Kounikova Stadium
Feliks Nowowiejski – Quo vadis, dramatic scenes for solos, mixed choir, organ and orchestra to a text by Antonia Jüngst based on a novel by Henryk Sienkiewicz
Conductor: John Fiore
Orchestra of the Janáček Opera NdB
Apostle Peter: Tomasz Konieczny
Lygia: Csilla Boross
Praetorian Leader: David Szendiuch
Jesus: Daniel Kfelíř
Lead singer: Robin Červinek
Choir of the Slovak National Theatre
Choirmaster: Zuzana Kadlčíková
Organ: Petr Kolař
Dramatic scenes for solos, mixed chorus, organ and orchestra to a text by Antonia Jüngst based on a novel by Henryk Sienkiewicz
Today, the name of Feliks Nowowiejský is practically forgotten, although he was an important composer in his time, whose work was performed on the world's leading stages. The monumental spiritual cantata Quo vadisz of 1909 was immediately performed in more than 150 cities in Europe and the Americas after its premiere in Amsterdam in 1909, giving Nowowiejski international fame. The text is based on the novel of the same name by the Polish compatriot Henryk Sienkiewicz, which tells about the life of the first Christians and the cruelty of the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Nero. An important fact is that Leoš Janáček respected Feliks Nowowiejský very much, approached him as a judge of composition competitions and wanted to present Quo Vadis in Brno in 1910. He took up the study himself as a choirmaster and as a conductor. However, all efforts were in vain, as Janáček was unable to assemble an orchestra that could handle the demanding score. With this concert, we want to remind Janáčk's very positive relationship with Poland - he even considered accepting the post of director of the Warsaw Conservatory. At the same time, after many years, we are fulfilling Janáček's dream to have this monumental work by Nowowiejský performed in Brno.
