The festive gathering brought together members of the Czech-American community, political and diplomatic dignitaries,prominent leaders from American public and academic spheres, and representatives of the Chicago Consular Corps.

 

The cultural prologue of the evening was marked by a theatrical performance of Václav Havel’s renowned one-act play Protest, performed by Kate McDuffie and Erik Schiller in honor of the 90th anniversary of the birth of the celebrated playwright, dissident, and first post-communist president. Havel’s enduring legacy also resonated throughout the reception itself, where attendees viewed the official 2025 City of Chicago resolution honoring Václav Havel’s lifelong ideals, presented by Mayor Brandon Johnson and Alderman Brendan Reilly.

 

The formal reception commenced with the national anthems of the Czech Republic and the United States of America, performed by soprano Karen Nussbaum with piano accompaniment by Ryan Holmes. In his opening remarks, Consul General Jakub Utěšený welcomed the esteemed guests, emphasizing the enduring democratic bonds linking both nations as well as this year’s notable anniversaries. The guest of honor was Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales, who underscored the warm relations and thriving partnership between Indiana, the Czech Republic, and the Consulate General. On this special occasion, Secretary Morales conferred upon Consul General Jakub Utěšený the prestigious commission of Honorary Secretary of State of the State of Indiana in recognition of his exemplary service and outstanding contributions. Special gratitude for their attendance and representation of the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois was extended to Tamar Newberger, Chair of the Prague Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, and Nettie Lasko of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.

 

The cultural program culminated in a musical tribute commemorating the 185th birth anniversary of globally acclaimed composer Antonín Dvořák. Soprano Valerie Beck delivered a captivating rendition of the world-famous aria "Song to the Moon” (Měsíčku na nebi hlubokém) from the opera „Rusalka“, honoring not only the composer’s genius but also the enduring cultural bridge forged by Dvořák during his historic tenure in the United States.

 

This musical highlight was immediately followed by the official opening of the exhibition “Be the First!”, curated by The Thomas Bata Foundation to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the visionary entrepreneur, industrialist, and Mayor of Zlín, Tomáš Baťa. The exhibition provided guests with an engaging look into the global rise of the Baťa footwear empire from Zlín, highlighting Baťa’s courage to innovate, his pioneering approach to architecture, technology, and vocational education, and the profound inspiration he drew from American enterprise and manufacturing methods.

 

The celebration concluded in the finest tradition of Czech hospitality, providing an invaluable opportunity for guests to forge new connections and deepen longtime partnerships. In a cordial setting, diplomats, Czech-American community leaders, academics, and business executives from across the Midwest gathered to enjoy authentic culinary specialties, including traditional potato pancakes (bramboráky), hearty beef goulash with dumplings, and an assortment of iconic Czech beverages featuring world-renowned lager.

 

The Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago extends its sincere appreciation to all distinguished guests for their participation, as well as to our esteemed partners and generous sponsors whose dedicated support made this memorable celebration possible.

 

Karolína Slámová, Intern, Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago