Singer

George Bizet's timeless work, Carmen, combines a powerful theme with absolutely iconic music. One emotional melody follows another, and you can hear the colourful orchestras, the sophistication of the parts, the rhythmic dances and the songs.

Czech mezzo-soprano Ester Pavlů will perform as Carmen. She belongs to the role, both on domestic and European stages, just like a red rose.

Don José will be played by the most sought-after tenor of today, Joseph Calleja. It will be his first appearance at the Krumlov Festival.

The trio of exceptional voices will be joined by the local baritone Svatopluk Sem.

IMF Český Krumlov: Passionate Carmen (opera, ballet)

Brewery Garden, Český Krumlov

At twilight, the voice of the world-famous baritone Plácido Domingo will transform the poetic scenery of the city park. From the meadows surrounding the Vltava River, he will lure us into the splendor of the dramatic and imaginative world of opera. Alongside Plácido Domingo, the greatest arias and duets will be performed by the soprano Serena Sáenz, and the mezzo-soprano Ester Pavlů. Under the baton of Alessandro Crudele leading the Prague Philharmonia, we will experience stories of times long past, which have lost none of their urgency and beauty, just like Český Krumlov.

Opera Gala: Plácido Domingo

Municipal park, Český Krumlov

The first half of the concert will be of Russian Romanticism music. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in D Minor by Sergei Rachmaninov is one of his most technically demanding piano concertos. The young British artist Isata Kanneh-Mason will be presented to the audience in Prague. The second part of the evening will be of Russian music of the 20th century. The chief conductor of the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra, Petr Popelka, will present the neo-classical oratorio-opera Oedipus Rex by Igor Stravinsky. The libretto was written by the French poet and playwright Jean Cocteau, based on Sophocles' tragedy of the same name. The title roles will be played by: Ester Paulů (mezzo-soprano), Jiří Brückler (baritone), Pavel Švingr (bass) and Daniel Matoušek (tenor), with Igor Bareš as the narrator. The artists will be accompanied by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra and the male part of the Prague Philharmonic Choir.

Mezzo-soprano

Ester Pavlů

Events

Upcoming events

Apr 20, 2026

Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto · Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Aug 2, 2025

IMF Český Krumlov: Passionate Carmen (opera, ballet) · Prague Philharmonia

Jul 13, 2024

Opera Gala: Plácido Domingo · Prague Philharmonia

Future and recently performed repertoire

Singer in Oedipus Rex by Stravinsky

Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra

Singer in Carmen by Bizet

Prague Philharmonia

About

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