18. International Music Festival Český Krumlov 
17. July - 22. August 2009

The International Music Festival Český Krumlov, traditionally under the patronage of the president of the Czech Republic, Mr. Václav Klaus, takes place from 17th July until 22nd August this year. 21 concerts and performances at 7 different interesting venues in Český Krumlov, of which 13 are open-air, await visitors. A wide range of musical genres, orchestra and soloists from home and abroad are offered to music lovers. Classical music has traditionally been an essential cornerstone of the festival program.

This year's opening concert (17th July) will take place on the Concord Square in honor of the 700-year anniversary of the town of Český Krumlov. After years resounds uniquely vocal the instrumental work devoted to four leading noble families - Watermusic für Český Krumlov. The composer Frantisek Xaver Thuri composed the piece 13 years ago at the request of the festival on the occasion of its 5th edition.

The star and face of the festival this year is the world renowned sopranist, Renée Fleming (USA), who performs at the opera gala concert in the Brewery Garden (18. July) together with the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Keenan (USA). Renée Fleming is currently deemed one of the best sopranos.

At the revolving auditorium, the successful cooperation with the South-Bohemian theater initiated last year is being continued. Dvořák's Rusalka will show with an international cast. As last year, the orchestra is will be conducted by the conductor of the Metropolitan Opera of New York, John Keenan. Julie Makerov (USA) and Dana Burešová will take turns in the main role. Further singers in the course of six performances will be Allan Glassman (USA), Aleš Briscein, Eva Urbanová, Alison Bolshoi (USA) and more.

Other musical genres are represented this year, including folk, pop and musicals.

The Hungarian Evening (1. August) in the Brewery Garden offers folk music, presented by Palya Bea (Hungary) with Quartett, and also magnificient Hungarian kitchen specialties. The atmosphere is complemented by the folk group Keve (Hungary).

An exceptional combination of opera and pop will be provided by the music stars, Karel Gott and Eva Urbanová (8th August) in the Brewery Garden. A soprano guest of this concert is Tereza Mátlová. The stars will be accompanied by the Boom! Band Jiří Dvořák.

An addition to the program is the second continuation of the musical performances of original tunes by singers from Broadway - Night on Broadway II (15th August). Debbie Gravitte (USA), Christiane Noll (USA) and Goug La Brecque (USA) will be again accompanied by the Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc directed by the experienced musical conductor, Randall Craig Fleischer (USA).

The St. Vítus cathedral in Český Krumlov will host this year's only festival concert in a sacred environment. Compositions from master composers of the baroque era and other composers are performed by Vladimír Roubal (organ), Marek Zvolánek (trumpet) and the soprano Eva Forejtová.

In the Masquerade Hall (30th July), the violin virtuoso Tanja Becker-Bender (Germany) will play Paganinis 24 capricci, and with her performance earlier this year she has generated a passionate outcry by reviewers. Together with the Czech Chamber Orchestra (31st July), the guitarist Sungho Chang and violoncellist Meehae Ryo (both from South Korea) will perform. Further concerts in the Masquerade Hall will be the Martinů Quartett (6th August), Musica Florea (13th August) and Camerata Moravia (21st August) together with laureates of international music competitions.

Romantic concerts will take place under a glass of wine at the wine cooperative. In the pleasant candle-light illuminated garden (7th August), the world-renowned guitarist and artist, Lubomir Brabec will play together with Kateřina Englichova on the harp and Alžběta Vlčková on the violoncello.

Another star of the International Music Festival will be the violinist and conductor, Shlomo Mintz (USA). Critics, colleagues and audiences appreciate him as one of the best violinists of today. The artist will perform in virtuoso on the violin, and in the second part of the concert as a conductor together with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra in the Castle Riding Hall (14th August). He will be supported by the leading violinist, Pavel Šporcl.

After many years the concert for families with children finally made it back into the festivals program (16th August), including the Calgary Youth Orchestra (Canada) and the Children's choral Hájíček.

The final concert will take place in the Castle Riding Hall (22nd August). The Prague Chamber Philharmonic conducted by Jakub Hrusa will perform with the celebrated cellist Kyrill Rodin (Russia).

More information about the featured program, artists and ticket sales here.