International soprano Inoue Šiki opened the annual music festival in the Czech Republic at St. Margaret’s Church in Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou, launching a cultural series that spans multiple towns and historic venues across the Vysočina region according to festival organizers. Festival director Jakub Pustina stated that the Japanese vocalist earned her place by outperforming more than 500 singers from 60 countries to win the Gabriela Beňačková International Vocal Competition.
International Talent and Orchestral Collaborations Shape the Opening
The opening gala featured a joint performance by Inoue Šiki and Slovak National Theatre baritone Daniel Čapkovič, who has performed in major European cultural centers including Rome and Leipzig. According to festival organizers, the pair delivered a repertoire of works by Giuseppe Verdi, Umberto Giordano, and Gaetano Donizetti. The singers performed alongside the Theatre in Ústí nad Labem Orchestra under the baton of conductor Norbert Baxa.
Pustina emphasized that blending emerging vocal talent with established artists serves as a core mission for the event. Another primary goal involves encouraging music enthusiasts to explore culturally significant historical sites throughout the Vysočina region. The festival schedule extends through August 8, incorporating performances in Nové Město na Moravě, Žďár nad Sázavou, Třebíč, and Valeč.
Did you know?
The festival’s opening night vocalist, Inoue Šiki, trained across Kyoto, Paris, and Geneva before securing her victory at the Gabriela Beňačková International Vocal Competition.
Regional Venues Host Diverse Musical Performances
The multi-day cultural program features a varied lineup across historical regional landmarks according to event announcements. On Sunday, the ensemble Cigánski Diabli and violin virtuoso Jaroslav Svěcený performed on the courtyard stage of the Horácká Gallery in Nové Město na Moravě, presenting a cross-genre program bridging classical music with gypsy rhythms, jazz, and pop.
Performance venues continue on Monday at the church of St. John of Nepomuk on Green Hill near Žďár nad Sázavou, where the Virtuosi Pragenses Orchestra performs Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. Additional upcoming events include a performance featuring Polish and South Korean vocalists on August 5 in the Hall of Ancestors at Jaroměřice Castle. Třebíč Basilica of St. Procopius hosts a tribute to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on August 6, while Valeč Castle welcomes guitarist Lubomír Brabec and soprano Natálie Šmausová for a chamber recital on August 7. The festival concludes on August 8 in Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou with a concert program featuring Felix Slováček.
Ticket Demand and Historical Context of the Festival
Festival director Jakub Pustina, who is leading the production for the third year, noted that incorporating full orchestras into most of the festival’s concerts marks a notable expansion compared to previous years. The annual cultural showcase has historically maintained a close association with Slovak tenor Peter Dvorský. However, the 74-year-old singer could not attend the opening concert due to a health indisposition, according to organizers.
Despite the change in the opening lineup, audience attendance for the festival consistently exceeds 2,500 people. Pustina reported that demand remained strong for the current season, with event tickets nearly selling out within a single week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the festival concerts take place?
Events are hosted across multiple towns in the Vysočina region, including Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou, Nové Město na Moravě, Žďár nad Sázavou, Třebíč, and Valeč.
Who performed at the opening gala?
Japanese soprano Inoue Šiki and Slovak National Theatre baritone Daniel Čapkovič performed at the opening gala, accompanied by the Theatre in Ústí nad Labem Orchestra led by Norbert Baxa.
What is the duration of the event series?
The festival runs through August 8, featuring daily musical programs across various historical venues.