CZECH & SLOVAK
ECHOES IN THE USA

CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
NATIONAL CZECH & SLOVAK MUSEUM & LIBRARY

October 28th - November 2nd, 2024
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

“Connecting the Czech & Slovak past with the present & the future”

This fall, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Czech and Slovak culture at the Czech and Slovak Echoes In The USA. In partnership with the National Czech and Slovak National Museum and Library, we are bringing a vibrant showcase to the United States.

From outstanding visual arts and captivating fashion to enchanting music, opera, and delectable cuisine, there is something for everyone. Our goal is to create a shared experience that celebrates Czech and Slovak heritage with the entire community – from longtime residents to curious newcomers.

Events

OCT 25

TH

4:30PM / UNIV. OF CHICAGO

SPANISH, BRAZILIAN, & CZECH GUITAR CONNECTIONS

Guitar Concert

An afternoon concert of international guitar repertoire featuring Czech classical guitarist, Barbora Kubíková. The concert will feature works by Llobet, Villa-Lobos, Dvořák, and Bellinati. Enjoy the flavors

of stunning classical guitar spanning three different countries!

OCT 28

TH

6:30PM / NCSML

TWO WORLDS

Opening night

Two worlds, one people, and an excitement for the history, future, and celebration of cross-cultural experience will collide in this opening event of the Echoes festival by the National Czech and Slovak National Museum and Library.

Featuring a musical performance of Smetana's "My Homeland" by harpist Roxana Hädler, and a performance of the new, original song cycle "Two Worlds" by American female composer Beth Ratay with lyrics by festival director Aleš Navrátil, this evening will promote the celebration and remembrance of the Czech and Slovak culture.

The festival will also showcase a documentary by Petr Krejčí titled "Seeing the Homeland."

Performers: Michael Hix, baritone (US), Beth Ratay, flautist/composer (US), Roxana Hädler, harp, (CZ), documentary by Petr Krejčí

OCT 29

TH

7PM / NCSML

FOLKLORE IN BEATA'S FASHION

National costume & fashion show with leading Czech designer Beata Rajská

Czech, Moravian, and Slovak national folkwear fashion show will be on display for this incredible evening celebrating their cultural heritage.

Czech fashion designer Beata Rajská's original Czech folklore elements inspired fashion show will be a highlight of the evening, showcasing the newest in Czech fashion, inspired by folk dress elements.

7PM / NCSML

OCT 30

TH

7PM / NCSML

RUSALKA IN CONCERT

Concert version from Dvořák's immortal opera

Selections from Dvořáks immortal masterpiece, Rusalka, will include visual highlights of the Czech landscape and how Dvořák found inspiration in the Czech countryside.

Featuring Czech soprano Eliška Gattringerová as Rusalka, Slovak operatic tenor Peter Berger as the Prince, Czech mezzo-soprano Jolana Slavíková as Ježibaba, and Bass Jozef Benci as Vodnik, this concert performance of Rusalka will highlight global talent, and remind us of the beauty of the natural world around us.

Performers: Eliska Gattringerová-soprano (CZ), Jolana Slavíková-mezzo soprano (CZ), Peter Berger-tenor (CZ), Jozef Benci-bass (CZ), Bree Nichols-soprano (US) Roxana Hädler-harpist (CZ), Ahmad Hedar-piano (CZ)

OCT 31

ST

7PM / ST. WENCESLAUS

UNEXPECTED CONNECTIONS

Classical guitar & piano concert

An evening of selected works by A. Dvořák, B. Smetana and V. H. Voříšek, with 2013 Concertino Praga International Broadcast winner classical guitarist Barbora Kubíková, and leading Czech pianist Lukáš Klánský.

NOV 1

ST

7PM / NCSML

WHO LOVES WHO?

Soprano, Violin, & Piano Concert

Concertmaster of the Czech Philharmonic Jan Mráček, pianist Lukáš Klánský, and sopranos Eliška Gattringerová and Bree Nichols will present a selection of pieces and songs by B. Smetana, A. Dvořák, E. W. Korngold, B. Martinů, and V. Kaprálová to showcase an evening of Czech art song and instrumental music centering on the complexity of human relationships and love.

Program: Smetana: Z Domoviny / Dvořák: Mazurek, Korngold / Martinů: Písničky na jednu/dvě stránky, Nové slovenské písně / Kaprálová: Sbohem a šáteček, Vteřiny

NOV 2

ND

10AM-12PM / NCSML

DRAW YOUR UNIVERSE

Children's Book Illustrator Exhibition and Q&A

A family focused event for all ages, this workshop with Czech children's book illustrator

Markéta Vydrová will feature a discussion and exhibition on her illustrations, and the process of publishing, and creation, of children's books.

NOV 2

ND

2PM-6PM / NCSML

GINGERBREAD AND KOLACHE

Baking Workshop

Featuring Petra Burianová, the first winner of the Czech television show "Bake-Off", this workshop will give attendees the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Czech baked goods, how to decorate gingerbread, their history, and even sample some tasty treats! In this workshop you'll be able to bake it and taste it!

NOV 2

ND

7PM / NCSML

A LEGEND NAMED PETER DVORSKÝ

Documentary Screening

Peter Dvorský, a Slovak operatic tenor renowned for his lyrical voice, will be featured in a documentary by Iveta Malachovská highlighting his life and career.

Dvorský, with his his pliable tone and warm, melodious timbre, is highly regarded by many in the opera world, and has drawn many references to legendary tenor, Luciano Pavarotti. His career has spanned all the world's major opera houses, featuring him in roles such as Princ (Rusalka), Cavarodossi (Tosca), Jose (Carmen), and many more.

Documentary director Iveta Malachovská is a Slovak media personality who has enjoyed a successful career as a television presenter and journalist. She has hosted shows on major Slovak channels, including adaptations of popular formats like "The Biggest Loser" and "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?".

NOV 3

RD

9AM-1PM / NCSML

GINGERBREAD & KOLACHE

Baking Exhibition & Workshop

NOV 3

RD

7PM / NCSML

RUSALKA IN CONCERT

Concert version from Dvořák's immortal opera

Selections from Dvořáks immortal masterpiece, Rusalka, will include visual highlights of the Czech landscape and how Dvořák found inspiration in the Czech countryside.

Featuring American soprano Bree Nichols as Rusalka, Slovak operatic tenor Peter Berger as the Prince, Czech mezzo-soprano Jolana Slavíková as Ježibaba, and Bass Jozef Benci as Vodnik, this concert performance of Rusalka will highlight global talent, and remind us of the beauty of the natural world around us.

Perfomers: Bree Nichols-soprano (CZ), Jolana Slavíková-mezzo soprano (CZ), Peter Berger-tenor (CZ), Jozef Benci-bass (CZ), Eliska Gattringerová-soprano (CZ), Roxana Hädler-harpist (CZ), Ahmad Hedar-piano (CZ)

NOV 4

TH

7PM / ST. WENCESLAUS

AN EVENING OF CZECH MUSIC

Violin & Piano Concert

Join us for the final concert of the Czech and Slovak festival with an evening of Czech music featuring Czech Philharmonic concert master violinist Jan Mráček, and leading Czech pianist Lukáš Klánský.