Autumn at the National Theatre Brno

The Epic of Gilgamesh, H351

15., 16. and 18. November 2016 from 7pm, Janáček Theatre, Brno

Stirring choruses, sensual dance moves, exceptional soloists, plus unique directing and stage production! Total theatre, which draws you in from the moment you step into the auditorium, leaving behind the bustling city and entering a world of spectacular theatre. This performance by the Janacek Opera NTB was awarded the title Success of May 2016 by Theatre News.

There are myths which cut across cultures and lose nothing of their relevance even with the passing centuries. Myths which deal with the fundamental questions of human existence, and those which recount great love stories. Among the earliest of them is the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, considered to be the oldest work of literature in world culture. It was this tale of the merciless ruler Uruk Gilgamesh, his friendship with the wild man Enkidu and their philosophical dialogue about life on earth and after death which became the inspiration for one of Martinů's greatest works... 

Performed in the original English with Czech and English subtitles. Find more information and tickets here.

Jiří Heřman, Director 

Marko Ivanović, Václav Luks, Conductors 

Dragan Stojčevski, Set Designer

Alexandra Grusková, Costume Designer

Daniel Tesař, Light Design

Jan Kodet, Choreography

Pavel Koňárek, Chorusmaster

Soloists, Choir and Orchestra or the Janacek Opera NTB

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The Miracles of Mary, H 236

16. and 27. December 2016, 5pm (resp. 6pm), Janáček Theatre, Brno

Four paintings, four parables about sin and forgiveness. "A production with an excellent cast, wonderfully designed, but first and foremost built on an impeccably written and often unconventional opera. A penetrating, stunning musical impact." (Brno město hudby, Boris Klepal). Only two performances this season.

The archangel Gabriel announces the coming of Christ. The wise virgins are eagerly prepared and unquestioning. The foolish virgins are lukewarm in their faith, allowing their lamps to go out and so have to go to buy oil at the very moment Christ arrives... Mariken – a village girl who stays too late in the town, transported by the vision of the shops and their displays. She then gets lost in the dark woods. The devil appears, promising to get her out of the darkness, and offers her all the riches of the world. Mariken succumbs... The Virgin Mary is looking for a place to give birth. Neither inns nor smithies have room for her, and so she ends up in a stable behind the smithy... The nun Paskalina, who dreams of worldly love, leaves her convent and goes to her lover. After much suffering she returns to the cloister, where her place was taken by the Mother of God in her absence.

Performed in the original Czech with Czech and English subtitles. More information and tickets here.

Jiří Heřman, Director 

Robert Kružík, Conductor 

Pavel Svoboda, Set Designer

Alexandra Grusková, Costume Designer

Daniel Tesař, Light Design

Jan Kodet, Choreography

Josef Pančík, Chorusmaster

Soloists, Choir and Orchestra or the Janacek Opera NTB

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Janáček Brno 2016 – 5th International Theatre and Music Festival

Twenty-seven top-class productions over twelve days on twelve stages in Brno. The world’s leading directors and performers: Robert Carsen, Calixto Bieito, David Radok; Ian Bostridge, Julius Drake, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahánek… as well as the work of Bohuslav Martinů that is featured throughout the festival - for more updates please follow this website or the festival's FB event. Or get tickets here.

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Soloists of the NTB Opera: Jana Hrochová​

Saturday, 5th November 2016 at 7 pm, foyer of the Janáček Theatre, Brno, Czech Republic

Recital of songs with the launch of Jana Hrochová’s new CD Recital of songs by Bohuslav Martinů. As part of the concert there will be the launch of Jana Hrochová’s new CD “Martinů: The White Dove Songs 4”, which was released by the Naxos label in May 2016. The recording will be presented by its patron, Professor Miloš Štědroň.

Jana Hrochová, mezzosoprano

Ondrej Olos, piano

More information and tickets here.

 

Photography © Janáčkova opera NdB / Marek Olbrzymek