Enchanting Harmonies: Melodies of Promise, Nocturne, and Carmen
The Krumlov Festival is coming to an exciting conclusion. It began on July 11th and will wrap up on Sunday, August 3. 2025. You’ll find 47 concerts held at 17 different venues. In the final week, music enthusiasts can enjoy the Academy of Chamber Music in Kaplice, Opening exhibitions by Jiří Zábranský at Hotel Růže, an organ soirée featuring Katharina Zauner, and Nocturne – breathe deeply: Tomas Jamnik & AKH. Renowned Czech violinist Jan Mracek will perform alongside young winners of the Virtuosos competition on Saturday, August 2, in the Castle Riding Hall. The festival’s grand finale will take place on Sunday, August 3, with a special closing ceremony featuring the opera Carmen set in the Brewery Garden. Before the festival ends, there will be a variety of events in the so-called “Carnival Garden”. Festival Zone, located within the stunning Monastery Garden.
Opening of the exhibition by Jiří Zábranský
Krumlov artist Jiří Zábranský has enjoyed painting in oil for many years, as it brings him joy and satisfaction. He also shares his passion and knowledge for this art with others, especially through the Krumlov Montmartre project in the Festival Zone. While he is not a professional painter, many collectors and art lovers appreciate his works. His exhibition, which will open on Wednesday July 30, 2025, coincides with the concert Trio Incendio: Forgotten Contemporaries. Some pieces that were previously sold have been graciously loaned back for this occasion, allowing a mix of older and newer pieces to be showcased.
Academy of Chamber Music in Kaplice
The Chamber Music Academy Talent Showcase will bring together skill and youthful energy at a new location – the Church of St Peter and Paul in Kaplice. On Thursday 31 July 2025, you’ll experience performances by scholarship holders of the Academy of Chamber Music (AKH), who represent the future of Czech classical music. The Academy of Chamber Music is dedicated to supporting young talents from the Czech Republic. It was founded in 2015 by cellist Tomáš Jamník and works closely with the German Villa Musica Rheinland-Pfalz Foundation, enabling these young musicians to regularly perform across Europe. They will also present an afternoon chamber concert in Kaplice, showcasing a diverse selection of chamber pieces at this year’s festival.
Organ Soirée with Katharina Zauner and Nocturne – Breathe Deep
On Thursday, July 31, a delightful evening of classical music awaits. The Church of St. Peter and Paul in Kaplice will feature a young organist Katharina Zauner from Austria, who, despite her age, has already achieved numerous successes. She began her musical journey at just 8 years old with organ lessons starting at 10. She has studied at the Academy for Gifted Students at the Anton Bruckner Private College, the Linz Music School, and is a recipient of the Dr. Josef Ratzenböck Scholarship. Currently, she is pursuing studies in organ performance and education at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, alongside mastering her craft with renowned instructors.
On the same evening, Tomas Jamnik and his fellow scholarship holders from the Academy of Chamber Music will create a magical experience for guests during Nocturne Breathe Deeply. Artistic director and founder of the Academy of Chamber Music, Tomáš Jamník, along with the scholarship holders will immerse audiences in a unique evening at the darkened Chapel Park, known as Nocturne. Inspired by the tranquility of night, this concert will take place in a unique outdoor setting meant to draw listeners into the heart of music. The first notes will start at sunset. Talented young artists who have performed throughout Europe will play, showcasing the best of the current young Czech music scene. The Academy is known for nurturing many significant chamber music ensembles, including Trio Incendio, Kukal Quartet, and Slavic Trio.
Jan Mráček and Virtuosos 2025
Prominent Czech violinist Jan Mracek will perform alongside talented young individuals who are the winners of the Virtuosos competition. This vibrant international concert promises energy, fresh interpretations, and musical passion. The showcase for young winners of the prestigious international television competition Virtuosos is a highlight of the festival. On the stage of the Castle Riding Hall, four talented musicians will perform with the South Bohemian Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Peter Valentovich. Serving as a mentor will be violinist and concertmaster of the Czech Philharmonic, Jan Mráček, who has won several international competitions in his youth. He will also perform Korngold’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major, a rarely showcased piece on Czech stages. This delightful composition, filled with varied rhythms and dynamic mood changes, will beautifully conclude the evening in the hands of this virtuoso violinist.
Passionate Carmen: opera, ballet and a grand finale
An unforgettable tale of love and intense passion will be brought to life by opera stars – Ester Pavlova, Joseph Calleja, and Svatopluk Sem, along with performers from the Roman Opera Ballet, under the direction of choreographer Jiří Bubeníček, will culminate the 34th Krumlov Festival in the Brewery Garden. This timeless masterpiece, Carmen by George Bizet, weaves together a powerful central theme with exceptional music. Each emotional melody is followed by another, showcasing vibrant orchestral sounds, intricate musical segments, lively dances, and memorable songs. The role of Carmen will be performed by the talented Czech mezzo-soprano Ester Pavlů, who is well-known in both domestic and European productions, much like the vibrant red carnation. The role of Don José will be portrayed by the highly sought-after tenor Joseph Calleja, making his debut at the festival. They will be joined by esteemed local baritone Svatopluk Sem. Selected pieces from this iconic opera will be performed by the Prague Philharmonia , under the baton of Tomáš Brauner.
To the Festival Zone from Thursday to Saturday
Festival Krumlov is an essential part of the music festival Festival Zone. The Monastery Garden will reopen its gates on Thursday, July 31. It will remain open until Sunday, August 3, 2025, inviting visitors to engage with theatrical fairy tales and participate in children’s workshops; adults can also enjoy open-air exercise sessions accompanied by live music. On Saturday, August 2., visitors will discover exquisite models of Audi cars hidden in the garden, and there will also be discussions with artists from the Passionate Carmen concert. Guests can look forward to musical performances by Dua Beautiful Strings (featuring harp and violin) and a concert by Galiani Gypsy Jazz. This Roma band celebrates the legacy of great Roma musicians, blending experimental, improvisational, and extraordinarily skilled music influenced by a variety of musical styles into their unique sound.
