Štěpán Rak & Jules Verne

During this unique evening three important anniversaries will be intertwined and a world premiere will be performed. Phenomenal guitarist Štepán Rak will play at the 45th Smetana Days Festival in a year, when he celebrates an impressive life anniversary – his 80th birthday. On this occasion, he will also present a brand new composition, Mysterious Island. It is inspired by the eponymous work by the legendary French writer Jules Verne, from whose death 120 years will have passed in March 2025. This composition is also a free continuation of Štěpán Rak´s monumental work 20,000 Miles Under the Sea - also based on Vernean motifs.

Štěpán Rak – festival personality 

How are you looking forward to performing at the 45th Smetana Days Festival?
It’s almost symbolic, because the forty-five also symbolizes the year I was born, i.e. in 1945, so there are two reasons to be excited – 45th anniversary of Smetana Days and my 80th anniversary.

What is your relationship to Pilsen and the Pilsen Philharmonic?
I have a positive relationship to both of them. I love Pilsen and the Pilsen Philharmonic belongs inseparably to Pilsen. I love to remember our beautiful collaboration and I look forward to a possible future collaboration. A great orchestra, great leadership, great dramaturgy. What more could you ask for?