Vertical Voices Concerts, 20^th–22^th June 2026

20^th June – Raspenava, 21^st June – Humprecht, 22^nd June – Jablonné v Podještědí

A short report by Libor Hofman

The voices have faded away, but they remain in our hearts. For me, it was a threefold experience, as I accompanied the Florida ensemble to all three performances – first in the magnificent Art Nouveau Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Raspenava, the following day in the banqueting hall of Humprecht Castle near Sobotka, and on the third evening in the Basilica of St Lawrence and St Zdislava in Jablonné v Podještědí, which had recently found itself at the centre of public attention [after the theft of the relic of St Zdislava].

All three concerts featured a generous selection of music by G. F. Handel – several arias from Judas Maccabaeus and Samson, a number of choruses, and a flute trio. Alongside Handel there was the ‘Song of the Returnees’ from Dvořák's The Jacobin, sacred music by Mendelssohn Bartholdy, and even songs from Broadway musicals.

That these were truly memorable performances is perhaps best reflected in the comments of our co-organisers:

Jiří Voleský, parish priest of Raspenava, wrote: “Yes, it was truly wonderful – almost a revelation. I enjoyed it immensely. Perhaps before too long we shall be able to organise another beautiful event with them.”

Dagmar Faměrová, castellan of Humprecht Castle, commented: “The concert was excellent, the singers first-rate – a wonderful experience.”

A Link

• Vertical Voices on the Website of the Czech Handel Society.