The 69th Smetanova Litomyšl music festival will take place from June 10 to July 5, 2027, under the subtitle “Fate,” according to organizers. The festival has released the first part of its program, featuring three operas and a complete cycle of Beethoven’s piano sonatas, with Christmas pre-sales for seven selected projects beginning today at 12:00, organizers stated.
Three Operas Center on the Theme of Fate
Artistic director Marek Šulc stated at a press conference in Prague that “Fate” reflects characters who must deal with the consequences of their own decisions or circumstances beyond their control. The program includes:
- Undine: Antonín Dvořák’s opera in a concert performance by the Czech Philharmonic, conducted by Semyon Bychkov.
- Don Giovanni: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s work in a production by the National Theatre Brno, directed by Jiří Heřman. The musical preparation is led by Václav Luks and the festival’s resident ensemble, Collegium 1704, featuring soprano Roberta Mameli. Performances are scheduled for June 29 and 30, 2027, at the Piarist Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross.
- The Trial: A chamber opera by American composer Philip Glass from 2014.
Jan Bartoš Performs Beethoven 32
A central project of the 2027 season is “Beethoven 32,” where pianist Jan Bartoš will perform all 32 of Ludwig van Beethoven’s piano sonatas. The cycle consists of nine recitals held over four days, from June 17 to 20, at Smetana’s House. The series provides over ten hours of music to showcase the evolution of Beethoven’s compositional style.
Bartoš described the project as an attempt to view Beethoven’s world in its entirety and perceive the deeper unity connecting the individual works.
Christopher Maltman and Katerina Knezikova Perform at Festival
The festival will host several high-profile international artists. Grammy winner and regular guest of the Metropolitan Opera and La Scala, British baritone Christopher Maltman, will make his Litomyšl debut. His concert, “Gods and Exiles,” featuring songs and arias by Massenet, Verdi, Strauss, and Wagner, is scheduled for June 18 and 19 at the Second Castle Courtyard.
Other featured performers include:
- Soprano Katerina Knezikova: Performing excerpts from all eight of Bedřich Smetana’s completed operas alongside young singing talents. This project, linked to the “Opera Hatchery,” will be accompanied by the Janáček Opera Orchestra of the National Theatre Brno under Robert Kružík.
- Janinah Burnett and Chauncey Packer: Featured soloists for the festival’s operatic programming.
The program also includes a “Film Night” tribute to Henry Mancini, the composer of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The Pink Panther, performed by the Hradec Králové Philharmonic.
Tickets for Seven Projects Available via Official Website
Director Michal Medek stated that Christmas pre-sales allow visitors to plan their trip to Litomyšl months in advance. Tickets for the seven selected projects are available via the official website, smetanovalitomysl.cz.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Christmas Pre-sales Start | Today |
| Full Program Release | February 2027 |
| General Ticket Sales | March 3, 2027 |
| Festival Dates | June 10 – July 5, 2027 |
Common Questions About the 69th Smetana’s Litomyšl
Where can I buy tickets for the 2027 festival?
Tickets for the Christmas pre-sale and subsequent general sales are available through the official festival website at smetanovalitomysl.cz.
Which venues will be used for the performances?
Performances will take place at Smetana’s House, the Second Castle Courtyard, and the Piarist Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross.
When will the complete list of events be available?
The organizers plan to publish the full program for the 69th season in February 2027.
The festival’s focus on Beethoven coincides with the 200th anniversary of the composer’s death, which occurs next year.
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