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Czech Christmas Market

(This article expired 27.10.2013.)

On November 9 (3-6 pm) and November 10 (1-5 pm), the Embassy of the Czech Republic will present a special Czech Christmas Market. The Czech Christmas Market will feature beautiful hand blown Czech ornaments from the European Trading Company, Czech Nativity scenes on display, the opportunity to decorate traditional Czech cookies, a demonstration by Bohemian Spa Wafers of how scrumptious Czech wafers are made, and delicious mulled wine (svařák) to enjoy.

The event will include Czech Christmas carols performed by Marek Slavický (piano) and Jakub Hlávka, famous Czech fairytales performed by the Marionette Theater of Vit Horejs, and the opening of the art exhibition The Colors of Music and the Quiet of Contemplation by Daniela Benešová, Karel Beneš, Petra Adámková and Matěj Adámek.     

Location: Embassy of the Czech Republic        
3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW   
Washington, DC 20008

R.S.V.P.: reservations@mutualinspirations.org
Please put "Christmas Market" in subject line and specify which day you will tend the event.

Please scroll down for the schedule of performances throughout the day.           
Light refreshments will be served at the event.


Czech Christmas Market

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

November 9, 2012
3-6 pm: Czech Christmas Market Opens to the Public
Opening of Art Exhibition: The Colors of Music and the Quiet of Contemplation
by Daniela Benešová, Karel Beneš, Petra Adamková and Matej Adamek

Christmas Music 
by Marek Slavický (piano) Jakub Hlávka (violin)

November 10, 2012
1:00 pm: Czech Christmas Market Opens to the Public
2:30 pm: Czech Christmas Carols
3:00 pm: Famous Czech Fairytales - Marionette Theater of Vit Horejs (www.czechmarionettes.org)
5:00 pm - Event Concludes

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION: The Colors of Music andthe Quiet of Contemplation
The Czech Embassy presents three generations of one artist family:  Daniela Benešová, Karel Beneš, their daughter Petra Adámková, and grandson Matěj Adámek.

Their common influence of creativity and thought are not expressed through their means of interpretation but rather through their experience of perceiving reality and effort to appreciate the extent of the spiritual world on people today. Everyone is and has been influenced by their surroundings in which they grew up, the cultural and spiritual foundation that surrounds them and which forms their way to their artistic expression.

The art of Daniela Benešová and Petra Adámková is an expression of female intuition. Color evidences the emotional perceptions. Music is without boundaries or limitations, independent of space and time. Music is a spiritual value on its own. Karel Beneš and Matěj Adámek, on the contrary, have a male approach of grasping the theme, specifically their approach is more logical, comfortable with space, time, and the situation. Music and contemplation give rhythm to seen reality.

What connects the four artists is their desire to exteriorize what comes from the interior of the individual. Music as prayer is a meditation. It is a way to be closer to God and to oneself. It is an expression for harmony, a contemplative yearning for inner peace. The common theme of all four artists is the thought that “music is a prayer for the soul and prayer is the music of the soul.”

Daniela Benešová (1929) is showcasing her lithographs and watercolors. She originally studied piano but her desire for creative self-expression brought her to the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, where she studied in the atelier of Emil Filla. Still, she has remained inspired by music her entire life as music motivates and enriches her creations. She believes that music is like color, a never ending collection of tones, shades, and moods full of tenderness and drama.

Karel Beneš (1932) is exhibiting his lithographs. He studied at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague in the atelier of Antonín Strnadel. He comes from the Moravian region of the Czech Republic, known for its rich cultural history and music. His deep connection to the music in his native region is reflected in his creations.

Petra Adámková (1962) devotes herself mainly to painting and is showcasing her watercolors and pastels. She studied at the Faculty of Education at the Charles University in Prague. Like her mother, she studied the piano for many years but she also succumbed to creative art. Nevertheless, her deep relationship with classical music is evident in her work.

Matěj Adámek (1989) is studying in the photography department at the Film and TV School of Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU). He is showcasing his exhibition Essence, a collection of photographs of the interiors of Prague churches. He is fascinated with music and its effect on people as it is an intermediary between us and God.