Leoš Janáček’s first operatic work, the drama Šárka, exists in two distinct versions: the original chamber version from 1887–1888, which the composer completed only as a piano vocal score, and the revised orchestral version from 1925. The upcoming edition of the Janáček Brno Festival offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience both versions—ranging from an intimate, immersive encounter to a grand concert performance.
An Immersive Premiere at the Besední dům: The Struggle for Women’s Rights Up Close
The new opera season and festival programme will open on 28 October 2026 at the Besední dům with the premiere of a production directed by Jiří Heřman. The director deliberately chose the chamber version with piano in order to bring the audience directly into the center of the dramatic conflict between men and women within this historic space. Viewers thus become active co-participants in Janáček’s very first opera.
“I wanted to connect the auditorium with the stage on a single floor, which is why we chose the Besední dům—a place where Janáček was active, directed a choir, and where key concerts took place. I am fascinated by how music can transform a space. The libretto of Šárka is quite archaic, making it a challenge to translate for contemporary audiences, so I wanted to test a form of theatre that encourages direct interaction with the public. Thanks to the piano version, we can bring the audience into close contact with the performers and create an intense, living connection with the music and story,” explains director Jiří Heřman.
The struggle for women’s rights will be brought to life by the Female Chorus of the Janáček Opera NdB, led by Eliška Gattringerová in the title role of Šárka. The male roles feature stellar British guest artists: Scottish tenor Nicky Spence (Ctirad), who previously dazzled festival audiences as Matěj Brouček, and piano virtuoso Julius Drake, described by The New Yorker as an unrivaled partner to the world’s leading singers.
Musical preparation is in the hands of conductor Dominik Pernica:
“I let it live a life of its own, intervening only in ensemble passages when coordination between the soloists and choir is necessary,” he adds regarding the conductor’s unique role within an immersive space.
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Premiere: 28 October 2026 (Besední dům)
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Revivals: 15 & 16 November 2026 (The performance on 16 November will be filmed by Czech Television for a live broadcast on OperaVision)
The Orchestral Version at the Mahen Theatre: A Return to Historical Roots
A second perspective on Janáček’s maiden opera will take place on 11 November 2026 with an exceptional concert performance at the Mahen Theatre. The revised version of the opera will be presented in full orchestral instrumentation under the baton of British conductor Christopher Ward, performed by the Orchestra and Soloists of the National Theatre in Prague—exactly as it sounded at its premiere in the very same theatre over a century ago. A poignant contrast to this evening will be provided by Josef Suk’s lyrical Fairy Tale (Pohádka).
