After two difficult years of COVID-19, 2022 arrived with high hopes. However, 24 February dashed those hopes completely. The Leoš Janáček International Music Festival took place in its full planned scope and, in some aspects, surpassed its previous editions. For example, three foreign symphony concerts were performed. And after many years, the festival audience could hear the harpsichord played by the world-class performer Jean Rondeau…
The only blemish was the attendance, which was far from 2019’s level. A very interesting programme has been prepared for 2023, which will open traditionally with Janáček’s Sinfonietta, this time performed by the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava on 1 June. The last festival notes will be heard in Hukvaldy, in the Church of St Maximilian, on 1 July. A Christmas package of three concerts will be prepared for lovers of classical music. The programme of the whole festival will be published in January, but we can already announce guest appearances by the Czech Philharmonic, South Korean artists, and captivating Ostrava premieres.
Mgr. Jaromír Javůrek, Ph.D.
Director of the Leoš Janáček International Music Festival