A Night at the Opera, or Panoptiko in the City of Gingerbread

Arci-fans and the noble company alike, sit down with your mobile phones, computers, or tablets… and let yourselves be carried away by Mozart, the legends of Countess Bathory, for this evening belonged to Panoptiko, which has anchored itself in our splendid era. And anyone who allowed themselves to be lured into the Ideon in Pardubice soon realized that this would not be an ordinary concert, but a spectacle that joyfully plays with operatic pomp, theatricality, and metal energy.

Most bands invite support acts to their concerts to warm up the audience. Panoptiko, however, goes its own way. Instead of the classic model, they rely on a carefully crafted show, distinctive characters, and an atmosphere that pulls the audience into its own world. And that world is full of exaggeration, theatrical gestures, and humor. Who wouldn't grow fond of Baron von Telephon or the one and only Lord Panoptik, whose charisma can sweep an entire hall away in a matter of moments?

A great bonus of the evening was that the gates of this crimson-colored opera opened already an hour and a half before the immortals themselves appeared on stage. Every arch-fan thus had plenty of time to calmly explore the spaces of Ideon, stroll among the other visitors, peek into its darker corners, and slowly tune themselves in for the upcoming opera. Mozart playing in the background beautifully completed the atmosphere and reminded everyone that tonight would not only be about music, but also about story and theatricality.

As time passed, the hall gradually filled up, and it was clear that the audience had not come merely to stand by the stage. People were having fun, sharing their expectations, and it was evident that many of them already knew very well what to expect from Panoptiko. And those who had come just to "check out" the band quickly understood that this evening would leave a lasting impression on them. Especially in moments when the hall was singing even louder than Lord Panoptik himself.

As soon as the first characters of this operatic company appeared on stage, it was clear that a performance was beginning that would play with the audience from the first note to the last. Music, lights, movement, and theatrical gestures created a show that is difficult to describe in a single word. Panoptiko simply knows how to turn a concert into a small story, where humor alternates with darker motifs and the audience becomes an integral part of it.

Songs were played that our editor is particularly fond of. More than once, while taking photos, she couldn't resist dancing a little or singing along with the band—because work should also be enjoyed. And when you hear the word gingerbread, not everyone immediately thinks of a sweet treat. That is why (and probably not only our editor) the song Escobar amused the audience with its theme and tongue-in-cheek humor, bringing more than one smile to the crowd. But let's remain polite and return to the opera!

The Cursed March could not be missing either, which is particularly interesting for those in the know—especially when the melody of one of the most famous marches in the world appears within it. Surely no one doubts that Panoptiko was already present at its creation and that Johann Strauss gladly accepted advice from Lord Panoptik himself when composing the Radetzky March. The audience welcomed this musical joke with enthusiasm, and it was clear that such moments simply belong to this band.

The atmosphere of the evening gradually intensified. People beneath the stage were singing, laughing, reacting to every gesture and every remark from the stage. And it was precisely in these moments that it became most visible how strongly Panoptiko can draw the audience into its world. This was not a concert where anyone stood with their arms crossed—here people sang, reacted, and above all enjoyed themselves.

To conclude, Bathory was performed as well, a reminder of the magnificent ball which, according to the band themselves, they certainly attended. This song symbolically closed the entire evening—with a touch of darkness, a hint of history, and a generous dose of theatrical exaggeration.

So how should the evening be summed up? Certainly not in a single sentence. Panoptiko made sure that no one at their concert simply stood and watched—everyone could enjoy every note, every moment, and every smile that flew from the stage toward the audience.

And so all that remains is to make a polite bow, smile, and wish Panoptiko many more centuries to come. And to be grateful that they have anchored themselves in our time.

Check out all the photos here!