Vladimír Merta & Ondřej Fencl + Beata Bocek

The opening night of the Music Summer will feature a special gathering of two prominent figures in Czech singer-songwriting, who represent different generations but are united by their emphasis on authenticity, the power of personal expression, and a sensitive approach to language and musical atmosphere.

Vladimír Merta is one of the most significant figures in Czech singer-songwriter music of the second half of the 20th century. His work is characterized by exceptional linguistic refinement, a humanistic dimension, and the ability to connect personal and social themes with poetic depth. His songs move between folk, chanson, and balladic poetry and have long resonated with audiences across generations.

Beata Bocek represents a distinctive form of contemporary songwriting—intimate, playful, and at the same time deeply authentic. In her work, she naturally blends Czech, Polish, and her own invented language, and using an accordion, guitar, flutes, or a loop station, she creates delicate, layered musical landscapes. Her songs are personal and sensitive, yet open to a broad listening experience.

This joint evening will feature a dialogue between two artistic worlds separated by a generation but united by the conviction that a song can be more than just a musical form—it can be a personal statement, a poem, and a way of understanding the world. In the intimate setting of the courtyard of the Old Černín Palace, this encounter promises an exceptionally focused and deeply moving musical experience.