Join the Pilsen Philharmonic Orchestra for an Unforgettable Smetana Days 2026 Celebration
The Festival Smetana Days has become a key part of Pilsen’s cultural scene. For over forty years, it has been providing both residents and visitors amazing experiences through a diverse lineup of events that span multiple areas and genres. As in earlier years, expect a mix of various genres, exciting programming, and an integration of music, literature, drama, and visual arts.
This year, Smetana Days will officially begin on February 26 2026. The festival will kick off on that date at Měšťanská beseda with a gala program called “Rossini Gala,” featuring the Pilsen Philharmonic Orchestra. The festival will also present the 46th Pilsen Interdisciplinary Symposium at the West Bohemian Museum in Pilsen.
One of the standout highlights for the 2026 season is the performance of Smetana’s “My Country” for two pianos on March 9. This arrangement isn’t just a modern experiment; it comes directly from the 19th-century tradition where people would play large orchestral pieces in their living rooms. With excellent pianists performing, you’ll hear the familiar themes of the Vltava River presented in a surprisingly intimate and technically impressive way that will truly amaze you.
This year’s festival theme, The underground and the underworld: myth, symbol and reality in the 19th century, is deeply rooted in significant literary works, as well as simpler and “decadent” literature. Nineteenth-century Romanticism also brought back other mythological themes tied to the underground, like the Knights of Blaník, hidden treasures, and goblins. However, the industrialization and urban growth of the 19th century created a tangible counterpart to these mythical underground worlds, which included various engineering feats and the environment of their builders. Another topic of interest is the idea of the “half-world,” which serves as a metaphor for the underworld, also linked to actual underground spaces.
Štěpán Rak, Jules Verne and James Bond
The West Bohemian Museum, along with the Study and Research Library of the Pilsen Region and the West Bohemian Gallery, is putting together some inspiring and fascinating exhibitions during the festival . Additionally, every two years since 2002, the Pilsen Conservatory has hosted the International Smetana Piano Competition, which concludes with performances by the winners showcasing top-notch artistry. Traditionally, the finalists in Category III perform on stage with the Pilsen Philharmonic Orchestra in the Great Hall of Měšťanská beseda.
In the last decade, the festival has showcased performances by Sophia Burgos, Kristjan Järvi, Alexander Ghindin, Pascal Rogé, Alban Beikircher, Alexander Blettenberg, Jiří Stivín, Ivan Klánský, Ivo Kahánek, and many others. Notable orchestras have included the Munich Philharmonic, the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, the MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Prague Symphony Orchestra, and the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra.
What can you look forward to in 2026?
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- An exciting opening: The festival will officially start on February 26 at Měšťanská beseda with a spectacular Italian-style gala concert, the Rossini Gala, featuring renowned mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti.
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- Revisiting Smetana’s legacy: Don’t miss the unique event Smetana Reborn (9 March), which will showcase the series Má vlast in a skillful arrangement for two pianos.
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- Opera adventures: In collaboration with the J. K. Tyl Theatre, we will present Smetana’s lively comic opera The Devil’s Wall (21 March), a highlight of this season.
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- Science and Conversations: This year’s much-anticipated interdisciplinary symposium at the West Bohemian Museum will delve into the intriguing topic of “The World Beneath the Surface” (February 26–28).
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- Chamber music highlights: Featuring the talented Czech Slovak Cello Quartet on April 1, along with evenings that blend literature and music together.
More than just music
The festival also features thematic exhibitions at the West Bohemian Gallery, along with family-friendly activities. Festival accreditation holders and users of the mobile app can benefit from special discounts at partner cafés.
