Event Details
Smetana's Litomyšl 2026 – The 68th Edition Under the Theme NATURA
From 12 June to 5 July 2026, the historic town of Litomyšl in eastern Czechia transforms into one of Europe's most distinguished classical music destinations. The 68th edition of the National Festival Smetana's Litomyšl unfolds under the theme NATURA, bringing together opera, symphony, ballet and chamber music at the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Litomyšl Castle. The festival is the second oldest music festival in Czechia and the largest classical music festival outside Prague.
Highlights 2026
- Opening Concerts (12 and 13 June) with the Czech Philharmonic conducted by Grammy Award-winning David Robertson; featuring world-renowned pianist Seong-Jin Cho in Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5
- Opera Gala with Bryn Terfel and Slávka Zámečníková on the castle courtyard stage
- Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring as the dramatic climax of the opening programme
- Smetana's opera The Devil's Wall featuring Kateřina Kněžíková
- Gershwin's Porgy and Bess with Eric Greene and Elizabeth Llewellyn
- Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex with Paul Appleby conducted by Petr Popelka
- London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Antonio Pappano
- Johann Strauss: Die Fledermaus in the castle courtyard
- Bayerisches Junior Ballett München as international guest ensemble
- Grand finale: Italian Film Night on 5 July
Festival Theme: NATURA
The theme NATURA runs through the entire 2026 programme. For the first time in festival history, the season opens with two consecutive opening concerts. The programme begins with Smetana's symphonic poem Wallenstein's Camp, followed by Beethoven's imperial Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor" with Seong-Jin Cho, and culminating in Stravinsky's elemental The Rite of Spring the music that once shocked the world and continues to fascinate with its raw portrayal of nature's untameable force.
Venues
The festival's heart is the second courtyard of Litomyšl State Castle, equipped with a unique retractable roof and outstanding acoustics. Additional performances take place in the Castle Riding Hall (Zámecká jízdárna), the castle chapel and audience hall, Litomyšl's historic churches and the Smetana House. The Festival Gardens (Festivalové zahrady) offer a free daily programme from morning to evening, including yoga sessions, workshops, family events and short concerts.
Accompanying Programme
- Smetana's Arts Litomyšl: Art installations and exhibitions throughout the city from June to September 2026
- Guided city tours through Litomyšl's historic centre
- Poetic Litomyšl: Poetry readings and literary events
- Family concerts and children's programme in the Festival Gardens
- Festival workshops and masterclasses
Tickets
Tickets are available online through the official festival ticketing system. The advance sale opened on 4 March 2026 at 10:00 AM. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at +420 461 049 232 or by email at [email protected]. No need to print tickets; the QR code on your smartphone is accepted at all entrances. A maximum of 10 tickets per event can be purchased in advance. Wheelchair users and their companions should contact +420 602 457 338 for dedicated assistance. The Festival Pass lanyard (Visačka) provides access to all Litomyšl heritage sites and exhibitions during the festival at a discounted flat rate.
Getting There and Visitor Tips
- Litomyšl is located in eastern Bohemia, approximately 140 km east of Prague.
- By train: The nearest station is Česká Třebová; festival ticket holders receive free shuttle bus transfers from the station to the castle.
- Festival bus: The route Hradec Králové – Pardubice – Chrudim – Vysoké Mýto – Litomyšl operates free of charge for evening concert ticket holders.
- Ticket holders staying within 20 km of Litomyšl also benefit from free transfer service from their accommodation.
- Parking at Smetanovo náměstí for general visitors; VIP parking in Zámecká Street.
- Book accommodation several months in advance; options in Litomyšl are limited. Surrounding villages within 20 km are served by the free festival shuttle.
- The main stage has a retractable roof for weather protection during evening performances.
- Festival bars and interval refreshments are available directly in the castle grounds.
About the Festival
Smetana's Litomyšl was founded in 1946 and celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2026. The festival honours Bedřich Smetana, the founding father of Czech national music, who was born in Litomyšl on 2 March 1824. Since 1999, Litomyšl Castle has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The festival draws the world's finest musicians each summer to this remarkable small town in eastern Bohemia, making it one of Central Europe's most cherished classical music events.
