The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra performed at the Novozámecké Hudební Léto festival in Kostelec nad Orlicí
On Saturday 28 June 2025, the courtyard of the New Château in Kostelec nad Orlicí hosted a concert featuring the finest Viennese operettas.
Vocal stars Adam Plachetka and Doubravka Novotná performed under the direction of conductor Robert Jindra.
The concert was held as part of the annual Novozámecké Hudební Léto festival, which takes place in the castle courtyard owned by the Kinsky family. This year was no exception, the spacious courtyard of the Empire-style castle was filled with an enthusiastic audience, and the evening was devoted to the most famous operetta melodies.
The programme featured selections from Viennese operettas, performed by the internationally renowned baritone Adam Plachetka. He is a soloist at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Vienna State Opera, La Scala in Milan, and the National Theatre in Prague. Joining him was the talented soprano Doubravka Novotná, a guest soloist at the National Theatre.
The repertoire included "Vienna Blood", an operetta completed after the death of Johann Strauss II. It incorporates his existing compositions and offers a romantic and comedic story set in the diplomatic circles of the Habsburg monarchy. Also performed was the famous "Merry Widow", an operetta about a wealthy widow whose marriage could determine the fate of a small nation. It is particularly known for the waltz "Vilja Lied" and its gently ironic take on love and money.
This musical evening, enjoyed by a warm audience in beautiful weather, served as a symbolic start to the summer holidays for all in attendance.
