Artwork by Alexei Klyukov
Immerse yourselves in the life stories of four phenomenal Czech composers– Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvořák, Leoš Janáček, Bohuslav Martinů – and their classical music works in a multimedia exhibition.
The show features illustrations from a compelling graphic novel by Alexei Klyukov and video interviews with the curators of the project, Sandra Bergmanová, Veronika Vejvodová, Aleš Březina, and Jiří Zahrádka, providing an insight into the environments with which the composers interacted and a taste of their key compositions.
On display is also the historical contract that brought Dvořák to America 130 years ago from the archives of the Dvorak American Heritage Association, and original costumes worn in productions of The Bartered Bride and Jenůfa in New York, which are on loan from the Metropolitan Opera.
The exhibition is on view at the Czech Center Gallery (Bohemian National Hall, 2nd floor) until March 31.
Exhibition partners
“Famous Czech Composers” is organized by the Czech Center New York and the Czech National Museum in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in New York, Dvořák American Heritage Association, and the Metropolitan Opera, and supported by the Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association.
About
Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvořák, Leoš Janáček, Bohuslav Martinů, four great names in Czech music that have become a global phenomenon. Each is from a different generation with its own unique style and signature. Their works may be different, but they have one thing in common: an unmistakable je ne sais quoi that is a product of their Czech heritage and helps paint an image of Czech culture on the world stage. The unique life stories of these four composers will be presented in Alexei Klyukov’s illustrations allowing you to explore crucial life moments together with each individual artist. You will find yourself immersed in an intimate patchwork of both extraordinary and ordinary motifs and a diverse selection of compositions. Video interviews with the curators of the project – Sandra Bergmanová, Veronika Vejvodová, Aleš Březina, and Jiří Zahrádka – will allow you to better understand the environments with which the composers interacted. They will also help you to picture the inspiration and experiences that had a major impact on the composers’ way of thinking and the creative processes that led to the creation of such major operas as Smetana's The Bartered Bride, Dvořák's Rusalka, Janáček's The Cunning Little Vixen, and Martinů's Juliette.