This year's 52nd "Smetana's Litomyšl International Opera Festival" will be marked by several anniversaries: the bicentenntial of the birth of Frederic Chopin, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Bohemian native Gustav Mahler, and the 700th anniversary of John of Luxembourg's ascension to the Bohemian throne.

In Litomyšl, the Czech Republic's three largest opera companies come together: the National Theater and the State Opera from Prague and the National Theater from Brno. After opening with music of Chopin, the festival will present classic works such as The Magic Flute, Tosca, The Bartered Bride, ready to be discovered or rediscovered.

The varied program also includes and evening titled "The Gypsy Way," featuring violonist Pavel Šporcl and the Romano Stilo gypsy group from Slovakia.

The Luxembourg dynasty will be honored with one evening of music and the arts dedicated to emperor Charles IV, with the Vita Caroli ensemble presenting a musical show with a literary reading of the biography of the famous Bohemian king and Holy Roman emperor who gave Prague its face. His father, John of Luxembourg, will be celebrated on the occassion of the 700th anniversary of his accession to the throne with a musical performance by the Luxembourg ensemble Les Musiciens. 

Also on the program is a performance by French chansonier and guitarist Joël Bros, who will add a more popular touch to this celebrated opera festival.

The Smetana Festival in Litomyšl will take place from June 11 to July 5, 2010. For more information, visit the festival's website. Tickets can be purchased online from Ticketportal.