This year’s opening concert (July 17) takes place on the Concord Square in honour of the 700-year anniversary of the most beautiful town of Český Krumlov. After years resounds uniquely vocal the instrumental work devoted to four leading noble families –Watermusic für Český Krumlov. Composer Frantisek Xaver Thuri composed the piece 13 years ago at the request of the festival on the occasion of its 5th edition.
The star and face of the festival this year is the world renowned soprano Renée Fleming (USA), who performs at the opera gala concert in the Brewery Garden (July 18) together with the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Keenan (USA). Renée Fleming is currently deemed one of the best sopranos.
At the Revolving Auditorium, the successful cooperation with the South Bohemian Theatre initiated last year is being continued. Dvořák's Rusalka will show with an international cast from 24 to 29 of July. As last year, the orchestra is conducted by the conductor of the Metropolitan Opera of New York, John Keenan. Julie Makerov (USA) and Dana Burešová take turns in the main role. Further singers in the course of six performances will be Allan Glassman (USA), Aleš Briscein, Eva Urbanová, Alison Bolshoi (USA) and more.
Other musical genres are represented this year, including folk, pop and musicals. The Hungarian Evening (August 1) in the Brewery Garden offers folk music, presented by Palya Bea (Hungary) with her Quartet, and is accompanied by magnificent Hungarian cuisine. The atmosphere is complemented by the Hungarian folk group Kéve.
An exceptional combination of opera and pop will be provided by the music stars, Karel Gott and Eva Urbanová (August 8) in the Brewery Garden. A soprano guest of this concert is Tereza Mátlová. The stars are accompanied by the Boom! Band of Jiří Dvořák.
Also in the program is the second continuation of the musical performances of original tunes by Broadway singers -Night on Broadway II (August 15). Debbie Gravitte, Christiane Noll and Goug La Brecque are again accompanied by the Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc directed by the experienced musical conductor, Randall Craig Fleischer (USA).
The St. Vítus cathedral in Český Krumlov hosts this year’s only festival concert in a sacred environment on July 25. Compositions from master composers of the baroque era and other composers are performed by Vladimír Roubal (organ), Marek Zvolánek (trumpet) and the soprano Eva Forejtová.
In the Masquerade Hall (July 30), the violin virtuoso Tanja Becker-Bender (Germany) plays Paganini’s 24 capricci, while guitarist Sungho Chang and violoncellist Mee-Hae Ryo (both from South Korea) perform together with the Czech Chamber Orchestra on July 31. Further concerts in the Masquerade Hall are the Martinů Quartet (August 6), Musica Florea (August 13) and Camerata Moravia (August 21) together with laureates of international music competitions.
You can also attend romantic concerts with a glass of wine in hand at the wine cooperative on August 7. In the pleasant candle-light illuminated garden, the world-renowned guitarist Lubomír Brabec will play together with Kateřina Englichova on the harp and Alžběta Vlčková on the violoncello.
Another star of the Festival is the violinist and conductor, Shlomo Mintz (USA), appreciated by critics, colleagues and audiences as one of the best violinists of our times. The artist performs as a violin virtuoso in the first part and as a conductor in the second, together with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra in the Castle Riding Hall (August 14). He will be supported by the leading violinist, Pavel Šporcl.
After many years the concert for families with children finally made it back into the festival’s program (August 16), including the Calgary Youth Orchestra (Canada) and the Children's choral Hájíček.
The final concert of the festival takes place at the Castle Riding Hall (August 22). The Prague Chamber Philharmonic conducted by Jakub Hrůša will perform with the celebrated cellist Kyrill Rodin (Russia).
The Festival is held under the kind support of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, South Bohemian Regional Authority and the City of Český Krumlov.