Cecilia Bartoli – “The quality of our lives is defined and shaped by our culture”

May 4, 2023 Opera PLUS 0

In just a few days, Prague will host an extraordinary artist and queen of brilliant colouratura – Cecilia Bartoli. This Italian mezzo-soprano is a miracle, a musical element, an angel and a devil, a woman endowed with many talents, however, Cecilia Bartoli is also involved in the protection of European cultural heritage. Last year she became President of Europa Nostra after Plácido Domingo. And Europa Nostra was the main topic of our conversation.

Jacques Offenbach: Orphée aux enfers, Prague National Theatre 2017 – Lenka Šmídová (Public Opinion) (photo Hana Smejkalová)

Prague National Theatre mourns the death of legendary Lenka Šmídová

June 1, 2022 Redakce Operaplus 0

At the age of 60 one of the most beloved and famous Czech opera soloists Lenka Šmídová has died. Aside from her career at the National Theatre she was also well known for her international appearances, having studied with Katia Ricciarelli amongst others and developing an incredibly rich repertoire thanks to her unique voice capacities ranging from dramatic soprano roles to mezzo and alto roles.Šmídová was also a well known philanthropist, patriot and protector of Czech singers and chief of the soloist committee.

Standing ovation for Lang Lang in Prague

May 5, 2022 Redakce Operaplus 0

Brilliant runs, breathtaking tempos, massive dynamic range and gripping theatrical gestures. All of these have long been considered the standard for the world-class Chinese pianist Lang Lang. However, during his unique piano recital in Prague he has given the audience much, much more.