At the Jezeří Castle, they are renovating the theater hall

Horní Jiřetín - The historic theater hall is being renovated at the Jezeří castle near Horní Jiřetín in the Most region, where the composer Ludwig van Beethoven may have performed. The reconstruction, which began in 2020, will cost at least 30 million crowns and will be completed in the summer. The castle's curator Hana Krejčová told ČTK.

The Classicist concert hall was renovated from a Baroque theater hall by František Maxmilián Lobkowicz in the early 19th century, at a time when the fame of drama was slowly declining. "Lobkowicz was the main patron of music. He had a twenty-two-member orchestra, which also performed at Jezeří. At that time, it was no longer so common, as the nobility was not doing so well," said Krejčová about the history of the once-grand room. She added that Lobkowicz was a patron and fan of Beethoven, who even dedicated three of his symphonies to him. "The third, Eroica in E-flat major, had a private performance at Jezeří, where it was played for the first time," said the curator. Whether the famous composer played at the castle has not yet been confirmed or conclusively denied. According to Krejčová, all documents in the family's archives have not yet been examined.

Before the renovations began, the hall was in a state of emergency, but its upper part has been repaired today. "That means the dome, the windows in the upper part, the cornice. In fact, one-third of the construction is already plastered, painted, that part is essentially finished. Now the wooden balcony with a metal railing is being reconstructed, and artistic blacksmiths are working on it in the workshops," added the curator.

After the repair of the unique hall, which has hosted world-famous personalities of its time, such as the composer Joseph Haydn, the castle is also preparing for the reconstruction of the emperor's rooms in the side wings of the monument. These rooms feature frescoes and paintings on musical themes. "These parts are intended to be included in the tour, including the theater hall, and if any event is held, the rooms will serve as facilities for the performers," Krejčová added. In the future, she stated, there are plans to also utilize the hall for thematic exhibitions. "Perhaps a new tour route focused on music and social life will also be created," the curator added.

This year, about 14,000 people visited the castle, which is roughly the same as last year. Covid measures did not affect attendance, as the castle also offers a self-guided tour, where it is not necessary to form a group.