The year 2024 marks not only the Year of Czech Music and the 200th anniversary of Bedřich Smetana’s birth, but also a significant milestone for Dennis Russell Davies, the chief conductor of Filharmonie Brno. Davies and his artistic and life partner Maki Namekawa will perform at the Bohemian National Hall Ballroom as a piano duo, honoring the founder of Czech national music, Bedřich Smetana. Their rendition of Má vlast will feature visualizations by Cori O’Lan.

Program:

Part One, 40 min

• Text from Witiko by Adalbert Stifter
• Vyšehrad
• Vltava
• Šárka

Part two, 44 min

• Text from Der Waldgänger (The Wanderer in the Forest) by Adalbert Stifter
• Z českých luhů a hájů (From Bohemian Fields and Groves)
• Tábor
• BlaníkThe program will be introduced by musicologist and professor Michael Beckerman and accompanied by his readings from related passages.

Bedřich Smetana’s cycle of symphonic poems, titled Má vlast (My Country), is the pinnacle of Czech Romantic orchestral music and remains its most beloved work. Shortly after completing the cycle, Smetana created piano four-hands transcriptions of all six pieces. As a skilled pianist, he transformed his orchestral scores into compelling counterparts that surpass simple reductions. Smetana’s virtuoso arrangements are fully capable of standing alone on stage, providing a rich and fulfilling experience for audiences.

Learn more here.

Tickets and Admission: All ticket sales are final. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the show. Latecomers may be refused admission.

Food and Drink Policy: Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Media Recording Notice: By attending this event hosted by the Czech Center New York, you consent to being photographed and recorded. The Czech Center New York and its partners may use these images and recordings for promotional purposes.