Events with Martinů music | October

U.S. Premiere in New York and Culinary Jazz in Chicago

The highlight of the season overseas will undoubtedly be Saturday, October 17, 2026, when The Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Manhattan will host the U.S. premiere of the orchestral song cycle Magic Nights, H 119. Under the baton of the New York Repertory Orchestra, soprano Kendra Berentsen will take on the solo part in these three exotic songs set to Chinese poetry.

Even before that, on Sunday, October 11, 2026, chamber musicians from the prestigious Chicago Symphony Orchestra will explore the intersections of music and gastronomy at Chicago’s Mandel Hall. As part of a program inspired by “gastromusicology,” they will perform the famous suite from the jazz ballet Kitchen Revue, H 161a, which brings to life the story of a love triangle involving a Pot, a Lid, and a Broom.

Martinů Conquers Taipei

The composer’s chamber works will also be presented to Asian audiences. On Saturday, October 17, 2026, soloists from the Taiwan Philharmonic (National Symphony Orchestra) will perform the Quartet for Oboe, Violin, Cello, and Piano, H 315, at the National Recital Hall in Taipei. The concert, subtitled “Dancing Bohemian,” will place Martinů’s work within the context of the Czech musical tradition alongside Antonín Dvořák’s Piano Trio.

Janáček Brno Festival 2026: Choral Nostalgia and Youthful Energy

The local stage will host the international Janáček Brno Festival. On Sunday, October 18, 2026, the Mozart Hall at the Reduta Theater will resound with the Brno Children’s Choir, conducted by Valerie Maťašová, presenting an intimate version of selections from the ballet with singing Špalíček, H 214, accompanied by piano.

A highlight of the festival is the new production of the opera-ballet Divadlo za bránou (H 251), ambitiously staged by the Opera Studio and Orchestra of the Brno Conservatory. The gala premiere will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the historic Mahen Theater. Director Hana Mikolášková and conductor Filip Urban bring to life in this work the tradition of commedia dell’arte blended with Czech folklore and jazz. Following its festival performances, the production will move in November and December to the BARKA Accessible Theater and the stage of the Divadlo na Orlí.

Swiss Martinů Festtage: From the Renaissance to Jazz Improvisation

The traditional fall festival Martinů Festtage 2026 in Basel, Switzerland, will offer several fascinating perspectives on the composer’s legacy. The opening concert on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the Don Bosco Basel center, subtitled “Renaissance”, will feature the renowned German choir SWR Vokalensemble. Under the direction of Yuval Weinberg, the ensemble will perform selections from Czech Madrigals, H 278, Five Czech Madrigals, H 321, and Four Madrigals, H 380, in direct dialogue with the Renaissance masters and the works of Olivier Messiaen.

More info: https://www.martinu.cz/en/calendar/