Dear friends of music,
It my great pleasure to welcome you to the 10th anniversary year of the Lednice-Valtice Music Festival.
What was born ten years ago out of enthusiasm, faith and determination has now become an integral part of the cultural life of our region. I still vividly remember the moment when the Regional Court in Brno officially confirmed the establishment of our association LVHF z.s., which is forever etched in my memory. And not only thanks to that. On the same day our younger daughter Nela was born. I always say that that was the day when the “twins” were born, obviously with humorous underlining. However, I sincerely wish with all my heart that both children will continue to grow, mature, and if given the chance, one day cross the boundaries of our own time.
This year’s edition is marked by America, specifically to the United States. Just as the Liechtenstein gardener Joseph van der Schot brought seeds and plants from the New World to the parks of the Lednice and Valtice, this year’s LVMF presents artists and composers associated with the USA.
For the first time, the festival goes to the Mozart Hall of Reduta Theatre in Brno, where the festival Prologue takes place. Furthermore, you can hear and see the exceptional multimedia work LIFE: A Journey Through Time – Philip Glass evocative music combined with Frans Lanting’s breathtaking nature photographs in the Czech premiere. From Dallas, we will be joined by the vocal quartet Kings Return, whose a cappella style delicately combines gospel, R&B and famous film melodies.
Eventually, a real highlight shall take place at the very end – first time performance of Slovak Philharmonic at our festival. This leading orchestra will give a festive performance of Symphony no. 9 by Antonín Dvořák subtitled From the New World – a work that was created in the States but bears a deep imprint of the Czech soul.
Obviously, off programme is vivid part of the festival as well. It will include i.e. a lecture dedicated to the Bauer brothers, important painters of botanical prints that inspire and adorn this year’s graphic visual. They came from Feldsberg-Valtice and I am glad that in this way we will bring their life closer to the inhabitants of the Czech Republic.
My humble thanks go to all partners, patrons and institutions that support the festival as well as to all those who have participated or are still participating in its production and overall existence. Let us celebrate ten years of music, stories and encounters together!
Sincerely
Jiří Partyka LVMF general manager and artistic director