NeoKlasik Orchestra | Spiritual Legends in the Works of Leoš Janáček and Bohuslav Martinů

Bohuslav MARTINŮ: Three Sacred Songs, H 339
Bohuslav MARTINŮ: I Know a Grove, H 273
Bohuslav MARTINŮ: The Legend of the Smoke from Potato Tops​, H 360
Leoš JANÁČEK: The Virgin Mary of Frýdek for harmonium, from the cycle Along an Overgrown Path
Leoš JANÁČEK: Ave Maria for male choir
Leoš JANÁČEK: Hail Mary for soprano, mixed choir, violin, and organ
Leoš JANÁČEK: The Lord's Prayer (Our Father) for tenore, chorus, harp and organ

NeoKlasik Orchestr
Victoria Ensemble (eight voices)

The highlight of the program will be the cantata Legend of the Potato-Top Smoke, Three Sacred Songs, and the song I Know the Little Grove by Bohuslav Martinů. This selection offers a delicate touch of folk piety, a sense of clarity, and a strong Czech identity that reflects the atmosphere of the composer’s native Vysočina region.

In contrast, Leoš Janáček is presented in his expressive, earthy rawness and with dramatic climaxes. Although most of the compositions are firmly linked to the Marian cult (e.g., Hail Mary, Ave Maria), the inclusion of Janáček’s monumental prayer The Lord’s Prayer naturally brings the evening’s program to a more general spiritual and existential level. Unlike common approaches to interpreting early liturgical works, we focus on Janáček’s more mature style. We demonstrate that even his large-scale choral works and cantatas possess an intimate internal structure, from which exceptional intensity and urgency emerge in a chamber ensemble setting.

The project’s main artistic strength lies in its deliberate departure from interpretive conventions. Where tradition dictates the use of large choirs and a robust instrumental ensemble, this project features a chamber-sized lineup consisting of the Victoria Ensemble (eight voices) and selected instruments from the NeoKlasik Orchestra. This approach lends the works exceptional clarity of text and intimacy, allowing every interpretive detail to shine.

More information: https://neoklasikorchestr.cz/neosezona-2026/duchovni-legendy/