Events

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 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 now-legendary YouTubers and musicians known as Kumšt have decided to make a concert comeback!
At their Christmas "gig" (#Kšeft), they’ve chosen to milk their fans for all they’re worth one more time.
Don’t miss this unique chance to see Kumšt live. You can look forward to an evening packed with musical humor—a style that, to this day, no one else quite manages to pull off. The concert will feature all the duo’s greatest hits, backed by a top-notch band. Before the show, DJ Sander Lucioperca will warm up the crowd with a set.

Markéta Irglová is not only the recipient of a prestigious Oscar, a Grammy, and numerous other music awards, but—above all—a distinctive composer and performer capable of captivating audiences in major theaters across the United States, European capitals, and her home country, leaving them with a unique, almost metaphysical experience.

She lives and creates in Iceland but tours the globe as a solo artist; until July of this year, she also performed as a duo with Glen Hansard and as part of the group The Swell Season. In addition to her songwriting—featured on four solo albums: *Anar* (2011), *Muna* (2014), *Lila* (2021), and *Where You Belong* (2024)—she composes music for film and theater and produces her own music videos.

Songs by the group Kamelot, performed by the band Bakama.

PIANO RECITAL: MAREK KOZÁK

Johann Sebastian Bach: French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV 816

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Op. 110

Maurice Ravel: Valses nobles et sentimentales

Franz Liszt: Mephisto Waltz

Marek Kozák – piano

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.

The musicians perform in a darkened hall. Visually impaired individuals guide the visitors, allowing the audience to experience the music without visual stimuli—a factor that can enhance their experience.

A musical gathering and jam session. You are welcome to bring your own amplification—guitar amps, etc.

Free admission.

Uredda is a new band featuring members of Coil, Spiritualized, and ZU. In Brno, they will present their debut album, released via the label House of Mythology (home to acts such as Ulver, ZU, and Current 93).

Far from being merely an experimental project by Thighpaulsandra (Coil, Spiritualized), this is a full-fledged five-piece band. The rhythm section of ZU—Massimo Pupillo on bass and Paolo Mongardi on drums—is joined by Bruno Germano on guitar and synthesizers (a producer and musician known for his work with the Italian avant-pop band Iosonouncane) and MariaGiulia Degli Amori on vocals and percussion (who also performs with Daniela Pes and Iosonouncane).

The band weaves these various worlds together into a fresh, distinctive sound. It carries echoes of post-punk and new wave—reminiscent of Bowie—complemented by Thighpaulsandra’s unmistakable "British" vocal style and synthesizers. The result is a sound that bridges the gap between Japan/Rain Tree Crow and This Heat/Factory Records, seasoned with progressive elements and propelled by electronics toward the year 2026.

Get an up-close look at opera! Join us for "A Step Behind the Curtain"—a program designed for the curious of all ages who want to learn something new about the world of opera. Embark on a 70-minute interactive, adventurous, and—above all—fun journey into the heart of opera productions alongside the soloists, chorus, and orchestra of the Janáček Opera of the National Theatre Brno (NdB).

This time, we’ll be taking a look at *The Marriage of Figaro*.

Following the successful production of Handel’s *Alcina*, we once again join director Jiří Heřman to explore the beauty of Mozart’s music and a particular opera of his that enjoys enduring global popularity. And little wonder, for *The Marriage of Figaro* boasts not only brilliant, sparkling music that sweeps you along in a ceaseless flow—much like a mountain torrent—but also a libretto of exceptional dramatic quality. Indeed, Da Ponte based it on the play of the same name by the outstanding French dramatist Pierre de Beaumarchais.

"Chronicle of Punk" with an Epilogue: Visací Zámek’s Spring Tour to Feature a Special Program

The band Visací Zámek, which has been shaping the Czech punk scene for over four decades, will present a special program titled "Chronicle of Punk" (*Kronika punku*) during its spring tour. Audiences can look forward not only to unforgettable hits but also to an in-depth look at the band's history.

True to the concept of a chronicle, the songs in the setlist will be arranged chronologically by their date of origin. The first part of the concert will transport fans back to the era when Visací Zámek was just starting out and helping to shape the Czech punk scene. The show will open with a recreation of the mini-set the band performed during their victorious run in the 1983 ZUČ competition; naturally, this will include hits such as "Traktor," "Stánek," and "Cigára." In the second half, the band will play songs written after the year 2000.

The Divadlo 2–15 Christmas concert promises a magical evening filled with familiar Christmas melodies and original songs, performed by the BROučci ensemble, KapsloK, Jitka Břízová, and David Kříž. Combining vocals, music, and an intimate festive atmosphere, the concert offers an experience that delights, soothes, and puts the audience in a holiday mood.

Performers: KapsloK vocal quartet (Lukáš Oleják, Eva Kyjovská, Jakub Libánek, Barbora Lošťáková), violinist Jitka Břízová, singer David Kříž

Genre: Christmas concert
Program: World-famous Christmas melodies and original songs from Divadlo 2–15

SILENTIUM! Ensemble: Adviento en Español
Tereza Válková / Artistic Director

Adviento en Español
The period of eager anticipation leading up to Christmas will be enlivened for the concert series audience by the diverse Renaissance *ensaladas* composed in the early 16th century by the Catalan musician Mateo Flecha the Elder. His works offer not only musical entertainment but also significant insight into the rich tradition of Spanish polyphony and its capacity for storytelling through metaphor. They will be performed in the Convent by the outstanding SILENTIUM! ensemble—a group that burst onto the domestic early music scene last year like a long-awaited musical fountain. The evening concludes with a traditional social gathering, offering subscribers and audience members the chance to enjoy a glass of wine (courtesy of series supporter Stanislav Mádl) and bid farewell to the past season together with Barbara Maria Willi.

Program:
Mateo Flecha

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.

A concert by the folk band MeziMěsto and the launch of their album *Pramen, co neuteče*. Featuring guests Martina & Aleš Hrbek.

WWW Neurobeat will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of their debut album, *Neurobeat*—a release that launched a new era for the band. At an anniversary concert on Wednesday, December 9, at Kabinet MÚZ, the entire original album will be performed. Guests for the evening will include Ondřej Ježek on guitar and DJ Brainythug.

Twenty years since the first beat. Still under the skin.

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.

PHILIP GLASS Symphony No. 6 “Ode to Plutonium” for Soprano and Orchestra
LAURIE ANDERSON Amelia

Iva Bittová, vocals (Glass)
Laurie Anderson, vocals, violin, electronics
Brno Philharmonic
Conductor: Dennis Russell Davies

The year 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Allen Ginsberg—the most prominent figure of the Beat Generation of poets—while 2027 will mark 30 years since his passing. In late January 2027, Philip Glass will celebrate his 90th birthday, followed by Laurie Anderson’s 80th birthday in June of the same year. Furthermore, 2027 marks 120 years since the birth of aviator Amelia Earhart and 90 years since her death. Yet, these anniversaries are not the primary focus of this concert…

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.