
J.P. Rameau: Les Indes galantes – premiere
In 1735, Jean-Philippe Rameau unveiled in Paris a work that profoundly redefined the concept of opera. Les Indes galantes is not a tale of a single hero or a linear plot, but rather a dazzling Baroque kaleidoscope in which four contrasting tableaux unfold — visions of Turkey, Persia, Peru, and North America as imagined through the lens of 18th-century exoticism. What unites these scenes is a single, timeless idea: love as a force that transcends cultural boundaries and reconciles human difference. Set to a libretto by Louis Fuzelier, the opera premiered on August 23, 1735, at the Palais-Royal Theatre in Paris. Now, this masterpiece returns in an authentic interpretation on period instruments, featuring an exceptional ensemble of soloists.
Painting by Bernardo Bellotto (1720–1780): Le Turc généreux, a ballet from Rameau’s Les Indes galantes, exhibited at the Burgtheater in Vienna.
Event description
The opera-ballet is a true showcase of musical colors. Here, Rameau combines the richness of the French musical tradition with rhythms and dances that seemed unfamiliar and provocative to audiences of his time. From today’s perspective, we are captivated by the boldness with which he composed music full of energy, unexpected contrasts, and drama. It is not only about arias, but also about grand dances, choral scenes, and orchestral pieces that expand the work into a magnificent celebration.
Les Indes galantes is a celebration of human imagination, joy, and the diversity of the world. In the context of Znojmo and its anniversary, the work also becomes a metaphor for the city itself — a place that for centuries has been a meeting point of cultures, both a border and a bridge. Rameau’s music thus connects with the spirit of this place — as a festivity that belongs to everyone who wishes to share beauty, joy, and the present moment together.
The opera will be presented with a stellar cast in the newly opened cultural and creative venue, Centrum Jízdárna.
Soloists:
Adam Plachetka
Jean-François Lombard
Hana Blažíková
Lenka Máčiková
Doubravka Novotná
Michal Marhold
Tomáš Král
Vojtěch Semerád
Conductor: Tomáš Netopil
Director: Tomáš Ondřej Pilař
Choreography: Martin Šinták
Orchestra: SILENTIUM! ensemble

Title page of opera Les Indes galantes.
Performers
Adam
Plachetka
Adam Plachetka

Doubravka
Novotná
Doubravka Novotná

Hana
Blažíková
Hana Blažíková

Jean-François
Lombard
Jean-François Lombard

Lenka
Máčiková
Lenka Máčiková

Michal
Marhold
Michal Marhold

Tomáš
Král
Tomáš Král

Vojtěch
Semerád
Vojtěch Semerád

SILENTIUM!
ensemble
SILENTIUM! ensemble

Tomáš
Ondřej
Pilař
Tomáš Ondřej Pilař

Tomáš
Netopil
Tomáš Netopil

TICKET INFORMATION
[email protected]
Phone: +420 774 443 238
DISCOUNTS
A 10% discount applies to all concerts for Senior passport, ISIC card, children under 15 years and for and 50% for ZTP/P card holders. Discounts do not apply to gastronomic events.

