We discussed this year’s Festival Krumlov and had the delightful opportunity to bring together two key figures of the event: festival director Gabriela Rachidi and the enthusiastic Carmen, mezzo-soprano Ester Pavlů. See for yourself how this unexpected connection unfolded in our interview.
Gabriela, the main theme of this year’s festival is Unexpected Connections. What is your initial impression of this theme, and what should a festival visitor imagine and take away as an experience?
Unexpected Connections brings together unique pairings of composers and musical works in unconventional venues, surprising choreography and direction, as well as a blend of various forms and art styles. We will introduce seven new concert series and present two world premieres. There will also be renowned artists performing. Guitar virtuoso Pablo Sáinz-Villegas will present a Spanish guitar repertoire, while Israeli violin master Maxim Vengerov will perform with the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Raiskin. The American group Take 6, winners of ten Grammy Awards, will captivate audiences with their smooth voices, perfect rhythm, and inspiring lyrics. Jan Budař has crafted “Unserious Classics” for us, directed and hosted by Václav Kopta, featuring soprano Martina Masaryková alongside the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK under conductor Jan Kučera. The opening concert, “Unexpected Baroque”, in the Chateau Garden and on the pond, promises a remarkable experience by merging Baroque music with performances by RunOperun, modern choreography by Ida Nowakovska, and featuring soprano Simona Šaturová and Venezuelan trumpeter Pacho Flores. The festival’s close with the passionate Carmen will be equally exceptional. And there is much more to look forward to.
The festival provides a distinctive venue where business leaders can experience unparalleled artistic performances. Is the support from private festival sponsors at an ideal level?
The festival is supported by several long-standing partnerships. Our primary sponsor, Kooperativa, has been with us for 33 years, while ČEPS has been a main partner for 20 years this year. Audi has also consistently supported us. Madeta has made a comeback, and we have gained new partners like Sekyra Foundation and Centr Group, which handles security and property management. We have a range of other partners and aim to collaborate with each one individually, aligning our offerings with their brand goals. Compared to other major festivals, we rely more on private company and donor support than on government, regional, or city funding. We express our deep gratitude to all our partners and benefactors.
Mrs. Pavlů, are you looking forward to the 34th Krumlov Festival? What part will you play in the event, and which parts of the programme would you especially recommend?
I am definitely looking forward to it! I will be performing as Carmen, the lead in the final concert. Carmen is a true passion of mine! The evening will be a grand celebration that includes not just the opera but also ballet performed by soloists from the Roman Ballet, with choreography by Jiří Bubeníček. I will share the stage as Carmen with the internationally renowned tenor José Calleja as Don José. I am also very excited to perform alongside Svatopluk Sem, who will take on the role of Escamillo. Sváťa and I perform together quite often, not just in Carmen; we meet at the National Theatre as well, and he is a wonderful colleague whom I greatly appreciate. I believe it is going to be a truly splendid evening! I would also highly recommend the opening ceremony on 11 July. It is set to be a spectacular and grand Unexpected Baroque event. This is in collaboration with RUN OPERUN, who always come up with intriguing ideas. The concert by the Spanish guitar virtuoso Pablo Sáinz-Villegas on 19 July is sure to be amazing, as is the performance by Honza Mráček with the young talents who excelled in the Virtuosos competition, which will take place on 1 August.
You photographed and filmed the visuals for your concert at the festival this year. How did the process go, and what was it like working with the festival team?
When we filmed the visuals for the Passionate Carmen concert on 2 August, it was a lovely afternoon surrounded by an inspiring and creative team. Everyone was charming and had a clear vision, which was fantastic. They came up with many ideas, and I believe Festival Krumlov is heading in a great direction. I am wholeheartedly rooting for them!
Thank you for the interview.
