St. Wenceslas Opera Premieres at Hluboká Castle | Musica Bohemica Founder

A new opera, Saint Wenceslas, composed by Jaroslav Krček, the founder of Musica Bohemica, premiered on Tuesday, April 29, 2026, at the Riding Hall of Hluboká Castle in the Czech Republic. The performance, a concert version of the work, was presented by the South Bohemian Theatre.

The premiere featured Jakub Hliněnský as the Narrator, Marek Žihla as Václav, František Zahradníček as Ratibor, Tadeáš Hoza as Boleslav, Marie Šimůnková as Mlada, Kateřina Hájovská as Drahomíra, Šárka Hrbáčková as Ludmila, and Alexandr Beň as Hněvsa, all under the musical direction of David Švec.

Krček’s Long Career in Czech Music

Jaroslav Krček, born April 22, 1939, in Čtyři Dvory, South Bohemian Region, has had a distinguished career in Czech music. He studied composition with Miloslav Kabeláč and conducting with Bohumír Liška at the Prague Conservatory, according to biographical information.

Krček served as the musical director for Plzeň Radio and as a music editor for the recording company Supraphon. He is also the artistic leader and performer of the folklore group Chorea Bohemica, which he founded in 1967. He has composed and adapted numerous songs and dances for the group.

In 1975, Krček created Musica Bohemica, a chamber ensemble specializing in Czech Christmas songs, as an extension of Chorea Bohemica. Musica Bohemica currently consists of 13 core musicians, but can expand to include over 70 members, including a choir, allowing them to perform a wide range of music from baroque to contemporary pieces.

Krček’s work often draws inspiration from early Czech music, medieval and Renaissance songs, 16th-century hymn books, and baroque music. He has arranged hundreds of folk songs and dances, demonstrating a deep engagement with Czech musical traditions.

“Raab”: A Previously Banned Work

Krček is also known for his electronic opera, Raab (also known as Raab The Harlot or Nevěstka Raab). Created in the Prague Electronic Music Studio in 1970–71, the opera is based on the biblical story of Rahab from the Book of Joshua.

The work was banned by the communist regime in 1972 and was not staged in Czechoslovakia until after the Velvet Revolution in 1989. This history underscores Krček’s artistic resilience and the political context in which he created his work.

Musica Bohemica’s Extensive Recordings

Throughout his career, Krček has recorded more than fifty albums of his compositions and folk songs. Musica Bohemica has also released 38 CD titles, as well as music for several films, and frequently performs throughout Europe.

Krček himself is described as a multifaceted musician, not only conducting but also composing, playing various instruments, and even crafting instruments for the ensemble. His deep connection to folk traditions and anonymous works in Czech culture is central to his artistic approach, aiming to foster appreciation for this musical heritage.