KJ SAX Commemorates Velvet Anniversary
November 19, 2024, 3:28 PM
KJ SAX captivated the audience with her electrifying performance at the Dupont Underground last night, delivering a high-energy tribute honoring the 35th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution.
The evening began with Markéta Vohralíková, Head of Public Diplomacy, welcoming Ambassador Miloslav Stašek to the stage. Ambassador Stašek spoke about the significance of the Velvet Revolution and introduced artist KJ SAX. Throughout the event, powerful images from the exhibition 1989 | The Velvet Revolution – End of Totalitarianism in Czechoslovakia, curated by Dana Kyndrová, were projected onto the wall. The exhibition featured iconic photographs by 15 leading Czech photographers, documenting pivotal moments in modern Czech history, including the 1988 anti-regime protests, Palach's Week in January 1989, the historic events of November 17, 1989, and the euphoric aftermath of the revolution. The collection also showcased photos of the Soviet troop withdrawal in 1990-91, marking the peaceful conclusion of the Velvet Revolution.
Ahoj, Smetana! Czech language class for children was a hit!
November 12, 2024, 10:00 PM
Czech language teacher Jana Kalinová Zmrzlíková led a class at the Czech Embassy for several young pupils on November 12, 2024. The students learned Czech vocabulary and phrases inspired by the life and music of the famous Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. The children even listened to his breathtaking symphony, Vltava, and then learned the popular Czech poem, “Kočka leze dírou,” which may have inspired it.
Mezzo-Soprano Delivers Unforgettable Performance
October 26, 2024, 1:55 PM
Bravo! Czech mezzo-soprano Ester Pavlů and Slovak pianist Róbert Pechanec received a well-deserved standing ovation last evening at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage after their enchanting rendition of “Song to the Moon” from Dvořák’s Rusalka.
Czech Ambassador Miloslav Stašek and Slovak Ambassador Radovan Javorčík warmly welcomed the packed audience and introduced the talented performers. Pavlů and Pechanec presented a captivating program that included Dvořák's “Love Songs” and “Gypsy Songs,” along with evocative works by M.S. Trnavský. Their repertoire also featured selections from Berlioz's Les nuits d'été, arias from Bizet's Carmen, and a powerful piece by Verdi. Pavlů particularly mesmerized the audience with her interpretation of “L’amour est un oiseau rebelle” (Habanera) from Bizet’s Carmen.
Leoš Janáček Unveiled
October 24, 2024, 12:07 PM
Dr. David Thurmaier, the Director of Graduate Studies and Associate Professor of Music Theory at the University of Kansas-Missouri City Conservatory, gave an in-depth online lecture on the life, music, and legacy of Czech composer Leoš Janáček by on October 23, 2024.
Professor Thurmaier delved into Janáček’s interest in folklore and speech melodies. He demonstrated Janáček’s genius via musical excerpts from the composer’s heart wrenching opera Jenůfa, which was dedicated to his late daughter Olga, the Sinfonietta, and other musical pieces. He spoke at length about Janáček’s patriotic pride as well as his fame and flame in the latter part of his life. The music highlighted the musical brilliance, originality, and individuality of the world-recognized composer.
Bedřich Smetana's Legacy
October 23, 2024, 12:00 PM
Dr. Martin Nedbal, Professor of Musicology and the Director of the Division of Musicology at the University of Kansas, offered insight in an online lecture in honor of the Year of Czech Music on the recognized Father of Czech Music, composer Bedřich Smetana, on October 22, 2024.
Professor Nedbal spoke about Smetana’s desire to establish Czech national identity through classical music during the emergence of the modern nation-state. The professor utilized musical pieces from Smetana’s operas, which are grouped into folk-like versus historically themed, and compared same to the techniques used in music of his time. He also depicted how Smetana’s life and heartbreak influenced his music.
Opera Singer and Professor Present Memorable Night of Czech Composers
October 22, 2024, 1:40 PM
On Monday evening, Dr. Michael Beckerman, Carroll and Milton Petrie Professor of Music at New York University (NYU) , presented the lecture "What's Czech about Czech Music?," accompanied by mezzo-soprano Ada Bílková at the Embassy of the Czech Republic.
Dr. Beckerman delved into the lives of the "big four" Czech composers Dvořak, Smetana, Janáček, and Martinů, giving the audience insight into their personalities, lives, and style of composing. Accompanying the lecture,Bílková beautifully sang such selections as Janáček's Láska (Love) and Lavečka (Bench), Martinů's Dewdrop, and Dvořák's Goin' Home from the Largo of the New World Symphony, words and adaptation by William Arms Fisher. Markéta Vohrálíková, Head of Public Diplomacy, opened the evening in commemoration of the Year of Czech Music and as part of the Mutual Inspirations Festival, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Smetana. Ada Bílková is a recent graduate from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague where she studied under Prof. Ivan Kusnjer. She won 1st prize in the Bohuslav Martinů Song Contest, and 2nd place at the Dušek International Singing Competition on Mozart in Prague. She has performed concerts all over the Czech Republic and abroad.
Dr. Beckerman delved into the lives of the "big four" Czech composers Dvořak, Smetana, Janáček, and Martinů, giving the audience insight into their personalities, lives, and style of composing. Accompanying the lecture,Bílková beautifully sang such selections as Janáček's Láska (Love) and Lavečka (Bench), Martinů's Dewdrop, and Dvořák's Goin' Home from the Largo of the New World Symphony, words and adaptation by William Arms Fisher. Markéta Vohrálíková, Head of Public Diplomacy, opened the evening in commemoration of the Year of Czech Music and as part of the Mutual Inspirations Festival, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Smetana. Ada Bílková is a recent graduate from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague where she studied under Prof. Ivan Kusnjer. She won 1st prize in the Bohuslav Martinů Song Contest, and 2nd place at the Dušek International Singing Competition on Mozart in Prague. She has performed concerts all over the Czech Republic and abroad.
Czech legends and mythical creatures came alive!
October 15, 2024, 11:00 PM
Strašidla! Czech legends and mythical creatures, including the Bogeyman (Bubák), the Forest Demon (Hejkal), and the Noonday Witch (Polednice), came to life for one night at the Czech Embassy!
Almost 100 children listened to stories about the origins and explanations behind these notorious yet intriguing and legendary water sprites (Rusalka), wind spirits (Meluzína), and even ghosts, such as the White Lade (Bílá Paní), who haunt the castles and forests of the Czech lands. Before embarking on a haunted trail through the woods, the children were reminded not talk to strangers, especially Old Hags (Ježibaba), to stay away from water and the Water Goblin (Vodník), not to take money from the Devil (Čert), or to be lured into the dark woods by the souls of witches (Bludička).
Pianist Receives Standing Ovation
September 16, 2024, 11:41 AM
Matyáš Novák truly outdid himself with his captivating performance at the National Gallery of Art's West Garden Court on Sunday afternoon. The audience erupted in applause and gave the pianist a well-deserved standing ovation, a testament to his extraordinary talent.
His interpretation of Smetana's "Vltava," originally composed for orchestra and masterfully transcribed for piano by Matyáš himself, was nothing short of majestic. Each note radiated with his technical skill and artistry. This concert paid tribute to the Year of Czech Music and the Mutual Inspirations Festival 2024, celebrating the 200th birthday of Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. Bravo, Matyáš!
Ambassador Highlights Diplomacy and Cimbalom
September 14, 2024, 2:32 PM
Music Professor Benjamin Harbert at Georgetown University hosted a remarkable program featuring Czech cimbalom performer Matěj Číp as part of their Friday Music Series.
Matěj’s performance was a true highlight, showcasing pieces such as "Four Greetings from the Beskydy Mountains" by Dadák and Leoš Janáček's "Blown Away Leaf." He also shared fascinating insights about his background and his journey as the first in the US to study the cimbalom.
Festival Launches!
September 13, 2024, 2:00 PM
The Mutual Inspirations Festival kicked off last evening with a performance by Matěj Číp, known as the "Cimbalom Guy." He showed his amazing skill on the cimbalom, playing such pieces as Leoš Janáček's Blown Away Leaf, Claude Debussy's Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum, and Jan Meisl's Praeamblum e Toccata for Cimbalom.
Through his performance, he revealed the many colors and versatility of the cimbalom - the beautiful tones, dynamic range, sustained and staccato notes, and harmonies. He performed classic, contemporary and folk songs, and ended his night with the challenging piece normally performed on violin - Paganini's Caprice No. 5 in A Minor. He concluded the evening inviting the audience to the stage to take a closer look at the cimbalom and answer any questions.
Festival Banner Personality Announced
July 29, 2024, 3:58 PM
The Embassy of the Czech Republic celebrates the life and enduring legacy of composer Bedřich Smetana, hailed as the "Father of Czech Music." Renowned for his groundbreaking operas and remarkable classical compositions, Smetana played a pivotal role in shaping Czech cultural identity. His influence continues to resonate, and the Czech Republic remains celebrated for his contributions to classical music and the many exceptional musicians who have followed in his footsteps.
In honor of his 200th birth anniversary, the festival will showcase a stellar lineup of artists, including cimbalom virtuoso Matěj Číp, acclaimed opera singer Ester Pavlů, and talented pianist Matyáš Novak. The festival will take place at prestigious venues such as the National Gallery of Art, Georgetown University, and the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage. Beginning on September 12 and running through November, this celebration promises to be a magnificent tribute to Smetana's remarkable legacy.
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