In the monastery church, the noise of the world falls silent. The organ takes a breath and the voice begins to speak... Thus begins a musical story inspired by Jan Amos Komenský's Labyrinth of the World and Paradise of the Heart, which composer Petr Eben transformed into a personal confession. This unconventional composition for organ and narrator recounts man's spiritual journey from confusion and the search for knowledge to the discovery of inner peace, or, if you will, the "paradise of the heart." Eben's music alternates between dramatic moments and moments of contemplation, thanks in part to the rich organ colors, which are not just an accompaniment here, but an equal partner to the recited word. The organ part will be performed by Michaela Káčerková, whose refined expression will enhance the spiritual dimension of the composition, and Marek Eben, the composer's son and a prominent figure on the Czech cultural scene, will lend his unmistakable voice and extraordinary sensitivity to words and storytelling to Komenský's text.
Artists
Michaela Káčerková – organ
Marek Eben – recitation
Program
Petr Eben: Labyrint světa a ráj srdce (The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart)
This concert is part of the Second Festival Weekend, which includes three following concerts:
- Moon & Kačo: Brahms, 24.7., 19:30, Castle Riding Hall Český Krumlov
- Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, 25.7., 20:30, Brewery garden Český Krumlov
- Labyrinth of the World and Paradise of the Heart with Marek Eben, 26.7., 18:00, Church of Corpus Christi and the Grieving Virgin Mary, Český Krumlov Monasteries
You can also find this concert in the festival package called Churches of South Bohemia. The festival package includes top-category tickets with a 20% discount and access to special offers from festival partners. Available until the end of 2025 or while supplies last.