On Monday, June 1st, we will witness the world premiere of *Paulus Speratus*, a melodramatic oratorio by Sylvie Bodorová. Read what the composer has to say about its creation:

"While attending festival concerts at the magnificent Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Jihlava, I was struck by a mention of Paulus Speratus’s time in the city—events that took place 500 years ago. Historical facts have always fascinated me; even though our own era seems entirely different, we share far more with the past than we are often willing to admit. The foundation of my musical concept lies in the arrangement of characters and the casting of specific roles. Through the spoken word, narrators bring to life events from the distant past—details of which are not widely known. A female voice—the voice of conscience—anticipates, illuminates, provokes, and invites reflection. The choir, in a sense, represents society as it reacts to a changing reality. Paulus Speratus—a baritone—is the agent of change, a herald of a new spiritual perspective in Europe; tested yet steadfast in his mission, he faces a death sentence by burning at the stake, yet remains unbroken. The oratorio concludes with a chorale—still used in Protestant liturgy today—which, according to legend, Paulus Speratus composed at the very moment he was granted a pardon." The texts I have used in the oratorio are drawn from period correspondence, historically documented facts, and the Psalms of the Old Testament; they appear in both Czech and German. (Many thanks to Dr. Renata Pisková for granting access to the archives and for translating all the documents.) To restore spiritual matters to their rightful place—in modern terms, less commercialism, less consumerism, and more spirituality—was the central plea of ​​Paul Speratus, a close friend of Martin Luther. One might think this story is no longer relevant; in fact, the opposite is true. In today’s age of the internet, social media, and artificial intelligence, one need not be burned at the stake to be completely destroyed. Just as it was 500 years ago, the most vital skill remains the ability to think critically, to maintain one’s own sound judgment, and to have the courage to voice it. This is a significant challenge and a call to action for each of us.