A very modern Christmas in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 21 December 2015

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Reviewed at National Theatre (Národní divadlo), Prague on 19 December 2015

Gordon, Lost Objects (with David Lang and Julia Wolfe)

Petr Kofroň, Conductor

Michael Bielicky, Director

Kamila B. Richter, Director

Jan Hladil, Set Designer

Zuzana Bambušek Krejzková, Costume Designer

Lenka Navrátilová, Choirmaster / chorus director

Prague National Theatre Orchestra

Kühn Choir of Prague

Jitka Burgetová, Soprano

Jana Horáková Levicová, Mezzo-soprano

Lucie Hilscherová, Mezzo-soprano

Avant-Garde: an eclectic triple bill in Prague

Elsa Giovanna Simonetti, 15th March

A tremendous triple bill comprising Jiří Kylián's 27’52” and two new works by Robert Bondara and Marco Goecke. The programme unfolds as a meditation on transience, instability and the unpredictability of human life.

****1

Musically excellent Bartered Bride in Prague marred by meta production

Dominic Lowe, 4th March

Smetana in Prague is never likely to be less than a delight, and the National Theatre assembles a fine cast for a revival of Alice Nellis' production of his greatest opera.

****1

In Prague, a high-minded new Rheingold never gets off the ground

Frank Kuznik, 12th February

Sláva Daubnerová's contemporary treatment of the Ring opener at the Prague National Theatre is socially ambitious but artistically disappointing.

***11

Dido and Aeneas in Prague: wide-eyed wonderment

David Karlin, 15th January

Alice Nellis' staging of Purcell's masterpiece is both historically faithful and innovatively modern. With Collegium 1704 providing the early music chops, it's a rare treat.

*****

Revival of Ostrčil’s The Legend of Erin misses the mark in Prague

Frank Kuznik, 16th October

An ambitious effort to honor hometown hero Otakar Ostrčil sags under its own weight at the Prague National Theatre.

***11

Reimann's Lear makes for a dark season finale at Prague State Opera

Frank Kuznik, 7th June

Aribert Reimann's Lear takes no prisoners in a disturbing portrayal of a world gone awry, but Barbora Horáková's scattergun direction adds to the confusion.

***11

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Frank Kuznik

Frank Kuznik is the former Editor-in-Chief and Culture Editor of The Prague Post, Central Europe’s premier English-language weekly newspaper. He currently divides his time between Prague and his hometown in the US, Cleveland, where he covers northeast Ohio's dynamic classical music scene. In Prague he is an habitué of the Rudolfinum, National Theater, State Opera and other storied classical music venues, and an unabashed fan of Czech music.

Lost Objects: A very modern Christmas in Prague