special evening with the ethno-folk-alternative band Cymbelín, performing in their original lineup for the first time in over 20 years.

Tomáš Šenkyřík – guitar, vocals
Kristýna Urbánková – piano, vocals
Jiří Rohel – clarinet
Pavel Rajmic – violin

Tereza Hrabini

Singer and songwriter Tereza Hrabini invites you to the launch of her second album, *Dceremonie*, which will be released on September 11th via the Indies Scope label. The record explores themes of grief, loss, and saying goodbye, as well as the search for one’s own identity and a place to call home. Musically, it sits at the intersection of "horror naivism" and "weird pop."

Ima Teva

Ima Teva—the artistic persona of Petra Juráčková—has been a part of the Czech electronic scene since 2019. Her work blends intimate vocals with electronic arrangements and synthesizers, resulting in dark, atmospheric, and deeply emotional music that draws you in from the very first note.
Her live performances are intense experiences, oscillating between fragility and raw energy. On stage, she is accompanied by guitarist David Pomahač (Kieslowski).

Frankie & The Deadbeats will celebrate the release of their third studio album, *Sometimes Drunk, Always Fucked Up*. This new record arrives three years after their last, once again on the Pushteek label.

The evening’s special guest is Matt Charette, a prominent figure in the Boston DIY scene who blends punk roots with Americana and country. His songs are raw and personal, drawing on his own experiences and the life around him. Notably, this marks his first time touring Europe with his band, The Truer Sound.

DJ Kuda will be on the decks for the evening. Having made a habit of visiting every record store he encountered while touring with bands, he has built a collection rich in musical discoveries. His sets blend rocksteady, soul, and Middle Eastern music.

Kamil Střihavka will perform at Sono Music Club on November 12, 2026.

The complete presentation of Janáček’s operas during the festival’s 10th edition offers a unique opportunity not only to enjoy his masterpieces but also to discover works rarely seen on stage today. Alongside Janáček’s debut, *Šárka*, these include his second opera, *The Beginning of a Romance* (*Počátek románu*), a piece strongly influenced by the period when the composer was deeply interested in folklore. The libretto was based on a short story of the same name by Gabriela Preissová—herself inspired by a genre painting by Jaroslav Věšín—and was written by Janáček’s colleague from the grammar school, František Rypáček (publishing under the name Jaromír Tichý), after Eliška Krásnohorská had declined the task. The simple love story of Poluška, a village girl, and Adolf, a young man from the gentry—a romance that meets with disapproval from Adolf’s parents—is filled with music derived from Janáček’s own transcriptions of folk music. Janáček himself described the opera as a *vaudeville*, a genre characterized by a simple plot accompanied by popular (i.e., folk) tunes—in this case, including folk dances. The premiere, conducted by the composer himself, took place in Brno on February 10, 1894, and brought Janáček his first theatrical success. By that time, however, he was already working on *Jenůfa* (*Její pastorkyňa*); in that work, he discovered a distinctive musical language and ultimately embarked on a path vastly different from the one outlined in *The Beginning of a Romance*.

A famous musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo

On February 13, 2009, one of the most renowned musicals of the 20th century premiered on the Musical Stage of the Brno City Theatre. Based on Victor Hugo’s famous 1862 novel *Les Misérables*, the story of the escaped convict Jean Valjean captured the hearts of audiences—and not just in Brno—during a run of more than 130 performances, while Petr Gazdík won the prestigious Thalia Award for his portrayal of the lead role.

There are few significant or famous ballets from the Classical and Romantic eras that are not part of our company’s repertoire. We are including *Giselle*—a masterpiece of Romantic ballet and, without exaggeration, a cornerstone of the ballet canon—in our performance schedule.

The premiere of the new ballet *Giselle* took place in Paris in 1841; it was such a resounding success that, within a decade, it had been staged at all the major venues of the ballet world. The subject matter was drawn from the German poet Heinrich Heine’s collection *De l’Allemagne*. The story—concerning young women who die of betrayed love before their weddings and subsequently find no peace in the grave—was adapted by Théophile Gautier, a leading theorist of Romantic theatre, and librettist Jules Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges. Adolphe Adam composed the poignant, enchanting, and melodic score, which is imbued with French charm. The first interpreter of the fragile Giselle was Carlotta Grisi, one of the greatest dancers of the Romantic era; the ballet was created specifically for her by choreographers Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. In the Czech lands, *Giselle* won over audiences only gradually. It did not reach the Brno stage until the late 1960s, when choreographer Miroslav Kůra presented it there for the first time (1968). Audiences also fondly remember Jiří Blažek’s 1983 production—which enjoyed a run of over a hundred performances—featuring the unforgettable, ethereal ballerinas Soňa Zejdová and, later, Jana Kosíková in the title role.

The fifth annual Charity Night is arriving in a big way. After years at Brno’s ArtBar, the non-profit organization Human Help, z.s., is moving to a larger venue—the legendary Fléda. That is where we will gather on November 13, 2026, to lend a hand where it is needed most.
This year features a lineup that will never be repeated in this exact combination. We are keeping the names under wraps for now, but we can promise an evening that will take Charity Night to the next level.
Helping others is what it’s all about. This time, we have chosen two stories—those of Vašek and Míša. You will learn more about them soon and understand why being there matters.
Get ready for music, energy, community, and a night that truly makes a difference. Charity Night 2026—bigger venue, bigger heart, bigger impact.

Undercover – Alanis Morissette Tribute Band

The Brno-based band Undercover pays tribute to Canadian singer Alanis Morissette. Their repertoire consists primarily of songs from her most successful album, *Jagged Little Pill*. The band will perform as an "unplugged" trio, featuring Mihu (vocals, guitar), Lukáš Macur (bass), and Lukáš Čech (percussion).

Onen svět

Denisa and Vendula Spáčilová are sisters who have been blending their voices in various projects since childhood. Their sound incorporates elements of gospel, soul, and pop. The group Onen svět is a long-standing ensemble led by the legendary Brno-based bassist Pavel Žemla.

In Leoš Janáček’s opera *Káťa Kabanová*, the protagonist is trapped in a dark web of relationships. Her domineering mother-in-law, Kabanicha, controls her son Tichon, whose marriage to Káťa is severely strained under this domination. Finding no fulfillment within the family, Káťa turns to a secret love affair with Boris.

Acting as his own librettist, Janáček condensed the plot of Alexander N. Ostrovsky’s drama *The Storm*, deliberately omitting extensive social commentary. Instead, he creates a musical language of extraordinary psychological nuance that traces Káťa’s inner evolution. Her feelings of guilt and mental anguish intensify, culminating in a public confession—an emotional storm that sweeps everything away.

Director Krzysztof Warlikowski views Káťa as an outcast denied the chance to live in harmony with her desires—a woman who ultimately chooses death over a life of hypocrisy. In this Munich production, the set design, lighting, and video projections amplify both Káťa’s inner landscape and the social constraints that hem her in.

As the name suggests, Eagle Eye is a project built around the work of the "Ice Queen" Tarja Turunen. The band's repertoire features the biggest hits from Tarja's solo career. Their live shows often include acoustic versions of selected songs by the Finnish metal diva, and the setlist never fails to include legendary hits from Nightwish, the band where Tarja first made her mark years ago.

OH HUMANITY!

An existential one-act opera

Oh Humanity! The final cry of a witness to a cataclysmic disaster. There comes a point when it is simply too much. Pierre (perhaps Petr, perhaps you or me) has seen too much. Nothing remains but helplessness. He can bear to see no more, feel no more. And so, he shuts down... And then? Another disaster.

What is right, and what makes us heroes? The answer may well be waiting at Borodino.

HERE LIES AN ISLAND

A comic one-act opera based on the apocryphal tales of Karel Čapek

Three renowned figures—Don Juan, Hamlet, and Napoleon—find themselves shipwrecked on the shores of a mythical island of gold, abundance, and infinite possibilities. But what happens when they confront boundless freedom and are given the chance to rewrite their own stories? Will they finally find what they crave? Will they remain true to themselves?

There are few significant or famous ballets from the Classical and Romantic eras that are not part of our company’s repertoire. We are including *Giselle*—a masterpiece of Romantic ballet and, without exaggeration, a cornerstone of the ballet canon—in our performance schedule.

The premiere of the new ballet *Giselle* took place in Paris in 1841; it was such a resounding success that, within a decade, it had been staged at all the major venues of the ballet world. The subject matter was drawn from the German poet Heinrich Heine’s collection *De l’Allemagne*. The story—concerning young women who die of betrayed love before their weddings and subsequently find no peace in the grave—was adapted by Théophile Gautier, a leading theorist of Romantic theatre, and librettist Jules Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges. Adolphe Adam composed the poignant, enchanting, and melodic score, which is imbued with French charm. The first interpreter of the fragile Giselle was Carlotta Grisi, one of the greatest dancers of the Romantic era; the ballet was created specifically for her by choreographers Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. In the Czech lands, *Giselle* won over audiences only gradually. It did not reach the Brno stage until the late 1960s, when choreographer Miroslav Kůra presented it there for the first time (1968). Audiences also fondly remember Jiří Blažek’s 1983 production—which enjoyed a run of over a hundred performances—featuring the unforgettable, ethereal ballerinas Soňa Zejdová and, later, Jana Kosíková in the title role.

A famous musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo

On February 13, 2009, one of the most renowned musicals of the 20th century premiered on the Musical Stage of the Brno City Theatre. Based on Victor Hugo’s famous 1862 novel *Les Misérables*, the story of the escaped convict Jean Valjean captured the hearts of audiences—and not just in Brno—during a run of more than 130 performances, while Petr Gazdík won the prestigious Thalia Award for his portrayal of the lead role.

Rock for dancing and listening—from A to Z!

Following his successful series of major concerts, "Zatancuj si so mnou," Adam Ďurica presents a unique and deeply personal project. He will soon be visiting Czech cities with an acoustic program featuring his greatest hits in brand-new arrangements—delivered with a level of closeness, intimacy, and emotional intensity unlike ever before.

Fans can look forward to songs such as "Zatancuj si so mnou," "Mandolína," "Neľutujem," "Naše hriechy," and many others, presented in special acoustic versions created exclusively for this tour. These new arrangements reveal the depth, emotion, and atmosphere of the songs—qualities that will be further amplified within the setting of smaller venues.

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Missa brevis

Pavel Křížkovský: Graduale in Dominica Resurrectionis

Leoš Janáček: Exaudi Deus, JW II/4

Johann Sebastian Bach: Magnificat, BWV 243

The choir loft of the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Old Brno is a place closely linked to the childhood and youth of Leoš Janáček. He sang there regularly as a chorister and later held the position of choir director. His teacher—the choir director and head of the Augustinian Abbey’s musical foundation, Pavel Křížkovský—was a major proponent of "Cecilianism." This was a reform movement in church music that aimed to strip away Classical and, above all, Romantic accretions; to revive Gregorian chant; to perform works from the turn of the 17th century; and to compose music in a style akin to that of Palestrina. The young Leoš Janáček shared this same passion for the movement. It is hardly surprising, then, that both Křížkovský and subsequently Janáček presented works in the Old Brno choir loft not only by contemporary exponents of Cecilianism but also by composers such as Orlando di Lasso and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. Ecclesiastical modes also influenced Janáček’s own musical thinking. Palestrina—serving as a kind of archetype of church music—also influenced the work of Johann Sebastian Bach.

MACOCHA

Heavy metallers from the depths of the Moravia Karst are back with a brand-new album titled *Pale Heart*! This new release offers everything you love about Macocha, showcasing the band in a style that is even heavier, more aggressive, darker, and—above all—more mature than on their 2024 debut. A unique opportunity to hear the new album live in all its glory.

ADACTA (SK)

A staple of the hardcore punk scene since 2000. Bratislava-based HM-2 worshippers. Massive, raw metal riffs blend with punk-fueled drive. Uncompromising music, uncompromising views—no holding back!

The program will feature songs and compositions ranging from the old and ancient to the new and very latest—spanning the more than 60-year active musical career of Zdeněk Kluka. Kluka is a drummer, vocalist, composer, and arranger, as well as a co-founder and member of legendary bands such as Atlantis, The Progress Organization, Barnodaj, and Progres 2 / Progres.

In addition to his work with his primary band, Progres 2, Kluka has composed numerous songs and pieces of incidental music for Czech and Slovak theaters, as well as scores for film, documentaries, and television.

Luboš Fišer: Dreams and Waltzes
Béla Bartók: Romanian Dances, Op. 8a, BB 56
Igor Stravinsky: Valse pour les enfants
Igor Stravinsky: Tango
Frédéric Chopin: Mazurkas (selection)
Bedřich Smetana: Czech Dances, Sets I and II (selection)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Partita in B-flat major, BWV 825

Although the name Luboš Fišer (1935–1999) often brings to mind his film scores, he also garnered international acclaim as a composer of orchestral, choral, and chamber music. In addition to eight remarkable piano sonatas, he composed *Dreams and Waltzes* (1993) for the instrument; this work employs a postmodern approach, combining a Chopin-esque dreaminess with banal waltz melodies.

Luboš Fišer: Dreams and Waltzes
Béla Bartók: Romanian Dances, Op. 8a, BB 56
Igor Stravinsky: Valse pour les enfants
Igor Stravinsky: Tango
Frédéric Chopin: Mazurkas (selection)
Bedřich Smetana: Czech Dances, Sets I and II (selection)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Partita in B-flat major, BWV 825

Although the name Luboš Fišer (1935–1999) often brings to mind his film scores, he also garnered international acclaim as a composer of orchestral, choral, and chamber music. In addition to eight remarkable piano sonatas, he composed *Dreams and Waltzes* (1993) for the instrument; this work employs a postmodern approach, combining a Chopin-esque dreaminess with banal waltz melodies.

A famous musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo

On February 13, 2009, one of the most renowned musicals of the 20th century premiered on the Musical Stage of the Brno City Theatre. Based on Victor Hugo’s famous 1862 novel *Les Misérables*, the story of the escaped convict Jean Valjean captured the hearts of audiences—and not just in Brno—during a run of more than 130 performances, while Petr Gazdík won the prestigious Thalia Award for his portrayal of the lead role.

"Roots" is the theme of the festival’s 10th edition, and the premiere performance by the Brno-based ensemble focuses precisely on this concept. Through a site-specific production at the Besední dům—a venue inextricably linked to Janáček’s role in Brno’s cultural life—we will return to the very beginnings of the Maestro’s operatic output.

The opera *Šárka* exists in two forms: the 1887 version, which Janáček completed only as a piano reduction, and the revised, fully orchestrated version from 1925. While both versions will be presented at the festival, director Jiří Heřman has chosen the original 1887 form for his project; this allows him to immerse the audience within the Besední dům in the midst of the dramatic clash between men and women—a conflict that culminates in tragedy. The piano part will be performed by the outstanding British pianist Julius Drake, an artist well known to festival audiences from previous years as a brilliant interpreter of Janáček’s music.

Immortality is a curse.

The story of the singer Emilia Marty, who has lived for over three hundred years thanks to an elixir of life… A glimpse into the eccentric world of opera divas, degenerate nobility, and shallow petty bourgeois. In February 2017, the Janáček Opera presented this production at the Hong Kong Arts Festival. It was created in co-production with the Gothenburg Opera.

The legendary Japanese band Boris boasts a career spanning over 30 years, establishing them as one of the most progressive, heavy, and innovative acts in experimental music. Formed in 1992, the lineup of Takeshi, Wata, and Atsuo has played together continuously since 1996. The band has an extensive discography—with releases on labels such as Southern Lord, Sacred Bones, Hydra Head, Sargent House, and Relapse—and has collaborated with artists including Sunn O))), Melvins, Uniform, and noise master Merzbow. Boris transforms the classic proto-metal sounds of the 1970s into something entirely new and unique. Their work is hailed as a game-changer at the cutting edge of the global rock scene, and their influence is virtually boundless.

Aneta Langerová has successfully celebrated her twenty-year musical career—a milestone marked by many unique experiences. In early 2024, she released the compilation *Zázračná písně krajina 20 LET* (A Miraculous Landscape of Songs: 20 Years). Throughout the year, she celebrated alongside her band and a string trio during the *Zázračná písně krajina* concert tour, which culminated in five symphonic concerts in October featuring the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava. A recording of one of these performances, titled *Zázračná písně krajina 20 LET Symfonická*, was released in December 2024—available digitally and as a triple-vinyl set—capturing the unique atmosphere of a radiant Lucerna Hall, where the musicians were also joined by the Maranatha Gospel Choir. Following these celebrations, Aneta has embarked on a new musical chapter, performing at festivals, public events, and concerts alongside her cherished fellow musicians. This year, Aneta will once again guide audiences into the mysteries of this "miraculous landscape of songs," visiting more beautiful locations across our beloved homeland. 

"Roots" is the theme of the festival’s 10th edition, and the premiere performance by the Brno-based ensemble focuses precisely on this concept. Through a site-specific production at the Besední dům—a venue inextricably linked to Janáček’s role in Brno’s cultural life—we will return to the very beginnings of the Maestro’s operatic output.

The opera *Šárka* exists in two forms: the 1887 version, which Janáček completed only as a piano reduction, and the revised, fully orchestrated version from 1925. While both versions will be presented at the festival, director Jiří Heřman has chosen the original 1887 form for his project; this allows him to immerse the audience within the Besední dům in the midst of the dramatic clash between men and women—a conflict that culminates in tragedy. The piano part will be performed by the outstanding British pianist Julius Drake, an artist well known to festival audiences from previous years as a brilliant interpreter of Janáček’s music.

After a year, Szidi Tobias returns to the stage of the Mahen Theater and celebrates 25 years on the music scene this year.

Szidi Tobias sings from the heart what is both expressed and hidden in the words of her husband Petr Lipovský. As she says about herself: "At concerts, I am myself and the team I want to be. Hymns and psalms about love, hope and joy. The one who understands gives us the most."

A famous musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo

On February 13, 2009, one of the most renowned musicals of the 20th century premiered on the Musical Stage of the Brno City Theatre. Based on Victor Hugo’s famous 1862 novel *Les Misérables*, the story of the escaped convict Jean Valjean captured the hearts of audiences—and not just in Brno—during a run of more than 130 performances, while Petr Gazdík won the prestigious Thalia Award for his portrayal of the lead role.

An evening filled with spirited music and dance, celebrating Flamenco Day—an art form recognized as part of UNESCO’s cultural heritage. The performance will be followed by a fiesta featuring dancing and, quite possibly, tapas.

An additional Boris concert has been added for November 16, 2026, at Kabinet MÚZ, featuring a special set marking the 25th anniversary of the album *Flood*!

Unlike the first concert—already sold out—where Boris will perform in Brno a day earlier to celebrate the *Pink* album, this special show will be built around the sounds of the *Flood* album. This will be the only "Boris performing *Flood*" concert of the tour to take place in Brno!