The second week of the Krumlov Festival brought experiences full of emotions in the spirit of the motto “Creating and inspiring muses” with an emphasis on original Czech work. At the same time, the 33rd edition respects the fact that this year is the Year of Czech Music and celebrates the anniversary of many composers. 200 years have passed since the birth of Bedřich Smetana in March, the English playwright William Shakespeare was born 460 years ago, and round numbers encourage celebration in connection with Antonín Dvořák, Leoš Janáček and others. Not only their work attracted several thousand people to Český Krumlov and outside the city.
The festival is now halfway through and will reopen to the public today, Wednesday 24th July. The Mucha Trio will perform in the Krumlov Municipal Theater from 7:30 p.m. It consists of pianist Johanna Haniková, violinist Ludmila Pavlová, and clarinetist Anna Paulová. Named after painter Alfons Mucha and Scottish-Czech composer Geraldine Mucha. The concert will feature her Capriccio for flute, clarinet, and piano arranged by Daria Kukal Moiseeva. And also the works of Igor Stravinsky, Aram Khačaturyan, Dario Milhaud, Kateřina Horká, and Ivan Kurz. In addition to the classics, it will also offer a musical and, at the end, a musical-ballet rendition of Romeo and Juliet
“The reaction of the audience to the concerts and events so far is very beautiful, we are excited about them. People appreciate the diversity and quality of the program, as well as the stars, current and future, that we have the honor of welcoming. This year, for example, the world legend Plácid Domingo,” says the director of the Krumlov Festival, Gabriela Rachidi, adding: “With the motto ‘Creating and inspiring muses’, in addition to unique musical experiences, we also think about sustainability and social responsibility, simply: we try to give something back to the environment where we organize the festival. After all, in this year’s logo we have two joined hearts. They symbolize not only the 33rd year, but also the love for music and the exceptional environment of Český Krumlov, which is an integral part of the music festival.”
What happened
…2. festival week? Tribute to Czech composers On July 17, the city theater paid tribute to important Czech music creators. On the same day, a concert at MOLO LIPNO offered jazz for a voluntary entrance fee, the proceeds of which will go to help disadvantaged children. The Spanish Baroque zarzuela, i.e. the central dramatic and musical genre of the Spanish Golden Age, found a temporary home on July 18 and 19 in the unique Baroque Theatre. The magnificent ancient story of the war between the Olympian gods and the giants took place there. On July 19, a tribute to Czech female composers was commemorated in the Jesuit Hall of the Rose Hotel by Czech composers Vítězslav Kaprálova, Zdenka Kendíková, Jana Obrovská, Anna Houdková-Kozánková, Geraldine Mucha, Sláva Vorlova and Matylda Chrudimská. A day later, Night in Hollywood charted film scores and in the Brewery Garden, recalling the most famous tunes of the silver screen. And the 2nd festival Sunday was symbolically closed by the Belfiato Quintet. The Krumlov synagogue was resounded by the harmonically harmonized notes of the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and French horn.
Festival zone
… is an integral traditional part of the festival. In the Monastery Garden, the public can usually visit it on days when concerts are held. Music performances, music exercises, workshops and other entertainment for all ages can be enjoyed for free.
Support of the venue and those who cannot help themselves,
… is an inherent part of the music festival. Festival Krumlov helps blind children from the Jaroslav Ježek Primary School for the Blind with proceeds from the sale of concert programs and brochures from the Primary School Český Krumlov. It also gives space to young talents and educates the public through thematic lectures. Before the Bruckner / Smetana 200 concert on Thursday, August 1, the South Bohemian National Memory is preparing it in front of the church in the village of Svatý Kámen. Before the final concert of Shakespeare 460: Romeo and Juliet, Professor Martin Hilský will perform in the Study Center of the Krumlov Castle on Saturday, August 3 from 5:00 p.m. The festival also participates in many other projects that benefit the public.
Economic benefit
… the music festival concerns not only the residents of Český Krumlov or the South Bohemian Region, but the whole of the Czech Republic. Tourists from all over the world go to the concerts, in addition to the musical experience, they need somewhere to sleep, eat and want to visit other places as well. The festival thus forms a platform for the exchange and meeting of people from different countries and of different ages.
The Krumlov Festival takes place this year from July 12 to August 3. It offers more than 40 concerts in 13 different venues. Three of them are premieres. The star who already performed at the 33rd edition was Plácido Domingo. He sang the opera gala with two muses – soprano Serena Sáenz and mezzo-soprano Ester Pavlů. All with the Prague Philharmonic conducted by Tomáš Brauner. The opening concert of Smetana 200: Má vlast was in female hands for a change. Conductor Alena Hron led the Ostrava Janáček Philharmonic. And three of the symphonic poems – Vltava, Tábor and Blaník – were enriched by the performance of Les Ballets Bubeníček choreographed by Jiří Bubeníček. It will be possible to watch ballet performances at the end of the festival.
“We are at the Krumlov Festival for the second time and we really appreciate it. The festival is very famous, I think it is one of the biggest and best festivals in Europe. Being a part of this beautiful happening is a great joy for everyone,” says dancer and choreographer Jiří Bubeníček and adds: “In addition to the opening concert, I also conduct Bubeníček Ballet Masterclasses during the festival, the 2nd year of master classes for young dancers started this Monday. At the same time, some of the course participants will perform together with the soloists of the Croatian National Theater at the final concert of the entire 33rd Krumlov Festival, in Prokofiev’s adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.”
You can find out more about the plans of Jiří Bubeníček, who will celebrate a significant life anniversary this fall, from an interview with the Festival camera.
The main partners of the 33rd year are ČEPS and Porsche ČR, the official partners are Madeta, Reticulum and the Český Krumlov Development Fund. The festival takes place with the kind support of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, the South Bohemian Region, Český Krumlov and Kudyznudy.cz. Thanks go to them and all the other partners.
More information: www.festivalkrumlov.cz
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaqY-K0c9k4kLpx_29IZ2jQ