Adam Plachetka, a renowned Czech opera singer, gained fame both in his home country and on global opera stages. He is known for his stunning bass-baritone voice, expressive depth, and exceptional technical skill. He has established himself as one of the most esteemed Czech artists, not only in the field of opera music. In 2025 he will celebrate his life anniversary and will be the artist-in-residence at the Leoš Janáček International Music Festival, which will be commemorating its 75th anniversary.
Celebrating 75 years of a classical music festival in Janáček’s home region is truly a remarkable milestone. What hopes do you have for the festival in the coming years?
Let there be at least once more, maintaining the same level of success with audiences. It is great that the region hosts a festival featuring such a rich cultural programme.
As one of the most in-demand Czech opera singers globally, what significance does Janáček hold for you, and what part will you play at the 2025 festival in Ostrava?
This year marked my first experience with Janáček’s work on stage. In celebration of the Year of Czech Music and the 100th anniversary of The Cunning Little Vixen’s premiere, I performed two roles – The Forester in The Vixen and Baron Prus in The Makropulos Affair. Both experiences turned out to be surprisingly rewarding, and I am confident it will not be my last time performing these roles. In Ostrava, my wife Kateřina Kněžíková and I will introduce an operetta programme that we recorded this year with the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra. We are eagerly anticipating the concert. Operetta is a genre that is not frequently showcased here, and I believe sharing its masterpieces with the audience will be a unique
experience for everyone.
Your programme probably encompasses a significant portion of the opera world, and organising different performances demands effective management. How do you achieve this?
I work with one agency for my local engagements and a different, English agency for my international commitments. In the Czech Republic, I have collaborated with the agency Camerata from the beginning of my career. We have been partners for nearly twenty years, and I must admit I was incredibly lucky to have connected with them back then. We have experienced a lot together, and I trust that I can always depend on them.
The year 2025 is also an iconic year for you, you are celebrating a personal jubilee. What will be the professional highlight for you in this magical year?
Professionally, it is difficult to say. My schedule is organised much like it has been in recent years, with come roles that have been part of my career for a long time and a couple of new ones to expand my repertoire. Nonetheless, the highlight of the celebrations is set for the start of the year. I have organised a birthday concert at the O2 arena on 24 January, which will certainly be the pinnacle in terms of grandeur and spectacle.
Professional career
His initial significant achievements in opera occurred while he was part of the Opera of the National Theatre in Prague, where he gained recognition performing roles as a middle and upper bass-baritone. His voice and his ability to interpret both dramatic and lyrical characters soon captivated foreign audiences. He became well-known primarily for his performances in leading roles in operas by Mozart, Verdi, Donizetti, and Puccini. He is particularly noted for his natural expressiveness, which can combine vocal brilliance with deep emotional experience.
International success
He is a regular guest at prestigious European and overseas opera houses and concert halls. He has performed many of the title roles in a wide range of opera repertoires in world-famous opera houses. In all roles, he has demonstrated not only his vocal technique but also his acting talent, which is essential for an opera singer to create a strong emotional connection with the audience.
Personality and approach to art
He is known for his humility, diligence, and commitment to continuous improvement. Additionally, he is passionate about exploring new artistic paths that deviate from the traditional opera genre, such as musical melodies or songs from the Osvobozené divadlo. His approach to art is not only professional but also profoundly human, which is evident in all of his performances.
Thank you for the interview
