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The knight after whom the tower at the Castle is named. The Ostrava Theater presents Smetana’s opera

Dalibor, the last premiere of the season at the Moravian-Silesian National Theater, is set to captivate audiences with its powerful story and beautiful music. The opera, composed by Bedřich Smetana, tells the tale of Czech knight Dalibor of Kozojed, who seeks revenge for the murder of his friend by storming a castle. However, his actions lead to his imprisonment in the tower of Prague Castle for the rest of his life.

The opera, staged by conductor Robert Jindra and directed by Martin Otava, will premiere this Thursday and again on Saturday at the Antonín Dvořák Theater in Ostrava. The upcoming performances of Dalibor hold special significance as they mark the last opera in Smetana’s collection of eight completed works before the ensemble performance next year. This is in honor of the upcoming jubilee, which will commemorate 200 years since Smetana’s birth and 140 years since his death.

In addition to Dalibor, the Year of Czech Music is being celebrated on this occasion. The Ostrava Theater will present all eight of Smetana’s completed operas in two blocks in March and May 2024. While three operas will have renewed premieres in the autumn and winter, four, including Dalibor, are already part of the repertoire. The festive opera Libuše will be performed twice in concert form.

Dalibor, first performed in 1868 at Prague’s New Town Theater, initially received a lukewarm response from the audience. However, it has since become one of Smetana’s most performed operas abroad, alongside The Bartered Bride. The opera draws inspiration from Daliborka, a cylindrical fortress tower at Prague Castle built in 1496, which is named after the first prisoner held there, Dalibor from Kozojed.

Conductor Jindra believes that Smetana’s works are slowly disappearing from stages due to the considerable demands they place on directors, conductors, and singers. The challenge of finding the right interpretation for Smetana’s operas, deeply rooted in a long-standing tradition, can discourage many. However, Jindra believes that Dalibor deserves more recognition than it currently receives.

The Ostrava audience will have the opportunity to witness the talents of Luciano Mastro and Tomáš Juhás as Dalibor, while Jolana Fogašová and Kateřina Hebelková will alternate in the role of Milada. Jindra, who was the head of the Ostrava Opera from 2010 to 2015, played a crucial role in the planning of the Smetana Opera Cycle project for 2024. He is also preparing a concert staging of the festive opera Libuše with the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava for next year.

The current production of Dalibor is the fourteenth in the history of the Moravian-Silesian National Theatre. As audiences eagerly await the premiere, they can also watch a video featuring actor and singer Vojtěch Dyk, who warns about the potential dangers of social media and its ability to manipulate crowds.

How does the photo exhibition dedicated to Smetana’s life and work contribute to the celebration of the Year of Czech Music and the commemoration of his birth and death?

Ater will feature a photo exhibition dedicated to Smetana’s life and work, as well as a discussion series focused on the importance of Czech music and its influence on the country’s cultural identity.

Dalibor is known for its powerful and emotional music, which perfectly captures the dramatic story of the Czech knight. Audiences can expect to be moved by the beautiful melodies and soaring vocals, as well as the compelling performances of the talented cast.

Conductor Robert Jindra and director Martin Otava have worked together to bring the opera to life, creating a visually stunning production that adds depth and nuance to Smetana’s music. The Antonín Dvořák Theater in Ostrava provides the perfect setting for this grand premiere.

The upcoming performances of Dalibor are particularly significant, as they mark the final opera in Smetana’s collection of completed works before the ensemble performance next year. This special event will honor Smetana’s legacy as one of the most important Czech composers, and will also commemorate the significant anniversaries of his birth and death.

The Year of Czech Music celebration adds another layer of significance to these performances. It is an opportunity for audiences to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Czech music and appreciate its impact on the country’s identity.

As part of the celebrations, the Ostrava Theater will host a photo exhibition dedicated to Smetana, allowing visitors to learn more about his life and artistic journey. Additionally, a series of discussions will explore the importance of Czech music and its role in shaping the nation’s cultural landscape.

Dalibor promises to be a captivating and powerful experience for audiences. With its compelling story, beautiful music, and talented performers, this opera is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Bedřich Smetana and a wonderful way to conclude the Moravian-Silesian National Theater’s season.

2 thoughts on “The knight after whom the tower at the Castle is named. The Ostrava Theater presents Smetana’s opera”

  1. I never knew the history behind the tower’s name! This article provided a fascinating insight into the knight and his connection to the Castle. Excited to see Smetana’s opera at the Ostrava Theater!

    Reply
  2. The article sheds light on the fascinating story behind the knight who inspired the naming of the tower at the Castle. Additionally, the Ostrava Theater’s presentation of Smetana’s opera adds an extra layer of cultural significance to this historical connection. Exciting blend of history and music!

    Reply

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