From November 5 to 7, 2026, the National Theatre Brno played host to leading representatives of European opera houses and prominent figures from the international opera scene. Held as part of the 10th anniversary edition of the Janáček Brno International Opera and Music Festival, the autumn conference of the Opera Europa association centered around the core theme Amplifying Opera. The absolute highlight of the gathering was the ceremonial signing of an international co-production agreement for a new staging of Leoš Janáček’s opera Jenůfa.
Three Days of Discussions on the Future of European Opera
The main venue for the conference was the Reduta Theatre. The three-day program featured expert panel discussions on the funding of opera institutions, artistic freedom, current operational trends in opera, and the role of culture in international relations. General, artistic, and financial directors of opera companies joined experts to explore strategies for strengthening the position of opera in contemporary society, reaching new audiences, and harnessing digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
The event also featured the Opera Europa Next Generation platform, supported by the European Union’s Creative Europe program. The conference agenda encompassed auditions for the rising generation of opera talent as well as dedicated networking sessions aimed at establishing new international partnerships.
Brno, Buenos Aires, and Tokyo United by a New Production of Janáček’s Jenůfa
On Friday, November 6, 2026, Brno witnessed the ceremonial signing of an international co-production agreement for a brand-new staging of Janáček’s Jenůfa. Directed by Jiří Heřman, Artistic Director of the Janáček Opera of the National Theatre Brno, the production is scheduled to premiere in spring 2028 to commemorate the centenary of the composer’s death.
This landmark co-production connects the National Theatre Brno with two of the world’s leading opera houses—Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires (one of South America’s most prestigious opera venues) and the New National Theatre Tokyo (Japan’s premier national venue for opera, ballet, and theatre). The agreement was officially signed by Martin Glaser, General Director of the National Theatre Brno; Gerardo Grieco, General Director of Teatro Colón; and Tadayuki Fujino, Executive Director of the New National Theatre Tokyo.
A distinguished creative team will collaborate on the new production: set designer Dragan Stojčevski, costume designer Alexandra Grusková, lighting designer Daniel Tesař, video designers Jakub Žanony and Natálie Portíková, dramaturg Patricie Částková, and choreographer Marek Svobodník. The performance runs will feature leading Czech opera singers, including Kateřina Kněžíková, Eliška Weissová, Peter Berger, and Daniel Matoušek.
Martin Glaser, General Director of the National Theatre Brno:
“Leoš Janáček is one of Brno’s most significant cultural icons, and his music resonates with audiences across all continents today. It is an extraordinary honor for the National Theatre Brno to initiate an international project linking three major opera institutions across Europe, Asia, and South America. Created for the centenary of Janáček’s passing, this new production of Jenůfa aims not only to pay tribute to the composer’s genius but also to demonstrate that Brno is a natural and respected partner on the global opera stage. I am also delighted that Jiří Heřman will take on the stage direction. I firmly believe we are creating a production that will serve as a fitting tribute to Leoš Janáček.”
Janáček Brno as a Hub for International Cultural Exchange
Conference attendees also had the opportunity to experience the festival’s artistic program. Highlights included Saturday’s festival performance of Janáček’s Jenůfa conducted by Jakub Hrůša and directed by Martin Glaser, featuring the Bamberger Symphoniker alongside Corinne Winters, Eliška Weissová, Jitka Zerhauová, Nicky Spence, and Thomas Atkins. Guests also attended a symphonic concert by the Bamberger Symphoniker under Jakub Hrůša and a ballet performance of Giselle.
Combining a high-level professional agenda with extraordinary artistic events, the conference once again reaffirmed that the Janáček Brno Festival and the National Theatre Brno serve as a vital centerpiece for international cultural dialogue.
About Opera Europa:
Opera Europa is the leading service organization for professional opera companies and opera festivals throughout Europe. It supports international collaboration, knowledge sharing, professional development, and advocacy for the opera sector.
