A warm welcome to Litomyšl!

Welcome in the town, where Bedřich Smetana, the founder of Czech music, was born 199 years ago. Smetana’s importance to the development of the Czech music has long been acknowledged. However, his significance in the broader context of European music is ripe for reassessment. This international conference attempts such a re–evaluation of the composer’s achievements by focussing on his operas. In the process, it will examine questions of operatic aesthetics, performance practice and the international reception of Smetana’s works.

We hope you will really enjoy these days in Litomyšl and will be coming back with lots of ideas and new inspiration for your scientific activities.

Daniel Brýdl – Mayor of Litomyšl Aleš Březina – Artistic Director of the Smetana 200 project