Exhibition Opening & Performance: Staging the Czech Aria
The Embassy of the Czech Republic presents the opening of the exhibition Staging the Czech Aria: Scenography in Bedřich Smetana’s Operas curated by Markéta Mansfieldová from the Arts and Theatre Institute in the Czech Republic. The evening will include a talk on the life and work of Bedřich Smetana by Dr. Dagmar White and selections from the operas The Bartered Bride (Prodaná nevěsta), The Kiss (Hubicka), Libuše, and The Secret (Tajemství) performed by Kathy Kessler Price (soprano), Krista Hastings (soprano), Sean McCarther (baritone), and Jihye Park (piano). Join us for a very special evening with artists exploring and listening to the operas of Bedřich Smetana.
More about the Exhibition: Bedřich Smetana's operatic work was based on the European Romantic Movement, and at the same time was inextricably linked with the growing national revival and the formation of Czech cultural identity. The premiere of the composer's opera Dalibor took place in 1868, on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the National Theatre. The opera Libuše was performed at its ceremonial opening. The symbolism contained in Smetana's operas accompanied the Czech nation even during the dramatic events of the 20th century. From the painterly conception of scenery on the peephole stage, through the avant-garde reduction of the scene, to the pastiche postmodern scenography – the scenographic transformations of Smetana's operatic work represents an inexhaustible source for the manifestation of the creative spirit of Czech culture.
Event Details:
Date/Time: May 2, 2024, 6 pm
Location: Embassy of the Czech Republic
3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
RSVP required: https://OperaEvening.eventbrite.com
Year of Czech Music
The Embassy of the Czech Republic celebrates the Year of Czech Music, which features a number of significant anniversaries of Czech composers. Particularly, the years ending in four coincide with the anniversaries of the birth, death, or creation of significant works of the most renowned Czech composer including: Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904), Leoš Janáček (1854-1928), Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959), Josef Suk (1874-1935), and Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884). The tradition of the Year of Czech Music began exactly one hundred years ago in 1924 with the celebration of the centenary of the birth of Bedřich Smetana.
COMING THIS FALL
Mutual Inspirations Festival 2024 – Bedřich Smetana
The Mutual Inspirations Festival (MIF) is an annual initiative spearheaded by the Embassy of the Czech Republic, focusing on the mutual inspirations between Czech and American cultures and featuring each year an extraordinary Czech personality who has greatly influenced and inspired others through his or her work. This year our festival personality is Bedřich Smetana. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the classical composer and 140th anniversary of his death. The festival traditionally runs from September through November. Information will be available in the coming months at: www.mutualinspirations.org.
Embassy Policy: The Embassy of the Czech Republic disclaims and excludes any and all liability for any loss, injury, or damage, alleged to have been suffered by or as a result of or otherwise on its premises. No large bags are allowed. Small purses may be checked as you pass through security for entrance. RSVP confirmation and photo ID required.
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