Jakub Hrůša brings Czech passion for music to London’s Covent Garden

Jakub Hrůša, the acclaimed Czech conductor, has reached an extraordinary career milestone, as he prepares to take over as music director at the Royal Opera in Covent Garden. His current focus, however, is bringing Jenůfa by Leoš Janáček to life on the London stage.

The Power of Jenůfa

Leoš Janáček in 1904|Photo: Wikimedia Commons, public domain

For Hrůša, Jenůfa speaks for itself through its emotional depth and cultural resonance. “The artwork itself is powerful because of what it is and what it represents,” Hrůša says. Yet he emphasizes that the success of a production depends on the dedication of everyone involved. “What really matters, I think, is the conviction and therefore the persuasiveness of everyone who is involved. That’s my main task.”

Hrůša credits Janáček’s genius for inspiring performers and audiences alike. “I feel really, honestly, that everyone is following me beautifully and working with me on this, be it the singers, chorus, orchestra, the production team. We’re working in an amazing atmosphere,” he adds, expressing confidence that theatergoers will leave with an unforgettable experience.

Cultural and Logistical Challenges

While Jenůfa is celebrated in Czechia, its reception abroad is less assured. “Janáček obviously is not such a name in the opera world, generally speaking, as Verdi, for example,” Hrůša admits. In a city like London, teeming with cultural offerings, the marketing department faces significant pressure.

Poster of the opera Jenůfa (Její pastorkyňa) by Leoš Janáček|Photo: Wikimedia Commons, public domain

To bridge the gap, Hrůša and his team have initiated outreach efforts, including the Insight program, where the cast and Hrůša discuss the opera’s themes, language, and challenges. “We’ll showcase some excerpts and talk about the language, the challenges, and so on,” Hrůša explains. Additionally, rehearsals with young Academy members aim to foster appreciation for Janáček’s work.

“I give countless interviews, you know, so really we take great care of doing the best possible to let people understand how amazing Janáček as a composer is,” Hrůša notes, emphasizing the importance of education and engagement.

A New Chapter at Covent Garden

Taking the helm as music director of the Royal Opera represents both a personal and professional turning point for Hrůša. “I’ve always loved the opera repertoire, but due to life circumstances, I didn’t have enough chance to pursue it as I’d imagined,” he reflects.

What sets Covent Garden apart for Hrůša is its commitment to excellence. “The Royal Opera is an institution that prides itself on quality work, thorough preparation, working with the greatest vocal artists, and with a very stable chorus, an amazing orchestra, that operate with the same principles as the best symphony orchestras,” he says.

This level of dedication aligns with Hrůša’s values and fuels his excitement. “What you create and pass on in rehearsals truly shows up in the final result. And I find it so beautiful here in London,” he remarks.

The Royal Opera House in London|Photo: Russ London, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Balancing Commitments and Family

Hrůša’s life in London, where he has lived with his family for almost nine years, is another motivating factor. “That all comes to one sum of enthusiasm and looking forward to it,” he says. Despite his focus on Covent Garden, Hrůša is keen to maintain ties with other prominent orchestras, including the Bamberg Symphony, the Czech Philharmonic, and the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonics.

Jakub Hrůša|Photo: Petra Hajská, The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra

“Of course, I’m trying successfully, I think, to plan not losing any contact with the symphony orchestras which matter most to me,” Hrůša explains, highlighting the importance of a diverse professional portfolio.

Respecting Tradition While Innovating

Hrůša approaches his role at the Royal Opera with humility and respect for its history. “Please do believe me, I don’t consciously strive for anything in this regard. Balancing or finding equilibrium is in my nature, I think, very deep inside me,” he says.

Acknowledging his admiration for the masters and his colleagues, Hrůša remains confident that his work will have a personal touch. “What matters indeed is whether others follow you and feel inspired by you, and if that’s the case, then miracles can happen. And I believe and will do my best that they will,” he adds.

Looking Ahead

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Hrůša’s appointment as music director of the Royal Opera is being closely watched, particularly in the realm of Czech music. He embraces the responsibility and the opportunity to showcase his roots. “When it comes to interpreting Czech music, I am, I think, seen as a kind of an apostle who comes from the Czech Republic, so who really stands for this music, if I can put it that way,” Hrůša says.

As he transitions into this new role, Hrůša’s passion for his craft, dedication to collaboration, and unwavering respect for tradition position him as a transformative leader in the opera world. With Jenůfa, he is setting the stage not only for a remarkable production but also for an exciting era at Covent Garden.