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.
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.
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.
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.
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