Prague Spring Opening Concert: Petrenko conducts Smetana

What better occasion for chief conductor Kirill Petrenko to give his Czech debut than to open the Prague Spring Festival with the festival’s signature work? The Berliner hilharmoniker perform Smetana’s Má vlast on the 140th anniversary of the composer’s death in the magnificent Smetana Hall. The combination of one of the best orchestras in the world with their chief conductor and the masterpiece of the Czech “national composer” is an exceptional experience: “The depth of understanding Petrenko showed, the crisp

performance of the players…conferred a new level of prestige and fitting anniversary honors on the Czech Republic’s most beloved composer” (Bachtrack).

Egon Schiele – Self Portrait

No place inspired Egon Schiele more than Ceský Krumlov, a stunning architectural gem and one of Europe’s most beautiful historic towns. Familiar with the town from childhood holidays, Schiele moved there after leaving the Vienna Academy to develop his distinctive style. Staged in the exceptional revolving theatre in the baroque gardens of Ceský Krumlov, this performance by choreographer Jan Kodet honours the life and work of the great painter. Choreography, set and costume design take inspiration from the themes and colours of Schiele’s paintings, to great effect. Glimpses of Schiele’s life flash before the audience as the auditorium revolves around the action.

Jonas Kaufmann – The Sound of Movies

Jonas Kaufmann is an ardent film enthusiast and now, for the first time, he brings this passion to the

stage. In his new program, „The Sound of Movies,“ Kaufmann presents film music hits from 80 years of film history, featuring music from various eras and genres including Ennio Morricone, Hans Zimmer, and musical hits like “West Side Story” and “The Sound of Music.” The program offers a cinematic experience for the ears, culminating in a captivating journey through the magic of cinema.